How to Choose the Right Moving Truck Size
Here’s the quick answer: Moving truck sizes run from 10 to 26 feet, with cargo vans and pickups for smaller loads. A 10-foot truck (402 cubic feet) fits a studio, while a 26-foot truck (1,682 cubic feet) fits a three- to four-bedroom home. Below, you’ll find a size chart, what fits in each truck, and how the best rental truck companies compare.
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Moving truck size chart: Dimensions & capacity
Most rental companies offer the same core lineup, from pickups to 26-foot box trucks. Here’s how each size compares on interior space, cubic feet, and max load:
| Truck | Interior (L x W x H) | Cubic ft. | Max load | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pickup | 8′ x 5’1″ x 1’10” | ~76 | 2,280 lbs | Single items & dorms |
| Cargo van | 9’6″ x 5’7″ x 4’8″ | 246 | 4,030 lbs | Studio or 1-bed apt |
| 10 ft. | 9’11” x 6’3″ x 6’1″ | 402 | 2,850 lbs | Studio or 1-bed apt |
| 12 ft.* | 12′ x 6’6″ x 6’1″ | 450 | 3,100 lbs | Dorm or studio |
| 15 ft. | 15′ x 7’8″ x 7’2″ | 764 | 6,385 lbs | 1-bed home or 2-bed apt |
| 16 ft.* | 16′ x 7’7″ x 6’6″ | 800 | 4,300 lbs | 1-bed apt or small home |
| 17 ft. | 16’9″ x 7’8″ x 7’2″ | 865 | 6,160 lbs | 2-bed home |
| 20 ft. | 19’5″ x 7’8″ x 7’1″ | 1,016 | 5,700 lbs | 2-bed home or 3-bed apt |
| 26 ft. | 26’2″ x 8’1″ x 8’3″ | 1,682 | 12,859 lbs | 3 – 4 bed home |
*Penske specs. All other rows use U-Haul specs. Dimensions and capacity vary slightly by model year and provider.
Pro tip: Check the rental site’s truck photos and load diagrams before you book, then plan your loading order with our guide to packing a moving truck.
How do you choose the right moving truck size?
Start with your home size, then adjust for bulky furniture, distance, and how comfortable you are driving a big truck:
- Count your rooms. Rental companies size trucks by room count. U-Haul suggests a 10-foot truck for a studio and a 26-foot truck for a three- to four-bedroom home.
- Measure your bulky items. One oversized sectional or king bed can push you up a size. Budget notes a king-size bed won’t fit in its 12-foot truck.
- Run the numbers. moveBuddha’s moving truck size calculator asks your home size, how much stuff you own, and whether you have a garage, attic, or storage unit, then recommends a specific truck size.
- Factor in distance. Two trips in a smaller truck can work for a short local move. For a long-distance move, rent a truck big enough to make one trip.
- Be honest about driving. Bigger trucks are harder to park and turn on tight city streets. If you’re between sizes and nervous behind the wheel, a smaller truck plus a second trip may be the safer call.
What fits in each moving truck size?
Use this quick reference to picture a typical load for each truck size:
- Pickup truck: A pickup fits a twin mattress, a small dresser, and a few boxes. It works best for single items or a dorm room.
- Cargo van: A cargo van fits a queen bed, a nightstand, and the boxes from a small studio.
- 10-foot truck: A 10-foot truck fits a queen bed, a loveseat, and a small dining set.
- 15- or 16-foot truck: These trucks fit two beds, a sofa, and a washer and dryer.
- 17-foot truck: A 17-foot truck fits two to three beds plus living and dining room furniture.
- 20-foot truck: A 20-foot truck fits three bedrooms of furniture and major appliances.
- 26-foot truck: A 26-foot truck fits a three- to four-bedroom home, including outdoor gear and patio furniture.
Need to know how many boxes you’ll pack? Try our free packing and moving box calculator for a tailored estimate.
What size moving truck do you need?
Rental trucks fall into five groups: pickups, cargo vans, and small, medium, and large box trucks. Here’s who each one suits.
Pickup trucks
A pickup truck is ideal for dorm-to-dorm moves or hauling a few large items. Pickups are easier to drive and cheaper than a box truck, but they don’t have a low deck or loading ramp.
- Typical size: A U-Haul pickup bed holds about 76 cubic feet.
- Weight limit: Max load is 2,280 pounds.
- Ideal for: Single items, dorm moves, and short local hauls.
- Starting price: U-Haul pickups start at $19.95 plus mileage for in-town rentals.
Cargo vans
A cargo van gives you 246 cubic feet of enclosed, weatherproof space for small local moves. It’s easier to maneuver than a 10-foot truck and gets about 18 mpg, according to U-Haul.
- Typical size: A U-Haul cargo van holds 246 cubic feet.
- Weight limit: Max load is 4,030 pounds.
- Ideal for: Studios and one-bedroom moves without large furniture.
- Starting price: U-Haul cargo vans start at $19.95 plus mileage for in-town rentals.
Small moving trucks (10 – 12 feet)
Small moving trucks hold 380 – 450 cubic feet, enough for a larger studio or one-bedroom apartment. They protect your belongings better than a pickup, and U-Haul, Penske, and Budget all rent them for one-way, long-distance moves.
- Typical size: Small trucks range from 380 cubic feet (Budget 12-foot) to 450 cubic feet (Penske 12-foot).
- Weight limit: Max load runs 2,850 – 3,610 pounds, depending on the provider.
- Ideal for: Studio and one-bedroom moves, local or long-distance.
- Starting price: U-Haul’s 10-foot truck starts at $19.95 plus mileage for in-town rentals.
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Medium moving trucks (15 – 17 feet)
A medium truck fits a larger apartment or a one- to two-bedroom home, and it works for local or long-distance moves. Medium trucks are still manageable to drive, and our guide to driving a moving truck covers what to expect. See the cost to move a two-bedroom home for full budget numbers.
- Typical size: Medium trucks hold 764 – 865 cubic feet.
- Weight limit: Max load runs 4,300 – 6,385 pounds, depending on the provider.
- Ideal for: One- to two-bedroom homes moving locally or long-distance.
- Starting price: U-Haul’s 15-foot truck starts at $29.95 plus mileage for in-town rentals.
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Large moving trucks (20 – 26 feet)
A 26-foot truck is the largest size most rental companies carry, and it’s built for a three-bedroom move or bigger. If you have a lot of belongings and want to make one trip, a large truck is your best bet.
- Typical size: Large trucks hold 1,016 – 1,682 cubic feet.
- Weight limit: Max load runs 5,700 – 12,859 pounds, depending on the model.
- Ideal for: Three- to four-bedroom homes moving locally or long-distance.
- Starting price: U-Haul’s 20- and 26-foot trucks start at $39.95 plus mileage for in-town rentals.
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What sizes do U-Haul, Penske, Budget & Enterprise offer?
U-Haul, Penske, and Budget Truck Rental all rent trucks for one-way moves. Enterprise trucks must go back to the original pickup location, which limits them to local moves. Here’s how the four compare:
| Company | Truck sizes | Min. age | One-way rentals |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | 10 – 26 ft. | 18 | Yes |
| Penske | 12 – 26 ft. | 18 | Yes & unlimited miles |
| Budget | 12 – 26 ft. | 24* | Yes |
| Enterprise | 15 – 26 ft. | 21 – 25 | No |
*Some Budget locations rent to drivers 18 – 23 for a daily surcharge. Age rules vary by location.
If you’re under 21 and moving out of state, U-Haul and Penske are your easiest options. Penske’s unlimited miles on one-way moves make it a strong pick for long hauls.
Why does choosing the right truck size matter?
The right size keeps your costs down and your belongings safe. Here’s why it’s worth getting right:
- Lower cost: U-Haul’s 10-foot truck starts at $19.95 for in-town rentals, compared to $39.95 for a 26-foot truck. Bigger trucks also burn more fuel, so overbuying eats into your moving budget.
- Fewer trips: In-town rentals charge by the mile, so every extra round trip adds mileage fees and fuel. One trip in the right truck usually beats two trips in a smaller one.
- Safer cargo: A properly sized truck lets you load items snugly so they don’t shift and break in transit.
DIY moves with a rental truck or moving container cost about 30% less than full-service movers on average, according to moveBuddha pricing data.
What if you need more space than a 26-foot truck?
If your belongings won’t fit in a 26-foot truck, you have two main options:
- Full-service movers: A full-service moving company handles loading, driving, and unloading, and many offer packing too. For long-distance moves, start with our list of the best interstate moving companies.
- Moving containers: You pack and load the container yourself, and the company handles the driving. Containers let you move a large home without renting multiple trucks.
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- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
Which moving truck rental company should you choose?
Budget, Penske, and U-Haul all carry the standard 10- to 26-foot lineup, so availability and price on your dates usually decide it. We’ve compared the top U-Haul competitors and broken down U-Haul vs. Home Depot to help you choose.
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A rental truck gives you the most control over your delivery date because you’re the one driving. If you don’t want to drive, moving containers like U-Box or PODS are a strong alternative.
moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator factors in distance, home size, services, and access, so you can weigh a truck rental against container and mover quotes for your exact move. Users who compare quotes this way save 30% on average.
FAQs about moving truck sizes
How do I know what size moving truck I need?
Match the truck to your home: a 10-foot truck fits a studio, a 15- or 16-foot truck fits one to two bedrooms, and a 20- or 26-foot truck fits three bedrooms or more. Our moving truck size calculator gives you a recommendation in three questions. If you’re between sizes, go bigger.
What if everything doesn’t fit in the truck?
You’ll need a second trip, a trailer, or a moving container for the overflow. A second trip on an in-town rental adds mileage fees and fuel. That’s why renting one size up is usually cheaper.
Do I need a CDL to drive a 26-foot moving truck?
No, a standard driver’s license is enough. Consumer moving trucks, including U-Haul’s 26-foot model, are rated below the 26,001-pound threshold where the FMCSA requires a commercial license. Quebec is the main exception for U-Haul renters.
Do I need extra insurance for a rental truck?
Possibly, since your personal auto policy may not cover a large rental truck. Call your insurer before you pick up the keys. Our rental truck insurance guide explains what each type of coverage protects.
What are alternatives to renting a large moving truck?
Moving containers and full-service movers are the two main alternatives. Containers cost about 30% less than full-service movers on average, and you skip the driving. Compare your options in our guide to the best moving container companies.
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