Moving Calculators
Moving Truck Size Calculator
Enter your number of rooms or estimated load volume to get the recommended moving truck size — from a cargo van up to a 26 ft box truck — plus whether one trip will be enough.
Last updated: June 2026
Formula Used
Trips needed = ceil(load_volume / truck_cargo_volume)
Industry benchmarks: ~150–250 ft³ per furnished room. The calculator adds 15% headroom before matching truck size.
Example Calculations
2-bedroom, average: 2 × 200 = 400 + 15% = 460 ft³ needed → 15 ft truck (850 ft³) fits in 1 trip.
4-bedroom house, heavy: 4 × 200 × 1.35 = 1,080 ft³ → needs 26 ft truck (1,700 ft³) or 2 trips in a 15 ft.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter number of furnished rooms (exclude bathrooms, hallways).
- Choose stuff level.
- Toggle US (ft³) or Metric (m³).
- Read the recommended truck size and trips needed.
Moving Truck Size Reference
| Truck | Cargo (ft³) | Cargo (m³) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo van | 250 | 7.1 | Studio, college room |
| 10–12 ft | 450 | 12.7 | Studio to 1-bedroom |
| 15–16 ft | 850 | 24.1 | 1–2 bedrooms |
| 20–22 ft | 1,150 | 32.6 | 2–3 bedrooms |
| 26 ft | 1,700 | 48.1 | 3–5 bedrooms, large house |
Notes & Limitations
Capacities vary by rental company. Verify exact dimensions when booking. Appliances (fridge, washer/dryer) add 40–80 ft³ each. Also see: Storage Unit Size Calculator · Moving Box Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size moving truck do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment?
A 15–16 ft moving truck is the most popular choice for a 2-bedroom apartment, with roughly 850 ft³ of cargo space. If you have heavy furniture or many boxes, consider a 20 ft truck.
Is a 10 ft truck big enough for a 1-bedroom apartment?
A 10 ft truck (~450 ft³) works for a lightly furnished 1-bedroom or studio. If you have a queen bed, couch, and 20+ boxes, you likely need a 15 ft truck.
Can I drive a 26 ft moving truck with a regular license?
In the US, you can drive a 26 ft rental truck (under 26,001 lbs GVWR) on a standard Class C driver license. No CDL is required for personal moves.
How much does it cost to rent a moving truck?
Local one-day moves: cargo van $20–80/day, 15 ft truck $40–100/day, 26 ft truck $60–130/day before mileage fees. One-way interstate moves run $500–2,000+ depending on distance.
Should I rent a truck or hire a moving company?
DIY truck rental typically costs 50–70% less than full-service movers for local moves. Full-service movers handle all loading and unloading. For moves over 100 miles, get quotes from both.
How do I load a moving truck efficiently?
Load heaviest items first, pushed to the front for weight distribution. Use furniture pads and tie-down straps. Stack boxes on flat furniture surfaces. Fill empty spaces inside furniture drawers and shelves.