The only thing worse than moving is not having enough space to fit all your stuff.
Anyone who’s moved before knows that finding the right moving truck size can be a huge headache.
Picture this: you rent a truck thinking it's big enough, but halfway through loading, you realize it's not going to fit all the stuff.
Suddenly, you’re scrambling, trying to figure out if you should make another trip or rent a second truck—either way, it's going to cost you time, energy, and maybe even a bit more money.
According to recent data from the American Moving and Storage Association, many people choose the wrong truck size, which leads to unnecessary costs.
So, what can you do to avoid this?
How can you make sure you choose the right moving truck size for your needs without overpaying or ending up with a cramped, chaotic load?
When it comes to moving truck sizes, there's no one-size-fits-all solution.
For example, a 10-foot truck is perfect for a one-bedroom apartment, while a 26-foot truck might be needed for a larger home with 4 or more rooms.
The key is knowing how much stuff you’re moving and selecting a truck that matches your needs.
But, with so many choices, how do you decide?
In this blog, we’ll discuss some essential factors you need to consider to pick the right truck size and make your move as smooth as possible.
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What’s the Deal with Moving Truck Sizes?
First, It is essential to understand moving truck sizes.
If you don’t know what’s available, how will you know which one is best for you?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Cargo Van: This is the smallest option, perfect if you're moving out of a single room or a small studio apartment. It’s tiny but mighty, great for those quick local moves.
Dimensions: 9'6" L x 5'7" W x 5'3" H.
10-Foot Truck: If you're in a 1-bedroom apartment or studio, this is usually your best bet. It offers more space than a cargo van but is still manageable.
Dimensions: 10' L x 6'6" W x 6'1" H.
15-Foot Truck: This size is ideal for 2-bedroom apartments or small homes. It's like the Goldilocks of moving trucks—not too small, not too big.
Dimensions: 15' L x 7'8" W x 7'2" H.
20-Foot Truck: Moving a 3-bedroom house or a larger apartment? A 20-foot truck will have you covered.
Dimensions: 16'9" L x 7'8" W x 7'2" H.
26-Foot Truck: Moving a big house with 4+ rooms? You’ll need a 26-foot truck for all your stuff.
Dimensions: 26'2" L x 8'2" W x 8'3" H.
So, which one is right for you? Let’s figure that out!
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How to Choose the Right Moving Truck Size for Your Needs
Now that we've covered the different truck sizes let's get down to choosing the best one.
Here’s how to approach it:
Inventory Your Stuff
Start by taking a good look at everything you're moving.
We're talking furniture, boxes, appliances, and personal items.
Take some time and write it down. It’ll give you a clear picture of how much stuff you need to transport.
For example, a 1-bedroom apartment could fit in a 10-foot truck, but if you’ve got a big sectional couch, a few extra boxes, and some other heavy furniture, you might need to bump up to a 15-foot truck.
Consider Your Home’s Size
As a rule of thumb, the size of your current home plays a big role in determining what truck size you need.
Small apartments or dorm rooms: A small moving truck rental, like a 10-foot truck, is usually enough for these spaces.
Medium-sized apartments or 2-bedroom houses: A 15-foot truck will comfortably fit your needs.
Large homes (3+ bedrooms): You’ll probably need a large moving truck rental, like a 20-foot truck or 26-foot truck, depending on how much stuff you have.
No more worrying about fitting all your stuff into the truck! Get your free moving quote today and leave the heavy lifting to the experts.
Think About Special Items
You’re not just moving boxes, right? There are likely big, awkward, or fragile items—things like pianos, big-screen TVs, artwork, or bulky appliances.
Be sure to take these into account when choosing your truck.
If you have fragile items, it's a good idea to go with a larger truck that has the space to secure them properly, keeping moving truck capacity in mind.
Distance of the Move
The distance you’re traveling also matters. Local moves typically don’t require a huge truck.
However, if you’re making a long-distance move, you'll want to get as much into the truck as possible to minimize the number of trips.
So, even if you have a small one-bedroom apartment, a 20-foot truck may make more sense for a long-haul move.
Budget and Time Constraints
We know it’s tempting to go for a smaller truck to save money.
However, a smaller truck might require multiple trips, which could take more time, more gas, and more energy.
If you're on a tight schedule or want to avoid running around, it might be worth paying for a larger truck rental upfront.
Why overpay? Compare moving quotes now and discover how easy it is to find affordable and reliable movers that fit your needs.
How to Maximize Your Moving Truck’s Space
Now you’ve got your truck – let’s talk about how to load it like a pro!
Disassemble Big Items: This goes for things like beds, desks, and dining tables. When you break them down, you can use the extra space for other items.
Pack Heaviest Items First: Load heavy furniture (think couches, dressers, and fridges) towards the back of the truck. This will give you better balance and make loading the rest of your stuff easier.
Use Every Inch of Space: Don’t waste any space in the truck. Fill in gaps with boxes or soft items like blankets or pillows. And don’t forget to use the truck’s vertical space—stack those boxes!
Secure Your Belongings: Use ropes or straps to secure furniture and boxes. You don’t want your stuff sliding around while you're driving.
Pro Tip: If you're not sure which truck to pick, check out the moving truck size guide on the rental company's website. It estimates how many rooms each truck size can hold.
Quick Reference: Moving Truck Size Chart
Here’s a quick reference to help you out:
| Truck Size | Ideal For | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Van | Small studio or room | 9'6" L x 5'7" W x 5'3" H |
| 10-Foot | 1-2 rooms (studio, small apartment) | 10' L x 6'6" W x 6'1" H |
| 15-Foot | 2-bedroom apartment/house | 15' L x 7'8" W x 7'2" H |
| 20-Foot | 3-bedroom home | 16'9" L x 7'8" W x 7'2" H |
| 26-Foot | 5+ rooms (large home) | 25'11" L x 8'1" W x 8'1" H |
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