How to Estimate Your Move Size

Moving is like a game of Tetris – if you don’t plan your pieces, you’ll end up with a lot of wasted space!

Just imagine this: you're packing up your life into boxes and trying to figure out what you need for a moving truck. The stress is real.

You're standing there, looking at all your stuff, wondering, "How am I supposed to estimate my move size?"

You're not alone! In fact, nearly 35 million people in the U.S. move every year, and a large chunk of them struggle with the same thing: estimating the size of the move.

Estimating your move size is the first and most important step in making sure you don't end up with a truck that's too small, forcing you to make multiple trips, or paying for space you’ll never use.

According to industry stats, a typical 3-bedroom home requires a 20-foot truck to accommodate everything comfortably, while if you're moving an apartment, you might only need a 15-footer.

But how do you know what truck size is right for you?

Whether you’re moving a 2-bedroom apartment or a 4-bedroom house, the goal is to estimate your move size accurately to avoid any surprises.

Let’s break it down for you in the easiest, least stressful way. Keep reading, and by the end of this, you'll be a pro at estimating your move size.

What Exactly Is "Move Size" and Why Should You Care?

First, what is the move size? Move size refers to the total volume of stuff you're moving.

It’s like packing for a trip. If you're going on vacation, you need to know how much space you'll need in your suitcase. Moving is like that but on a much bigger scale.

When we talk about move size, we're basically talking about how much stuff you have, how much space it'll take up, and how to figure out what truck or moving service you’ll need to make everything fit.

It’s important because estimating your move size helps you figure out:

• What size moving truck do you need
• How many movers you should hire
• How much it’s going to cost you

But it can be tricky, especially if you’ve never moved before. Don't worry; let's discuss this in the simplest way possible.

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Step 1: Use a Moving Size Calculator

Before you do anything, let’s talk about tools. One of the best things you can do to estimate your move size is to use a moving size calculator.

There are many online calculators that can help you estimate your space needs.

Here’s how they usually work:

1. You’ll input the number of rooms in your home.
2. Then, you’ll list out some of the bigger items, like furniture, TVs, and appliances.
3. Finally, you’ll add how many boxes you think you’ll have.

These calculators can give you a pretty accurate idea of how much cubic space your stuff will take up. And it’s all free.

 

Once you've estimated your move size, remember to check out our Moving Cost Calculator to get an accurate idea of its cost!

Step 2: Estimate the Right Moving Truck Size

Depending on how much you’re moving, you’ll need a truck that fits everything. Moving truck size guide (that’s a fancy term for figuring out truck sizes) is pretty straightforward.

If you're moving to a small one-bedroom apartment, you don't need some massive 26-footer. A smaller truck will do just fine.

But, if you're moving into a house with lots of furniture, you need something bigger. Check out this simple chart to get a sense of what size you might need:

This is a great starting point, but it’s not always 100% accurate. There are other things to consider, like the types of items you're moving (furniture, boxes, etc.).

 

Still unsure about the perfect truck size? Learnhow to choose the right moving truck size and pick the best fit for your move!

Step 3: Estimate Move Size by Square Footage

Another way to get an estimate is by looking at the estimated move size by square footage.

So, how big is your place?

The larger the space, the more stuff you probably have. It’s a good way to get a rough estimate if you're unsure of the exact items you have.

Here’s a rough guideline:

• Studio (<400 sq ft): 1,000 cubic feet
• 1-Bedroom: 1,500 cubic feet
• 2-Bedroom: 2,500 cubic feet
• 3-Bedroom: 4,500 cubic feet

This can give you a quick idea of what you're working with. Just keep in mind that these numbers might depend on how much furniture or stuff you have.

If you’ve got a lot of books or heavy furniture, you might need a bigger truck.

 

Need help choosing the right moving company? Find the trusted movers for your move size!

Step 4: How Many Boxes Do You Need to Move?

A huge part of estimating your move size is figuring out how many boxes you're going to need.

This might seem small, but the number of boxes adds up quickly.

Here’s a quick list to help you figure out how many boxes you’ll need based on your move:

• Studio Apartment: 10–15 boxes
• 1-Bedroom Apartment: 15–20 boxes
• 2-Bedroom Apartment: 20–30 boxes
• 3-Bedroom House: 30–40 boxes

Now, how do you figure out exactly how many boxes you need?

A general rule of thumb is one box per room, plus a few extra for kitchen items, clothes, and small gadgets. You’ll also want to factor in the size of the boxes – big ones for clothes and small ones for books.

 

Not sure where to get all those boxes? Check out our guide onwhere to find free moving boxesand save on packing supplies!

Step 5: The Average Moving Truck Size for a 3 Bedroom House?

If you’re moving a house with 3 bedrooms, chances are you’ll need a moving truck the size of a 2-bedroom apartment truck or even something bigger.

For a 3-bedroom house, an average moving truck size is 20 feet long.

However, that could change depending on your furniture, appliances, and whether you're moving books or decorative items.

A 20-foot truck is typically perfect for most three-bedroom homes, but if you have big furniture like sectionals, king-size beds, and boxes, you might need something a little bigger.

Step 6: Use a Moving Volume Estimator

Here’s where the tech comes in handy again. A moving volume estimator can help you really get the details right.

These tools let you input all the stuff you’re moving (you’ll list everything – even the smallest items), and it’ll give you an accurate cubic footage estimate.

These estimators are often available on moving company websites and are pretty accurate.

This can help you refine your estimate of moving truck size so you don't end up with too much or too little space.

Step 7: Calculate Move Size Yourself (Without the Calculator)

Now, if you’re the DIY type and you don’t want to use a tool, you can calculate your move size yourself.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Measure Your Furniture: Get the dimensions of your big stuff (couch, bed, fridge). Measure in feet and calculate the total volume.
2. Add the Boxes: Estimate how many boxes you’ll need and measure their size.
3. Factor in Extra Space: You’ll want a little wiggle room for packing efficiency, so add about 10-20% extra space for maneuverability.

This method is a little more tedious, but if you’re good at math (or have a calculator), it’ll give you a rough estimate of the truck size you'll need.

 

Don't forget to plan your packing!Download our moving checklist and stay organized for a smooth move!

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