Choosing the right moving truck size is like picking the right size pizza—too small, and you'll be hungry for more; too big, and you'll waste space (and money).
When it comes to moving, choosing the right truck is the exact same thing.
You don't want to end up with a truck that's too small and have to make multiple trips, but you also don’t want to overpay for a gigantic truck when you really just need a small one.
Trust us, we’ve seen both happen to people, and it’s no fun!
Did you know that the average American moves about 11 times in their life, and no one enjoys the process?
But it’s way less stressful if you get the right moving truck size from the start.
Picking the perfect size truck isn't just about filling the truck up with your stuff; it's about making sure that all your furniture, boxes, and knick-knacks fit comfortably.
The right truck size isn’t just a guess; there are solid ways to figure it out.
For instance, a 15-foot truck can usually fit the items of a one-bedroom apartment, while a 20-foot truck can handle the move from a two or three-bedroom house with ease.
But how do you figure out which one’s right for you?
Let’s break it all down step by step so you'll know exactly which moving truck size fits your needs like a glove.
What Are the Different Moving Truck Sizes?
We start with the basics of moving truck sizes. Trucks come in all shapes and sizes.
But it's crucial to pick the right one so you won't have to make a lot of extra trips.
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll typically find:
- 10-foot truck: This is your go-to for a studio apartment or a tiny one-bedroom place.
- 15-foot truck: This truck is perfect for moving into a one—or two-bedroom apartment. It's a bit more roomy but still manageable, especially for a first-time mover.
- 20-foot truck: It is usually perfect for moving a two to three-bedroom home. It’s like a spacious SUV – you've got enough room to fit a couch, fridge, a couple of beds, and a pile of boxes.
- 26-foot truck: This beast is for moving a three- to four-bedroom home or even larger. It's like driving a small bus, but you've got room for everything.
Need a hand selecting the right truck size? Contact us for advice!
How to Choose Moving Truck Size?
Now, you're probably wondering, "How do I actually figure out which truck is best for me?" Here are some quick tips to help you make the decision.
Start With Your Inventory
Before you even think about anything else, take a good look at what you’re moving.
Do you have a queen-size bed? A massive sofa? Or maybe a ton of kitchen appliances?
Write it down.
The more details you have, the easier it’ll be to pick the right truck size. Create a mini inventory list for your move; it’ll help you visualize what you're dealing with.
Estimate Your Boxes
If you’ve got a lot of boxes (and we all know those things multiply like rabbits), you might need to size up your truck.
A 10-foot truck might sound perfect for a one-bedroom apartment, but once you stack all those boxes, it can get crowded.
It’s easy to underestimate how many boxes you’ll need to pack, but once you start packing, you’ll find more and more.
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Think About Long-Distance or Local
If you're just moving across town, you might be able to make a few trips. But if you're doing a long-distance move, like from coast to coast, you'll want to avoid making multiple trips.
A larger truck can be perfect. Plus, long-distance rentals usually cost more, so getting it right the first time saves you money and headaches.
Consider Extra Space for Unexpected Items
There’s always that extra stuff you didn’t count on. Whether it’s a bicycle, your weirdly large aquarium, or your best friend's couch that suddenly needs a ride, make sure to leave a little buffer space.
A moving truck capacity guide can help, but it's always wise to factor in a little extra room just in case the furniture gets a little more awkward than planned.
Consult with Rental Companies
If you are still unsure which size to choose, don't hesitate to contact the rental company!
Most companies, like U-Haul and Penske, have fantastic customer service teams that can explain the sizes.
They’re experts in the field and can offer advice based on your inventory.
Why worry about the move? Let the Best Truck Rental Moving Companies take care of the hard part.
The Dimensions You Really Need to Know
These are the moving truck dimensions you should keep in mind when deciding on your rental:
| Truck Size | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 10-foot truck | 10' x 6' x 6' | Small apartments, studios, or a few items |
| 15-foot truck | 15' x 7' x 7' | One to two-bedroom apartments |
| 20-foot truck | 20' x 8' x 8' | Two to three-bedroom homes |
| 26-foot truck | 26' x 8' x 8' | Large three to four-bedroom homes |
Moving Truck Rental Prices – How Much Does It Really Cost?
If you've decided to rent a moving truck, the big question is: How much will it cost you?
Let’s break it down so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
Base Rental Price (The “Daily Rate”)
The base price of renting a moving truck is usually charged per day. This is the starting point for how much you'll pay, but keep in mind that the price can depend on the size of the truck and how long you plan on keeping it.
For example:
- A 10-foot truck could cost between $19.95 to $29.95 per day.
- A 15-foot truck usually ranges from $29.95 to $39.95 a day.
- A 20-foot truck could run you between $39.95 to $49.95 per day.
- A 26-foot truck can cost anywhere from $49.95 to $69.95 a day.
Mileage Charges
Some rental companies charge you for the miles you drive the truck.
- For local moves, companies usually charge between $0.50 and $1.00 per mile.
- For one-way moves, the price is often added into the rental cost, so you don’t have to pay extra for miles.
Fuel Costs
Moving trucks are not fuel-efficient. They’re big, they’re heavy, and they burn a lot of gas. The moving truck rental prices usually don’t include fuel, so you’ll need to fill up the tank when you’re done with your move.
- The 10-foot truck gets about 12-15 miles per gallon.
- A 26-foot truck might only get about 6-10 miles per gallon.
Insurance and Protection Plans
This is the part where most people get a little hesitant – do you really need insurance? Technically, you don’t have to get it, but it’s worth considering.
Here are the common options:
- Damage Protection: This can range from $15 to $30 per day, depending on the truck size and rental company.
- Personal Property Protection: Typically $10-$20 per day, covering any damage to your personal stuff.
- Towing Insurance: It usually costs about $10-$20 per day.
If you’re still unsure about whether rental truck insurance is right for you, read our article on Rental Truck Insurance Rental Truck Insurance
Additional Fees You Need to Know About
Here are a few things you might not have thought of but should definitely keep in mind:
- Late Fees: If you keep the truck longer than the agreed-upon time, you'll usually be charged an extra fee, which could be $50 or more per day.
- Cleaning Fees: Some companies will charge you an extra fee if you don’t return the truck clean. It can be anywhere from $25 to $50.
- Tolls and Parking Fees: Depending on your route, you may need to pay tolls or parking fees.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect when it comes to the costs for different truck sizes.
| Truck Size | Daily Rate | Mileage Charge | Fuel Efficiency | Insurance/Protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-foot truck | $19.95 – $29.95 | $0.50 – $1.00/mile | 12-15 MPG | $15 – $30/day |
| 15-foot truck | $29.95 – $39.95 | $0.50 – $1.00/mile | 10-12 MPG | $15 – $30/day |
| 20-foot truck | $39.95 – $49.95 | $0.50 – $1.00/mile | 8-10 MPG | $15 – $30/day |
| 26-foot truck | $49.95 – $69.95 | $0.50 – $1.00/mile | 6-10 MPG | $15 – $30/day |
What is the Right Truck Size for a 3-Bedroom House?
It depends on how much stuff you have. A 20-foot truck is usually ideal for a typical 3-bedroom house. It'll fit the furniture and boxes of most homes with space to spare.
But if you have big furniture (e.g., king-size beds, huge sectional couches, etc.), you might need to go for the 26-foot to avoid packing things too tight.
Once you’ve chosen the right truck size, the next step is packing it like a pro – check out our How to Pack a Moving Truck guide for expert tips.
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