Don't Make This Costly Moving Mistake: Find the Right Moving Truck Size

CNET

11-05-2025

I recently moved across states and made a classic moving mistake: I underestimated how much space I'd need in the rental truck. Everything seemed to fit in my head, but once I started loading boxes and furniture, it was painfully clear: I had rented a truck that was way too small. I ended up scrambling to find a second van, which cost me extra time, stress and a lot more money than I had planned.
Trust me, it's not a situation you want to find yourself in. This kind of mix-up happens more often than you'd think. But with a little planning, you can avoid it entirely. Before your move, take the time to ensure the truck you rent has enough room for everything. We've put together this guide to help you choose the right size moving truck based on the amount of stuff you have.
And if you remember only one thing: When you're torn between two truck sizes, always go with the larger one. It's far better to have a little extra space than to find yourself stuck and shelling out good money for a second vehicle like I did. For more moving tips, check out the best moving companies of 2025, how to lift heavy boxes and how to clean a new home or apartment.
Which companies rent moving trucks?
There are countless local and national companies that rent moving trucks, but a few large companies dominate. For the cheapest rental trucks with the widest selection of sizes, some of your best options are:
If you're embarking on a long-distance move, most of the larger trucks at these companies will let you tow a car behind them for an extra fee.
How do I know which size moving truck I need?
Start by estimating how much stuff you plan to move. Since you'll likely need to book your rental truck before everything is packed, walk through your home and make a list of all your furniture and any other large items that won't fit in boxes.
Once you've tallied up your larger items and have a rough idea of how many boxes you'll be taking, you can use an online tool to determine the right truck size for your move. Tools like UPakWeShip's Volume Estimator or Penske's Truck Wizard are helpful.
As a general guideline, allow for 150 to 200 cubic feet of truck space for each furnished room in your home. If you're unsure about your estimate or want a second opinion, call your rental company, which can assist you with picking the right truck based on your inventory.
What are the typical sizes of moving trucks?
Some companies offer unusual sizes of moving trucks, but these are the standard sizes you can expect to find.
Cargo van (about 250 to 320 cubic feet)
Consider renting a cargo van if you only have a small load to move. A cargo van can fit a queen-size mattress and is a great option for studio or one-room moves.
10- to 12-foot truck (380 to 450 cubic feet)
Movers use a 10- or 12-foot truck for studio or one-bedroom apartment moves. Depending on the moving company you use, this truck can fit a king-size or queen-size mattress, around five medium-size furniture pieces with leftover room for other boxes.
15- to 16-foot truck (650 to 800 cubic feet)
Consider a 15- or 16-foot truck if you're planning on moving from a one-bedroom home or a two-bedroom apartment. This size truck easily fits two to three rooms or around 10 medium-size furniture pieces. A king-size mattress, a washer and dryer, a fridge, dressers and a three-seat sofa can all fit into this truck size.
17-foot truck (up to 865 cubic feet)
This oddly sized option available at U-Haul is best for larger apartments, condos or two-bedroom apartments that need a little extra room. The 17-foot truck fits two king-size bed sets, a three-seater sofa, a four-person dining table set, a love seat, a TV stand and a coffee table.
20- to 22-foot truck (1,000 to 1,200 cubic feet)
Consider a 20- to 22-foot truck, one of the larger sizes of moving trucks, if you're moving from a one-bedroom to three-bedroom home, a three-bedroom apartment or a place with three to five total rooms. These trucks can fit two king-size mattresses, a six-person dining table set, dressers, a sofa and end tables, all while having room to spare for additional boxes.
26-foot truck (1,700 to 1,800 cubic feet)
The 26-footers are the big mommas of moving trucks. Consider the 26-foot option if you and your family are moving from a home with three to five bedrooms, five to seven total rooms or around 15 medium-sized furniture pieces. Three king-size mattresses will surely fit, along with nightstands, dressers, a larger sofa, kitchen equipment, washer, dryer and more.
What is the cost of renting moving trucks?
The cost of renting a moving truck depends on the rental company, the size of the truck and how far you're traveling.
For local moves — where you pick up and return the truck to the same location — you typically pay a daily rental fee and a mileage charge, which usually ranges from $0.50 to $1.50 per mile. Smaller vehicles like cargo vans and 10- to 12-foot trucks generally start at $20 to $30 per day, though trucks may come with a slightly higher per-mile rate. Larger trucks, like 20- to 26-foot models, usually cost between $30 and $50 per day, but prices can vary significantly, especially for 26-foot rentals, so it's worth comparing rates.
If you're dropping the truck off at a different location, expect to pay more, not just for the extra miles, but for the one-way rental. According to MyMove, renting a 16-foot truck for a shorter 30-mile move can cost anywhere from $62 to $149. For long-distance moves, the factor is how far you're driving. Most major rental companies offer free quotes based on your starting point, destination and truck size. Average long-distance rental costs range from $500 to $700 for a cargo van or $1,200 to $2,200 for a 26-foot truck, according to Yelp.
For more moving tips, check out the best moving companies for 2025 and six common moving day mistakes to watch out for.