Moving truck size guide
Moving truck rentals typically range from 10 feet (a studio or small load) to 26 feet (a large house). Getting the size right matters — too small means a second trip, too big wastes money on rental and fuel. Here's how to match truck size to home size.
Truck size by home size
| Truck length | Best for | Typically holds |
|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | Studio / small 1 bedroom | Studio apartment or a few rooms of a larger home |
| 15 ft | 1–2 bedroom apartment | Full 1-bedroom apartment, furniture and boxes |
| 17 ft | 2 bedroom | 2-bedroom apartment or small house |
| 20 ft | 2–3 bedroom | 3-bedroom house, moderate furniture |
| 22–26 ft | 4+ bedroom | Large house, full furniture set including appliances |
When to size up
- You have a home office, workshop, or hobby room with a lot of extra gear
- You're moving large or bulky furniture — sectional sofas, king beds, armoires
- You have a garage full of tools, sports equipment, or storage bins
- You're combining a move with items from a storage unit
- You want to avoid a second trip on a long-distance move, where extra mileage and time add up fast
What's different about driving a rental truck
- Wider turns and longer stopping distances than a car — give yourself more room at intersections and more following distance
- Height restrictions — most 20-26 foot trucks are 12-13 feet tall; check bridge and parking garage clearances on your route in advance
- Trucks up to 26,000 lbs GVWR (which covers most rental trucks up to 26 feet) can be driven on a standard driver's license in most states — no CDL required
- Most rentals include a fold-out ramp; some larger trucks have a hydraulic lift gate instead, which helps with heavy appliances but may cost more
How truck size affects cost
Rental price scales with truck size, but not as steeply as you might expect for a one-way interstate move — the mileage rate (charged per mile for a one-way rental) often matters more than the base daily rate once you're driving hundreds of miles. Fuel economy also drops noticeably at the largest sizes: a 26-foot truck typically gets 8-10 mpg versus 10-12 mpg for a 15-footer, which adds up over a long interstate trip. Compare this against full-service and container pricing in our moving cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What size truck do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment?
Most 2-bedroom apartments fit in a 15–17 foot truck. If you have a lot of furniture, a home office, or an extensive book/media collection, size up to a 20-footer to avoid a second trip.
Is it better to rent a truck that's too big or too small?
Too big, within reason — an oversized truck costs more in rental fees and fuel, but an undersized truck means a second trip (more fuel, more time, more risk of items shifting in a half-empty load) or items left behind entirely. Most rental companies would rather you size up by one class if you're unsure.
Can one person drive a 26-foot moving truck?
Legally, yes in most states — a standard driver's license covers trucks up to 26,000 lbs GVWR, which includes most 26-foot rental trucks. That said, they drive very differently from a car: wider turns, longer stopping distance, and height restrictions (usually 12-13 feet) to watch for on the route.
Do moving trucks include a ramp or lift gate?
Most rental trucks 15 feet and up include a fold-out ramp. Straight box trucks over 20 feet sometimes have a hydraulic lift gate instead, which is easier for heavy appliances but adds rental cost. Confirm which your specific rental has before moving day.