How Big of a Moving Truck Do You Need?

The right moving truck size comes down to one thing: cubic feet. As a general rule, plan for 150 to 200 cubic feet of truck space per fully furnished room. A studio apartment typically fits in a cargo van or 10-foot truck. A two-bedroom apartment needs a 15- to 17-foot truck. A three- or four-bedroom house usually requires a 20- to 26-foot truck.

That said, not every move needs a box truck at all. In 2026, with rising fuel costs and rental fees, getting the size right the first time is more important than ever.

Moving Truck Size Comparison Chart

Here is how the most common truck sizes stack up:

Start Here: What Kind of Move Is This?

Before you pick a truck size, it helps to be honest about what you’re actually moving. There’s a big difference between a furnished two-bedroom apartment and a two-bedroom that’s been lived in for a decade with a full garage. Both are technically the same “size,” but they’re very different moves.

A quick way to calibrate: walk through every room and mentally count the large items — beds, dressers, sofas, tables, appliances. Then add your boxes. That item count, not your bedroom count, is your real guide.

Small Moves Don’t Need a Big Truck

One of the most common (and costly) mistakes people make is renting more truck than they need. If you’re moving a single piece of furniture, picking something up from Facebook Marketplace, or clearing out a storage unit, a full-size moving truck is overkill.

Pickup trucks handle a surprising amount — a couch, a mattress, a treadmill, a few boxes. Cargo vans fit the contents of a studio apartment comfortably. A Sprinter-style XL van bridges the gap between a van and a box truck, and works well for a packed studio or one-bedroom.

Which Size Is Right for Your Move?

Studio or Dorm Room: Cargo Van

If you’re moving out of a small studio or dorm, a cargo van is usually the right call. It fits a queen mattress, a few pieces of lightweight furniture, and around 15 boxes without much trouble. It’s also the easiest to park in dense city neighborhoods.

One note: a standard cargo van interior runs about 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 4.5 feet tall. King and California king mattresses typically won’t fit flat — keep that in mind if you’re sizing for a larger bed.

One-Bedroom Apartment: 10–12 Foot Truck or Sprinter Van

The 10-foot truck is the most approachable option for a one-bedroom and usually sufficient if your place isn't heavily furnished. A Sprinter-style van is roughly the same length as a 10-foot truck, so either works for a standard studio or small one-bedroom. If you have a king bed, a sofa, and a full dining set, a 12-footer gives you a little more breathing room.

“..I ordered the LUGG Box (truck) and that did the trick for my 675 sq ft apartment. I had a lot of stuff and they managed to move me into my new spot with zero challenges.  I am so grateful for their time and expertise. Couldn’t have done this move without them.." — Emily B., San Francisco, CA (Google Maps)

Two-Bedroom Apartment: 14–18 Foot Truck

This is the most popular rental size for a reason. A 14- to 18-foot truck fits the contents of a two-bedroom apartment or a lightly furnished small house. These trucks typically include a loading ramp, which makes a real difference if you’re moving a refrigerator or washing machine.

Two- to Three-Bedroom House: 20–24 Foot Truck

Once you’re moving a full house — multiple bedrooms, a proper living room, a kitchen’s worth of appliances — you’re in 20-foot territory. A 20- to 24-foot truck handles three bedrooms and most of what comes with them: dressers, a full sofa set, appliances, and a reasonable number of boxes.

Four or More Bedrooms: 26 Foot Truck

The 26-foot box truck is the largest moving vehicle you can drive in most states without a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). It’s designed for full family home moves — multiple bedrooms, garage contents, patio furniture, and everything accumulated over years in a larger house. If you’re running out of space in a 24-footer, go up to a 26.

3 Pro Tips for Choosing Your Truck

• The 10% Buffer Rule: Always rent a truck that is about 10% larger than you think you need. It is much cheaper to have a little extra space than to realize at 4 PM on a Sunday that you need a second truck.
• Counting rooms instead of items. A “two-bedroom apartment” means something different for everyone. A furnished two-bedroom with a home office and a full kitchen is a 18-foot job. A sparsely furnished two-bedroom might fit in a van.
• Account for Outdoor Gear: People often count their indoor rooms but forget the patio furniture, bicycles, and lawnmowers. These items are bulky and don't stack well, taking up more floor space than you’d expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a king-size bed fit in a 10-foot truck?

Technically yes — a king mattress is about 6.3 feet wide, but professional movers never lay a mattress flat on the floor — it always goes on its side against the wall, which frees up the entire floor for boxes and furniture. If you're loading the truck yourself and aren't sure how to stack efficiently, a 15-foot truck gives you more margin for error. With a professional crew, a 10-foot truck can handle more than most people expect.

Do I need a special license to drive a 26-foot moving truck?

In most states, no. A standard driver’s license covers vehicles up to 26,000 lbs gross vehicle weight, which includes most 26-foot moving trucks. That said, expect a much wider turning radius and longer stopping distance than you’re used to.

What’s the difference between a cargo van and a box truck?

A cargo van (around 245 cubic feet) works for studios and single-item moves. A box truck starts at roughly 400 cubic feet for a 10-footer and goes up to 1,700 cubic feet for a 26-footer. If you have more than one bedroom’s worth of furniture, you’re past cargo van territory.

Is it worth hiring movers instead of renting a truck?

For most local moves, yes — especially once you factor in truck rental, fuel, mileage fees, moving equipment, and the time cost of driving an unfamiliar vehicle. On-demand moving services like Lugg bring the truck and the movers, so you’re not managing either. More people are opting for full-service over DIY for larger moves.

Can I drive a moving truck in a city?

Yes, but size matters more in cities than anywhere else. A cargo van or 10-foot truck navigates most urban streets without issue. A 26-foot truck requires more planning — narrow streets, low clearance, and limited parking can become real problems. If you’re moving in or out of a dense neighborhood, go smaller if you can, or plan for extra time.

Skip the Truck Rental Hassle

Choosing the right moving truck size saves money, reduces stress, and almost always means fewer trips. The math is simple: count your large items, apply the 150-to-200-cubic-feet-per-room rule, and add a buffer. When in doubt, go up a size.