Trying to figure out what size moving truck you need can feel overwhelming. You might be asking yourself: “Will everything fit?” or “Am I paying for too much space?” That is why we created this easy-to-follow moving truck size chart. Whether you are moving out of a studio or a four-bedroom house, this guide will help you match your room count to the right truck size.
We will walk you through how many rooms fit in a truck, explain what fits inside each common moving truck size, and offer tips so you do not end up with a truck that is too small or too large. Let’s break it down.
Why Truck Size Matters
Choosing the right truck size is one of the most important parts of planning a smooth move. If your truck is too small, you will end up making multiple trips or scrambling to leave items behind. Too big, and you are paying for extra space you do not need.
A properly sized truck saves time, energy, and money. That is why understanding how many rooms each truck fits is key.
General Truck Size Chart by Room Count
Use the chart below as a quick reference for the most common truck sizes and the number of rooms they can typically handle.
| Truck Size | Cubic Feet | Recommended For | Fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Van | 245–300 cu ft | Studio apartment | Bed, dresser, small table, 5–8 boxes |
| 10-foot truck | 350–400 cu ft | Studio to small 1-bedroom | Twin/Full bed, couch, chairs, 10+ boxes |
| 15-foot truck | 700–850 cu ft | 1–2 bedrooms | Queen bed, sofa, appliances, dining set, 30+ boxes |
| 17-foot truck | 850–950 cu ft | 2–3 bedrooms | Full apartment furniture, appliances, 40+ boxes |
| 20-foot truck | 1,000–1,200 cu ft | 3 bedrooms | Multiple beds, dressers, sofa, appliances, 50+ boxes |
| 26-foot truck | 1,400+ cu ft | 4+ bedrooms | Large home furniture, appliances, 60+ boxes |
These are general guidelines based on industry standards. Always consider how much furniture and how many boxes you actually have.
Cargo Van or Pickup Truck: Studio or Small Apartment
If you are moving out of a small studio, dorm, or efficiency apartment, a cargo van or pickup truck might be all you need. These vehicles usually offer around 245 to 300 cubic feet of space. That is enough for a mattress set, a small table and chair set, a dresser, and several boxes.
Best For:
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College students
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Minimalist movers
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Local moves only (within the city)
Watch Out:
No ramp, no room for large furniture, and limited capacity.
10-Foot Moving Truck: Studio or Small 1-Bedroom
A 10-foot moving truck is one of the smallest box trucks available but offers significantly more space than a cargo van. It is ideal for a studio or small one-bedroom apartment.
With around 350 to 400 cubic feet of space, it can hold:
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Twin or full bed
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Loveseat or small couch
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Small dining table
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10 to 15 moving boxes
Bonus Tip:
These trucks are easier to drive and can fit in tight parking areas, making city moves less stressful.
15-Foot Truck: 1 to 2 Bedrooms
For a traditional one-bedroom apartment or even a small two-bedroom, the 15-foot truck is the sweet spot. With 700 to 850 cubic feet, it can carry the contents of:
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A queen-sized bed
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Full-size couch
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Coffee table and side tables
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Kitchen appliances (microwave, toaster oven)
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Up to 30 boxes
This size also comes with a loading ramp, making the move much easier on your back.
17-Foot Truck: 2 to 3 Bedrooms
The 17-foot truck is a flexible option if you have a bit more furniture or a second bedroom with full-size furniture. It offers around 850 to 950 cubic feet of space, which is perfect for:
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Multiple beds (queen or twin)
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Larger living room set
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Medium-sized appliances
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Dining room table and chairs
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Up to 40 moving boxes
If you are moving a two-bedroom apartment or a small three-bedroom home, this is often the best balance between space and cost.
20-Foot Truck: 3 Bedrooms
When moving out of a three-bedroom home, the 20-foot truck gives you extra breathing room. With 1,000 to 1,200 cubic feet, it can carry:
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Three beds
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Full dining room furniture
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Sofas and recliners
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Dressers and desks
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Washer and dryer
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50+ boxes
If you also have a garage, patio furniture, or a home office, the 20-footer gives you room to work with.
26-Foot Truck: 4+ Bedrooms
This is the biggest truck you can rent without a commercial driver’s license. The 26-foot truck is designed for large homes with 4 or more bedrooms. With over 1,400 cubic feet, it can hold:
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Multiple beds (including king size)
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Full living room sets
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Large appliances
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Multiple dressers and wardrobes
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Dining sets for 6–8 people
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Garage and outdoor gear
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60 to 80+ boxes
If you are doing a long-distance move or moving a large family, this truck gives you the space and confidence to fit it all.
Extra Tips to Pick the Right Moving Truck
1. Take Inventory
Count your large items. Beds, couches, dressers, desks, TVs, and appliances take up the most room. Once you know how many of each you have, matching your needs to a truck is easier.
2. Think About Boxes
Boxes add up fast. A one-bedroom apartment can easily need 25 to 40 boxes. A three-bedroom home may need 60 to 100. Make sure your truck size accounts for boxes in addition to furniture.
3. Add Room for Odd Shapes
Do you have a piano, large recliner, or gym equipment? These do not pack neatly and take up awkward space. Always account for bulky or specialty items.
4. Use the Truck’s Ramp and Height
Larger trucks usually come with a loading ramp and a higher ceiling. That makes them easier to load and allows you to stack items more efficiently.
5. Local vs. Long-Distance Moves
If you are moving locally and can make two trips, you can get by with a smaller truck. For long-distance moves, always go one size up to avoid costly surprises.
Sample Room-to-Truck Pairings
Here are some examples of common living situations and what truck size usually works:
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Studio Apartment → Cargo Van or 10-foot truck
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1-Bedroom Apartment → 10 or 15-foot truck
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2-Bedroom Apartment → 15 or 17-foot truck
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3-Bedroom House → 20-foot truck
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4-Bedroom House → 26-foot truck
Still Not Sure? Use a Moving Truck Size Estimator
If you are still wondering how many rooms fit in a truck, or if your situation is somewhere in between, check out our Moving Truck Size Estimator tool. It lets you enter the number of bedrooms, furniture pieces, and box count to recommend the best size for your move.
Final Thoughts: Trust the Moving Truck Size Chart
A smart move starts with the right truck. Use the moving truck size chart above to guide your decision, and take inventory of your space before booking. When in doubt, go a size larger—having a little extra space is better than not enough.
