Moving can be a handful, and picking the right truck size is one of those little things that’s easy to get stuck on. Nobody wants a truck that’s too tiny for their stuff, nor do they want to spend money on space they won’t even use. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right one.
Understanding Truck Sizes
When people talk about truck size, they’re really talking about space. The size of your place helps estimate how much space your things will take up inside the truck, also known as cubic footage.
A 10–12 ft truck (about 400–450 cubic feet) can be enough for a studio or small one-bedroom. It works well if you’re moving a bed, a dresser, a small couch, and boxes. This size is common for dorm moves or smaller apartments.
A 15–17 ft truck (around 600–800 cubic feet) is a good fit for a one- to two-bedroom home. It holds larger furniture like a couch, dining table, beds, and a decent number of boxes.
A 20–22 ft truck (roughly 1,000–1,200 cubic feet) works for most two- to three-bedroom homes. It’s a solid middle ground if you have full-size furniture, appliances, and a normal amount of stuff without feeling oversized.
A 26 ft truck (about 1,400–1,700 cubic feet) is for larger homes, usually three to five bedrooms. It’s the biggest option most people can drive without special licensing and makes sense if you want everything done in one trip.
What Can Change the Truck Size You Need
This is usually where moves start to feel different from one another.
The type of furniture you’ve got really makes a difference. Things like big sectionals, bed frames, dining tables, or really large dressers can fill up a room in no time.Even if two places have the exact same number of rooms, the one with bigger furniture pieces will call for more space in the moving truck.
How you pack also matters. Boxes that are packed well stack nicely and save space. Loose items, odd-shaped pieces, or furniture that isn’t taken apart can fill a truck quicker than expected.
And don’t forget the extra areas. It’s easy to miss places like garages, closets, patios, and storage units, but all of that adds up and can push you into needing a bigger truck.
When It Makes Sense to Size Up
If you’re trying to get things done in one go, or you’re moving big, oddly shaped furniture pieces, or maybe your current spot just feels packed even though it’s not massive, getting a bigger truck is the safest choice.This also applies to moves over long distances; you really don’t want to be reorganizing boxes halfway through the trip.
When a Smaller Truck Can Work
If you’ve got fewer things to move or if you’re downsizing, a smaller truck should be enough.It’s a good fit if you don’t have a lot of furniture, if it’s already taken apart, or if you’re just moving some stuff, not your whole place.
Need a Hand With Your Move?
Now, you should have a good sense of what size truck makes sense for your move. Start with the size of your place, then think about what’s inside it. That can give you the answer you need.
And if you don’t want to do this math yourself, you don’t have to. At Eco Movers, we can help you take inventory and figure out the right truck for what you’re moving. If you’re getting ready to move, reach out for a free quote and we’ll help you sort it out.
