Moving Truck Size Calculator
Free moving-planning tool
Moving Truck Size Calculator
Estimate the cargo space and truck size your move may require. Start with the approximate square footage being moved, then account for furniture, boxes, extra storage areas and bulky items.
Moving Truck Size Guide
Square footage is a better starting point than property type because the truck only needs to hold the contents, not the label attached to the building. It is still only a starting point: furnishing density, boxes, extra storage areas and unusually bulky items can move the recommendation up or down substantially.
| Truck-size range | Approximate cargo space | Common starting point | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo van or 8–10 ft | About 250–400 cu. ft. | Partial move, furnished room or very small studio | King beds and bulky sofas may not fit well |
| 10–12 ft | About 400–500 cu. ft. | Lightly furnished studio or compact 1-bedroom | Very little room for storage lockers or bulky extras |
| 15–16 ft | About 700–800 cu. ft. | Many moves in the 500–999 sq. ft. range | Dense furniture may require the next size |
| 18–20 ft | About 950–1,050 cu. ft. | Many moves around 1,000–1,250 sq. ft. | Garages and basement storage add up quickly |
| 20–22 ft | About 1,050–1,250 cu. ft. | Fuller homes around 1,250–1,500 sq. ft. | Bulky pieces reduce usable space |
| 24–26 ft | About 1,500–1,700 cu. ft. | Many average moves around 1,500–2,500 sq. ft. | Weight can become a limit before volume |
| Multiple trucks / trips | More than about 1,700 cu. ft. | Large or heavily furnished spaces, often 2,500+ sq. ft. | A professional inventory is strongly recommended |
What Can Change the Truck Size You Need?
Square footage: Furnished living space gives the calculator a more consistent starting point than whether the property is called an apartment, condo, townhouse or house.
Furniture density: Two spaces with identical square footage can contain dramatically different amounts of furniture, décor and stored belongings.
Extra areas: Garages, basement storage, lockers, sheds and patios are often not included in the advertised square footage and are easily forgotten.
Bulky or awkward items: Sectionals, pianos, exercise equipment and oversized furniture may leave empty pockets that cannot be used efficiently.
Loading skill and preparation: Proper disassembly, stacking and protection usually improve the use of cargo space, but safe loading matters more than squeezing in one more item.
Weight: A load can exceed a truck's legal payload before it fills every cubic foot, particularly with books, tools, gym weights, safes or dense commercial contents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is square footage better than bedroom count for choosing a moving truck?
Usually, yes. Square footage gives a more consistent starting point because bedroom counts can describe very different-sized homes. Furnishing level, boxes and storage areas still need to be considered.
What if I do not know the square footage?
Select “I’m not sure” and use the bedroom-count fallback. The result will be broader, so a detailed inventory or photos are especially useful when the estimate is close to a truck-size limit.
Should a garage or basement be included in the square footage?
Include only finished, furnished living areas in the square-footage question. Add garages, unfinished basement storage, sheds, lockers and patios separately so the calculator does not count them twice.
Is a 26 ft truck enough for a 2,000 sq. ft. home?
It often can be for an average-furnished home, but it is not guaranteed. Full garages, many boxes, large sectionals, gym equipment or dense storage can require a second truck or trip.
Should I choose a larger truck when the estimate is close?
Usually. A small amount of unused space is generally less disruptive than discovering the truck is full while furniture remains inside the home.
Why does truck capacity vary between companies?
Advertised length is only one measurement. Interior width, height, wheel wells, over-cab storage and the specific vehicle model all affect usable cargo volume.
Can Rainforest Moving confirm the size before moving day?
Yes. A detailed inventory, photos or an on-site assessment can provide a more reliable plan for truck space, crew size, loading time and specialty items.
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