Moving Truck Size Calculator
Recommend a moving truck or cargo van size from bedroom count or total inventory cubic feet.
Assumptions
- 400 ft³ per bedroom is a rough average for furnished rooms.
- Garage, patio, and basement contents are not included unless reflected in cubic feet.
- Truck tiers follow common rental fleet sizes (cargo van through 26 ft).
- Professional packing reduces void space; DIY moves need headroom.
- Long-distance moves may need smaller loads per trip.
Estimated volume = bedrooms × 400 ft³ (default) or direct cubic feet entry. Truck tier is the smallest standard size that fits the load.3-bedroom home estimate
- 3 × 400 = 1,200 ft³ estimated. Recommended tier: 20 ft truck (≈1,000 ft³ cargo) may be tight — consider 26 ft or a second trip for a fully furnished home.
How to measure
Count bedrooms plus consider dining, office, and garage storage. For precision, list major furniture with approximate dimensions and sum cubic feet, or use a home inventory app.
Common mistakes
- Underestimating garage tools, outdoor furniture, and boxed storage.
- Choosing the smallest truck to save money — second trips cost more.
- Ignoring weight limits on large trucks with dense items (books, tools).
Frequently asked questions
What size truck for a 2-bedroom apartment?
Often a 15–20 ft truck or cargo van for a lightly furnished apartment; 20 ft if well furnished.
Can I enter cubic feet directly?
Yes. Override the bedroom estimate with your inventory total for better accuracy.
Tow a car behind the truck?
Tow capacity reduces usable cargo considerations — ask the rental company.
Is this for commercial moves?
No. Office and warehouse moves need pallet-level cubic footage analysis.