You’re feeling a lot of emotions as you’re getting ready to move: nerves, excitement, possibly even a bit of sadness about leaving behind your current life. You’ve also got a lot on your mind regarding what to downsize, what materials you’ll need to gather, and how you’ll get it all done in time. Having so much to deal with can be exhausting. It’s easy to see how you might accidentally pick the wrong size moving truck with all the hubbub. Having a moving truck that’s too small for all your items can drastically affect your timeline. To ensure that doesn’t happen, partner with a trustworthy moving company. Partner with Maffucci. 

With over 100 years of experience making clients’ dreams of a smooth move come true, Maffucci Moving is the expert you’ve been looking for. Our team’s excellence has been validated by the Platinum Hauling and Sales awards for Bekins Van Lines, ‘Agent of the Year’ for Bekins, ‘Best Moving Companies’ by Reviews.com, and Bekins Agent of the Month 7 times. 

How Do I Determine What Size Moving Truck I Need?

When choosing a moving truck, the best advice is to choose one that leaves you at least 100 cubic feet of space per fully furnished room. You should also consider a 10–15% error margin to include items you forgot or rough packing.

To figure out the size of the moving truck you need, consider:

• The size of your home
• If you have bulky furniture 
• How many moving boxes will be loaded
• The distance of your move
• How much is in storage that needs to be moved

The number of rooms in your home is the No. 1 deciding factor on moving truck sizes. The fewer rooms, the smaller truck you can use. However, it’s always a good idea to go up a size rather than play the odds with fitting everything in a smaller truck that might cost less. Similarly, the bigger and bulkier the items you need to move are, the more likely you’ll use a large truck. Couches, beds, tables, washing machines, and other large items take up a lot of room, and you won’t necessarily be able to pack additional items on top of them. Rent a bigger truck to ensure everything fits appropriately and securely. 

Remember to count how many moving boxes you expect to use and add that to your considerations. Boxes can quickly take up more space than you realize if not accounted for properly. If you have a lot of boxes, you’ll want a bigger truck. Finally, think about how far you’ll be moving from where you currently live. Is it a short distance, or cross-country? If it’s short, you can make multiple trips, requiring only a small truck. But this won’t be an option if you’re moving far away. 

Other crucial factors to consider include the number of people who need to ride in the truck, if you need to tow a vehicle or trailer, and — most importantly — whether you’re comfortable driving the largest moving truck. If you’re not, working with professional movers might be the right choice for you. 

What Size Truck Do I Need for a Studio or One-Bedroom Apartment?

A 10–16 foot moving truck will work best for a studio or one-bedroom apartment. They’re the ideal size for local and/or solo moves with a decent amount of belongings, as they offer more space than a cargo van. These trucks will work great for moving furniture, boxes, and appliances into your new home. 

What Size Truck Do I Need for a Two-Bedroom Home?

A 15–20 foot moving truck will work best for a two-bedroom home. These trucks provide plenty of space for your items, including large furniture. They work well for both local and long-distance moves. For bigger trucks like this, it’s even more vital that you carefully value your items to get the proper protection and insurance, as things are more likely to shift during transport. 

What Size Moving Truck Should I Get for a Three- or Four-Bedroom House?

A 22–26 foot moving truck will work best for three-bedroom homes. They’re built to fit a lot of large furniture, appliances, and moving boxes. If you’re moving a long way away and have many items, including some from storage, that need to make the trip, this is the truck for you. For a four-bedroom home, a 26-foot truck is best. It provides maximum space for your items to guarantee they fit tightly and securely. 

Do Moving Truck Sizes Include Space Over The Cab?

Larger moving trucks, especially those over 15 feet, include a storage area above the cab. This space is called “Mom’s Attic” or the “attic” and provides extra room to store delicate items or light items that might otherwise get squished if packed normally. 

Can I Rent a Truck That’s Too Big for My Move?

Generally, it’s best to rent a truck that’s too big for your move, rather than one that’s too small. While you can rent a bigger truck, doing so may not be the best use of your funds. You could end up with unused space, causing it to be off-balance and hard to maneuver. Ideally, you should pick a truck that snugly fits all your belongings in one go. 

What Happens if I Choose a Truck That’s Too Small?

If you choose a truck that’s too small, you risk unnecessary complications with the move. Renting a smaller truck means you’ll have to make extra trips, return for a bigger truck, and potentially ship items to your destination separately. In the most dire circumstances, you might have to leave items behind. All of these possibilities take time and effort, potentially costing you more than you budgeted for. It’s crucial to choose the right size truck to avoid these issues.

Can Moving Companies Help Me Choose the Right Truck Size?

Your chosen moving company can help you select the ideal truck size to complete your move quickly. Maffucci, for example, has ample experience evaluating belongings in a home and working with a budget in mind to determine the best moving vehicle size.

They can also help you load a truck and avoid common mistakes such as: 

• Ignoring weight limits
• Not measuring 
• Underestimating your needs
• Forgetting to save space
• Not considering access to your destination

When Moving Matters Most, Choose Maffucci Movers.

Not sure which truck size is right for your move? Let the experts at Maffucci Moving help! For decades, our dedicated team of full-service movers has ensured that individuals, families, and businesses have precisely what they need to enjoy their moving experience. Whether you’re just putting out feelers or ready to sign a moving agreement, we guarantee a friendly, transparent, and reasonably priced experience! 

Contact us today for a free estimate and personalized moving plan—whether you’re relocating a studio or a whole house, we’ll ensure you have the perfect fit. Call now or request a quote online to get started!