How to Choose the Right Size Moving Truck Rental

Choosing the right size moving truck rental is essential for a smooth and stress-free moving experience. Several factors influence the right truck size for your move, including the size of your home, the number of boxes, and the distance you’ll be traveling. Considering these elements will ensure you select the right vehicle.

If you’re asking yourself, “What size moving truck do I need?” You’ve come to the right place.

To help you avoid any moving hassles, at U-Haul, we make it easy to find the perfect truck for your move- so you can move with confidence and save time with this complete guide.

Key Takeaways The size of the moving truck you’ll need depends on how much stuff you have and what your needs are. Moving trucks range in size from eight feet all the way to 26 feet. If you need more space than a 26-foot moving truck can offer, consider towing a 6x12-foot cargo trailer behind the truck.

Important Factors for Determining Your Truck Rental Size

Size of Your Home

The overall size of your home is the primary factor in determining the right rental truck size for you. For a studio or one-bedroom, a smaller truck or cargo van may suffice. However, for larger homes with several bedrooms, you’ll likely need a larger truck to accommodate all your belongings.

Furniture, Appliances, & Other Bulky Items

Bulky furniture items and appliances can significantly impact the truck size you’ll need for your move and determine what else you can fit in a moving truck. Large items like couches, beds, refrigerators, washers, and dryers take up considerable space.

Learn about How to Move a Washer and Dryer and How to Move a Refrigerator Safely and Easily.

If you have multiple large items, it would be best to opt for a bigger truck rental to ensure everything fits comfortably and securely during transit. When considering the large household items, don’t forget to account for any outdoor furniture or items you may have.

Learn more about How to Pack a Moving Truck.

Number of Moving Boxes

The number of moving boxes you have will also impact the size of the moving truck you’ll need. Boxes can quickly fill up space, especially if you don’t properly pack your moving truck. If you have a significant number of boxes, be sure to account for this necessary space when selecting your truck rental.

Use the U-Haul Moving Supplies Calculator to see the number of boxes you’ll need to fit inside a U-Haul truck.

Distance of Your Move

The distance of your move is another crucial factor to consider. For long-distance moves, it’s important to ensure you have enough space for all your belongings, since multiple trips won’t be an option. In these cases, err on the side of caution – it’s better to have extra space than not enough.

Learn more about How to Estimate the Mileage Fees for Your Move and How to Save Money on Truck Rentals.

Help When Loading and Unloading

If you have help with loading and unloading, a larger truck can be easier to manage. But if you’re moving by yourself, a smaller truck might be more practical. Determine the help you will have on moving day and choose a truck size that matches.

If you’re moving solo but your belongings require a larger truck, hiring Moving Help® can make your move easier and more efficient.

Here is how long it takes two Moving Help Service Providers to load/unload every size of truck:

Truck Size	Hours
8-Foot Pickup Truck	2.46
9-Foot Cargo Van	2.27
10-Foot Moving Truck	2.30
15-Foot Moving Truck	2.39
20-Foot Moving Truck	2.84
26-Foot Moving Truck	3.30

Hours per moving truck are for the average for local and one-way moves with two Moving Help Service Providers.

So, what size U-Haul truck do you need?

Truck Size	Best For	Capacity Highlights
8-Foot Pickup	Small moves, appliances	Open bed for bulky items
9-Foot Cargo Van	Small moves, mattresses	Enclosed space, two loading doors
10-Foot Truck	One bedroom apt	Fits beds, couches, boxes
15-Foot Truck	Two bedrooms	Mom’s attic, 10,000 lbs towing capacity
20-Foot Truck	Two-three bedrooms	Extra room for families
26-Foot Truck	Three-four bedrooms	Largest option, long distance

Overview of the U-Haul Moving Truck Sizes

8-Foot Pickup Truck – U-Haul

U-Haul eight-foot pickup trucks are best for short-distance moves. Like the cargo van, pickup truck rentals are perfect for handling small moves, especially those involving furniture or appliances. Their eight-foot open beds make loading and unloading bulky items easier and more convenient.

9-Foot Cargo Van – U-Haul

The nine-foot U-Haul cargo van is ideal for small moves, such as studio apartments or even moving to college. It’s perfect for transporting a few pieces of furniture and boxes. Cargo van rentals are also great for small business deliveries or quick trips to transport large items bought in stores.

10-Foot Truck – U-Haul

The 10-foot U-Haul moving truck is great for one-bedroom apartments and other small moves. It offers more space than a cargo van and can accommodate more furniture, boxes, and appliances. Our 10-foot Mini Mover® is the smallest box truck that you can also tow your car behind.

15-Foot Truck – U-Haul

15-foot U-Haul truck rentals are perfect for two-bedroom apartments or smaller homes. With ample space to accommodate your belongings, it’s an excellent choice for larger local moves or small long-distance relocations. For U-Haul truck rentals 15 feet and larger, these vehicles feature the U-Haul exclusive Mom’s Attic®, providing the perfect space for your fragile moving boxes.

Whether you’re moving across town or to a neighboring city, the 15’ truck features the versatility and space needed for your moderately sized move.

20-Foot Truck – U-Haul

The 20-foot moving truck is for two to three-bedroom homes. It can handle a significant amount of furniture, appliances, and boxes, making it a good choice for larger moves. This truck rental size is especially useful for families with more belongings moving longer distances.

26-Foot Truck – U-Haul

The 26-foot moving truck is the largest U-Haul truck size. It provides maximum space for your furniture, appliances, and other belongings – ensuring all your possessions fit comfortably and securely. This truck rental is perfect for families who need to relocate a long distance or across town on a single trip.

Our 26-foot rental truck, combined with our 6x12-foot cargo trailer, offers the most capacity for your belongings in the self-moving industry. In fact, 22% more space or 126 additional medium boxes.

U-Haul has more than 25,000 locations across the United States and every Canadian province, so you’ll always be able to find a truck rental near you. Ready to move? Reserve your U-Haul truck online today and choose from thousands of locations nationwide.

 

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