Moving Truck & Van Size Estimator
Calculate cubic feet volume, recommended moving truck length (10ft to 26ft), and packing boxes needed based on your home size.
Ideal for 2 to 3 bedroom homes. Offers comfortable capacity with extra space buffer for awkward items.
Estimated Moving Boxes & Packing Supplies
🚚 Pro Loading Strategy: "The 10% Cushion Rule"
Furniture rarely fits like perfect puzzle cubes. Table legs, curved sofas, and bicycle handlebars create dead air space. Always reserve at least a 10% to 15% volume buffer so you never have to make a stressful second trip on moving day.
About this tool
How to use it
- Pick Imperial (feet / lbs) or Metric (meters / kg) from the Units selector to switch which unit leads in every result — truck length, cargo volume, and payload weight all show both, just in whichever order you picked.
- Select your current home size or number of bedrooms (Studio up to 4+ bedroom home).
- Choose your furnishing density (Minimalist, Standard/Average, or Heavy with garage/attic).
- Check any large bulky furniture pieces or major appliances you intend to transport.
- Read your recommended rental truck size (10ft, 15ft, 20ft, or 26ft) and your packing box inventory checklist.
Why it matters
Renting a moving truck that is too small leads to exhausting second trips or abandoning furniture on the curb. Renting an oversized 26-foot truck for a 1-bedroom flat wastes hundreds of dollars in fuel and rental fees. Accurate volumetric estimation guarantees the right vehicle for a single, stress-free move.
When to use it
Use this calculator when planning DIY residential moves, requesting truck rental quotes (from U-Haul, Budget, Penske, or Hertz), or ordering moving boxes and bubble wrap in advance.
Good to know
Standard moving trucks come in 10-ft (402 cu ft), 15-ft (764 cu ft), 20-ft (1,015 cu ft), and 26-ft (1,680 cu ft) lengths. Driving a 26-ft rental truck in the US or UK does not require a commercial driving license (CDL).
Common questions
What size moving truck do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment?
A 2-bedroom apartment typically requires a 15-foot or 20-foot truck (764 to 1,015 cubic feet). If you have a full dining set, heavy sectional, or large storage closets, opting for the 20-foot truck provides a safe buffer.
Do I need a special commercial driver's license (CDL) to drive a 26-foot rental truck?
No. In the United States and Canada, moving rental trucks up to 26 feet have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) under 26,000 lbs, meaning any driver with a standard valid driver's license (age 18+ or 21+) can legally drive them.
How many boxes do I need for a 3-bedroom house?
An average 3-bedroom house requires approximately 80 to 110 total moving boxes: 30-40 small, 35-45 medium, 15-20 large, and 6-8 wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes.
What is the 10% volume cushion rule?
Irregular furniture (curved chairs, bicycles, floor lamps) leaves air gaps between packed items. Reserving a 10% to 15% volume buffer ensures your load fits comfortably into the truck without having to force or crush delicate possessions.