Moving Truck Size, Cubic Feet, Weight, and Box Count for Your Home
October 29, 2026
Choosing the right truck avoids a second trip or paying for unused space. Moving companies estimate the volume in cubic feet and the weight in pounds. A common rule of thumb is about 7 pounds per cubic foot for a typical household load, with the load for a 1-bedroom apartment around 2,000 to 3,500 pounds and for a 3-bedroom house 8,000 to 12,000 pounds.
Rental truck capacities (approximate): 10-foot truck about 400 cubic feet; 15-foot about 760; 20-foot about 1,015; 26-foot about 1,680. Packing efficiency of 80% to 90% is realistic.
Skip the math and get your answer instantly:
Open the Volume Calculator →Matching Home Size to Truck
The table gives typical guidelines. A studio or small one-bedroom fits in a 10-foot truck; one to two bedrooms in a 15-foot; two to three bedrooms in a 20-foot; three to four bedrooms in a 26-foot. When in doubt, go one size up, because loading efficiently often needs more space than expected, and a large truck costs less than two trips. Check the maximum payload (the weight of the load): 7 pounds per cubic foot in 760 cubic feet is about 5,300 pounds, so check the rental company's maximum load for the truck, because dense items like books can reach the weight limit before the space is full.
| Home size | Estimated volume | Truck size | Boxes (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / small 1 BR | 400-600 cu ft | 10 ft | 20-35 |
| 1-2 BR | 600-900 cu ft | 15 ft | 35-60 |
| 2-3 BR | 900-1,200 cu ft | 20 ft | 60-90 |
| 3-4 BR | 1,300-1,800 cu ft | 26 ft | 90-150 |
Counting Boxes and Items
Use small boxes (1.5 cubic feet) for books and heavy items, medium (3 cubic feet) for kitchen items and toys, and large (4.5 cubic feet) for linens and light things. A large sofa is about 60 cubic feet, a queen mattress 40, a dresser 30, a refrigerator 40, a washer 30, and a dining table 40. Add the volumes: a 2-bedroom might have 15 furniture items at 35 average (525) plus 55 boxes at 3.5 (190) for about 715 cubic feet, so a 15-foot truck, at 94% full, is tight; a 20-foot truck is safer.
Estimating the Cost
Rental prices (example rates only): a base fee of about $40 to $130 per day for the truck, plus a mileage charge of roughly $0.80 to $1.20 per mile, plus fuel at 8 to 12 miles per gallon. A 300-mile move at $1.00 per mile, with $100 base, 30 gallons of fuel at $3.50 ($105), and $30 of insurance, comes to about $535. Compare with full-service movers, who charge by weight or by hour (for local moves, $100 to $200 an hour for a crew), and with portable containers. Don't forget supplies: boxes, tape, pads, and straps.
Packing Tips
Load heavy items first and keep them near the cab, balance weight left to right, and fill gaps with soft items. Declutter before the move: each box you eliminate saves packing, space, and weight. Book trucks well ahead for the end of the month and summer, the busiest times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a household load weigh per cubic foot?
About 7 pounds.
What truck fits a one- or two-bedroom home?
Typically a 15-foot truck.
How much does a 15-foot truck hold?
About 760 cubic feet.
How can I estimate the number of boxes?
Roughly 20 to 35 for a studio and 90 to 150 for a large home.
Should I choose a larger truck if unsure?
Usually, since a second trip costs more.