Moving Truck Size Calculator
Calculates rental moving truck volume in cubic feet (cu ft) and cargo deck length (10-ft cargo van, 15-ft truck, 20-ft truck, 26-ft commercial truck) based on total furniture count, major appliances, and box volume.
Formula
Total Cargo Volume = (Furniture Cu Ft + Box Cu Ft + Appliance Cu Ft) × 1.15; Truck Size = Smallest Truck >= Volume
1. Standard Rental Truck Capacities: - 10-Foot Truck: ~400 cu ft capacity (Studio / 1 Small Room) - 15-Foot Truck: ~760 cu ft capacity (1-2 Bedrooms) - 20-Foot Truck: ~1,015 cu ft capacity (2-3 Bedrooms) - 26-Foot Truck: ~1,680 cu ft capacity (3-4+ Bedrooms) 2. Net Volume = (Base Home Volume + Appliance Volume) × (1 + Packing Inefficiency %) 3. Select truck model with capacity >= Net Volume
Inputs
- Home Sizing
- Major Appliances to Move
Worked example
Sizing a rental moving truck for a single-trip 3-bedroom relocation.
Outcome: Total furniture and box volume is ~1,250 cu ft + 120 cu ft appliances = 1,370 cu ft net. With 15% stacking void factor (1,575 cu ft), requires a 26-Foot Moving Truck (1,680 cu ft capacity with Mom's Attic storage overhang).
Do you need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to drive a 26-foot moving truck?
No. Rental trucks up to 26 feet long have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 25,999 lbs or less, which is just below the 26,000 lb federal CDL threshold. Any adult with a standard valid driver's license can legally rent and drive them.