What Moving Truck Size Do I Need?

Choosing the best size rental truck for your move

A common moving mistake is renting the wrong size truck. A vehicle that’s too small can mean multiple trips or having to leave belongings behind, and an oversized rental will cost more than necessary.

While truck sizes offered by different companies share similarities, there is no standardization, which can make it frustrating to compare options and prices.

Fortunately, we’ve gathered the info you need to make an informed decision, and you can also learn about an easier option for long-distance DIY moving with U-Pack®.

What moving truck dimensions are available?

Most rental companies offer vehicles in multiple sizes, with the largest truck being 26 feet in length. The smaller sizes vary between companies.

Below is what’s available from 4 national rental services, and you can click on each name to learn more:

• Budget® (12’, 16’, 26’)
• Enterprise® (15’, 16’, 24’, 26’)
• Penske® (12’, 16’, 22’, 26’)
• U-Haul® (10’, 15’, 17’, 20’, 26’)

Ryder® trucks are not available for personal moves.

Matching truck capacity with your home size

Most companies offer suggestions based on the size of your home. Below is a general guide, but please note that you may need a larger truck if your home is heavily furnished or if you’re also packing items currently in storage.

Need to move less stuff in town? Renting a cargo van might be a better fit.

Key information to know about all rental truck sizes

Besides capacity, there are other features you’ll need to consider before renting a moving truck.

Internal dimensions and door openings

Measure large furniture pieces and mattresses, as they may exceed the truck's internal dimensions or the door openings (especially in smaller rentals).

Passenger seats

How many people need to ride in the rental? Box trucks are not made to seat more than three people, and Budget’s and Penske’s 12’ and 16’, Enterprise’s 15’ and U-Haul’s 10’ trucks only have room (and seatbelts) for two passengers.

Moving with kids? It’s important to note that trucks are not the safest vehicles for car seats.

Towing a vehicle or trailer

If you plan to tow a personal vehicle or an enclosed trailer, you’ll want to ensure your rental truck is equipped to haul the necessary equipment.

Enterprise doesn’t allow towing. You can rent towing equipment from Budget, Penske, and U-Haul for all but their smallest truck sizes (10’ or 12’).

Driving the largest moving truck can be tricky

Operating a rental truck isn’t as easy as driving a regular car, especially if you’re also towing a trailer. If you’re uncomfortable managing such a large vehicle for hundreds of miles, renting a truck may not be the best option for your move.

Plus, the bigger the truck, the lower its fuel efficiency. Try this rental truck fuel calculator.

Is choosing a truck size too much trouble? Try U-Pack for your out-of-state move

With U-Pack, you can get an affordable and flexible DIY move comparable to truck rental without the hassle of choosing or driving a moving truck (and paying extra for fuel along the way!).

U-Pack’s moving trailers are 28’ x 8’ x 9’ (offering space similar in size to a 26’ truck plus a 10’ truck). The difference is you’re only charged for the space you use, down to a minimum of 5 linear feet. We also offer ReloCube® moving containers, and you’ll only pay for the containers you use.

Get a free, no-obligation quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. If you have questions about moving truck sizes and how they compare to U-Pack equipment, let us know!

Budget® is a registered trademark of Budget Truck Rental, LLC. Enterprise® is a registered trademark of Enterprise Holdings, Inc. Penske® is a registered trademark of Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P. Ryder® is a registered trademark of Ryder System Inc. U-Haul® is a registered trademark of U-Haul International, Inc. Use of third-party trademarks or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third party.