One of the most overlooked—but most critical—decisions you’ll make during a move is choosing the right size moving truck. Too small, and you’ll be stuck making multiple trips (or leaving things behind). Too large, and you’ll waste money and risk your belongings shifting around during transport.
The perfect truck size keeps your items safe, your move efficient, and your costs under control. In this guide, we’ll break down how to choose the right moving truck for your specific needs—whether you’re moving a studio apartment or a 5-bedroom home. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring professional help from movers in Atlanta or trusted movers in Alpharetta GA, understanding truck sizes can save you major headaches.
Why Truck Size Matters More Than You Think
Many people underestimate the amount of space their belongings take up. As a result, they either rent a truck that’s too small—or pay for a truck far bigger than they need.
Problems with the wrong size truck:
- Too small: Multiple trips, higher fuel costs, rushed packing, damage from stacking.
- Too large: Unused space leads to item shifting, breakage, and wasted money.
Choosing the right truck size is about more than square footage—it’s about volume, layout, and safety. Getting this step right means a faster, smoother move with less stress.
Understand Truck Sizes (and What Fits Inside)
Moving trucks are generally measured in feet (referring to cargo space length) and cubic feet (interior storage volume). Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common truck sizes and what they typically fit:
10–12 ft. Truck
- Ideal for: Studio or 1-bedroom apartment
- Capacity: ~400–500 cubic feet
- Fits: Mattress, small dresser, few boxes, chairs, TV
14–17 ft. Truck
- Ideal for: 1–2 bedroom home
- Capacity: ~600–800 cubic feet
- Fits: Queen bed, couch, dining table, appliances, 10–15 boxes
20–22 ft. Truck
- Ideal for: 2–3 bedroom home
- Capacity: ~1,000–1,200 cubic feet
- Fits: Beds, dressers, sofa sets, washer/dryer, large boxes
24–26 ft. Truck
- Ideal for: 3–5 bedroom home or long-distance moves
- Capacity: ~1,400–1,600 cubic feet
- Fits: Entire household, patio furniture, garage tools, large appliances
If you’re unsure, consult with movers in Alpharetta GA who can estimate the right truck based on your home size and inventory.
Calculate Cubic Footage Like a Pro
If you’re renting a truck yourself, understanding how to calculate cubic feet helps you make the right call.
Formula:
Multiply length x width x height (in feet) of each item, then total them up.
For example:
- Couch: 7 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft = 63 cubic ft
- Queen Mattress: 6.5 x 5 x 1.5 = 48.75 cubic ft
- Medium box: 2 x 1.5 x 1.5 = 4.5 cubic ft
If you have 40 boxes and 10 pieces of furniture, you might need at least 800–1,000 cubic feet of space.
Most movers in Atlanta use software or inventory sheets to help calculate this for clients. Don’t be afraid to ask for a quick virtual walkthrough if you’re unsure.
Consider the Type of Move: Local vs Long-Distance
Your moving distance also affects which truck size is best.
Local Moves:
- Shorter distances mean you can make multiple trips if necessary.
- A slightly smaller truck may save money if fuel isn’t a major factor.
Long-Distance Moves:
- You need everything to fit in one load.
- It’s better to have a slightly larger truck to ensure you don’t leave anything behind.
If you’re hiring movers from Atlanta for a long-distance move, they’ll often bring a 26-foot truck to ensure everything fits comfortably. This also accounts for professional padding, straps, and safety equipment.
Don’t Forget Oversized or Specialty Items
Not all trucks are created equal when it comes to large or awkwardly shaped items. If you’re moving any of the following, be sure to factor in extra space:
- Sectional couches
- Upright pianos
- Refrigerators
- King-size beds
- Treadmills or home gyms
- Outdoor grills or patio sets
Items like these require maneuvering room and may need ramps or lift gates—features often found on larger trucks or those used by professional movers in Alpharetta GA.
Ask ahead: will your furniture be disassembled? Will the movers need extra room for padding and protection?
Consider Truck Accessibility and Driver Experience
The bigger the truck, the harder it is to drive and park—especially in cities like Atlanta.
If you’re DIY-ing:
- Make sure you’re comfortable driving a large vehicle.
- Consider the width of roads, parking availability, and driveway size.
- Check height clearances for bridges and parking garages.
If the idea of backing up a 26-foot truck stresses you out, you’re not alone. That’s why many people choose to hire professional movers in Atlanta who bring their own vehicles and have the experience to navigate tight turns and city blocks.
Use a Moving Company for Expert Recommendations
One of the easiest ways to pick the right truck size is to leave it to the pros. Reputable moving companies will evaluate your inventory and determine the appropriate truck—ensuring everything fits and arrives safely.
Working with experienced movers in Alpharetta GA or movers across Atlanta means you don’t need to guess:
- No calculating cubic feet
- No renting the wrong size
- No wasted time or fuel
Most professional movers bring additional supplies like furniture blankets, dollies, and tie-downs. And they load trucks efficiently—saving space and reducing risk of damage.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right size moving truck is one of the smartest things you can do to ensure a smooth and stress-free move. It prevents last-minute repacking, protects your belongings, and can save you money in the long run.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Understand the importance of truck size
- Match your home size to typical truck lengths
- Calculate your cubic footage needs
- Consider your move distance
- Account for large and specialty items
- Factor in driving and accessibility
- Lean on professionals for accurate guidance
Whether you’re packing up a studio or relocating your entire household, don’t leave your truck size to chance. If you’re overwhelmed, companies like movers in Atlanta and experienced teams like movers in Alpharetta GA are ready to help.
After all, the right truck isn’t just about transportation—it’s about making sure your move is smooth, secure, and successful from start to finish.
