Rent a truck that is too small and you are making a second trip across town at the end of an exhausting day. Rent one that is too big and you pay for space you do not use, then drive a vehicle that is harder to park and more likely to let furniture shift. Picking the right size comes down to one number: how many cubic feet your belongings take up.
This guide includes a moving truck size calculator that adds up your furniture and boxes, a comparison of standard rental truck sizes, and the Tampa-specific things to know before you drive one. It comes from a moving company in Tampa whose crews load rental trucks for customers who drive their own.
Quick Answer: What Size Moving Truck Do I Need?
A studio or small one-bedroom usually fits in a 10 to 12 ft truck. A one-bedroom home or a two-bedroom apartment typically needs a 15 to 16 ft truck. A two- to three-bedroom home usually needs a 20 to 22 ft truck, and a three- to four-bedroom home calls for a 26 ft truck. If you are between sizes, go one size up. A little extra room costs far less than a second trip.
Use the calculator below to size the truck to what you actually own.
Moving Truck Size Calculator
Start from your home size, then adjust the furniture and box counts to match what you really own. The calculator adds up the volume and shows which rental truck fits in one trip.
Start from:
Your best fit
Renting the truck yourself? Our labor-only movers load it tight and unload it at the other end.
| Truck | Approx. capacity | Usually fits | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo van | About 250 cu ft | A dorm room or a few pieces of furniture | Easiest to park, but no ramp and little headroom. |
| 10 to 12 ft | About 400 cu ft | A studio or small one-bedroom | Drives like a large van. Often no ramp. |
| 15 to 16 ft | About 760 cu ft | A one-bedroom home or two-bedroom apartment | A popular size for apartment moves. |
| 20 to 22 ft | About 1,015 cu ft | A two- to three-bedroom home | Needs a wide turn and a long parking spot. |
| 26 ft | About 1,600 to 1,680 cu ft | A three- to four-bedroom home | The largest standard rental truck. Plan parking at both homes in advance. |
Capacities are rounded and vary by a few inches between rental brands. The calculator uses rounded cubic-foot estimates for each item and adds 10 percent for the gaps that always appear when a truck is loaded.
Moving Truck Sizes Compared
Most rental companies offer trucks from about 10 to 26 feet. Exact lengths and capacities vary a little between brands, but the sizes line up closely:
- 10 to 12 ft, about 400 cubic feet: a studio or small one-bedroom, or a partial move.
- 15 to 16 ft, about 760 cubic feet: a one-bedroom home or a two-bedroom apartment.
- 20 to 22 ft, about 1,015 cubic feet: a two- to three-bedroom home.
- 26 ft, about 1,600 to 1,680 cubic feet: a three- to four-bedroom home.
When to Size Up
- You have a garage or shed. Tools, bikes, and patio furniture fill space fast.
- You own large pieces. Sectionals, armoires, and king beds take more room than their footprint suggests.
- The move is one way. On a long move you cannot run back for a second load.
- Your count is a guess. If you have not packed yet, round up. Boxes almost always outnumber the first estimate, which is why our moving box calculator is worth running first.
Weight Matters Too
Volume is only half the limit. Every rental truck has a maximum payload, and a truck full of books, tools, and appliances can hit its weight limit before it runs out of space. Heavy pieces like pianos and gun safes also need proper equipment to get up a ramp safely. If your move includes items like these, plan for extra hands, or leave those pieces to a crew with the right equipment.
Driving and Parking a Rental Truck in Tampa
- No special license. Standard consumer rental trucks, up to the usual 26 ft size, do not require a commercial driver’s license.
- Start early. Summer heat builds by midday, and afternoon storms are common from May through September.
- Watch the bridges. The Sunshine Skyway closes when sustained winds reach 40 mph, and the Howard Frankland, Gandy, and Courtney Campbell are monitored during storms. A tall, empty box truck handles wind badly.
- Plan parking at both ends. HOAs, apartment complexes, and downtown buildings often limit where and when a truck can stop, and many garages are too low for a box truck.
- Do not leave a loaded truck overnight unplanned. If loading and unloading happen on different days, park it somewhere secure and well lit.
Loading the Truck
Load the heaviest furniture first, against the wall behind the cab, then build the load in tiers from floor to ceiling. Keep boxes square and tight, strap each section as you go, and fill gaps with soft items so nothing shifts. Our step-by-step guide on how to pack a moving truck covers the full loading order.
Rent a Truck, Hire Help, or Book Movers?
Knowing your truck size is half the decision. Answer five questions to see whether a DIY truck, a truck plus a loading crew, or a full-service move fits you best.
| Option | You handle | We handle | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY rental truck | Renting, packing, loading, driving, and unloading | Nothing | Small, ground-floor moves with plenty of friends and time |
| Rental truck plus labor only | Renting and driving the truck | Loading and unloading with trained crews through our labor-only service | Anyone comfortable driving who wants the heavy lifting done right |
| Full-service move | Deciding what goes where | The truck, the crew, the drive, and optional packing, through our local moving service | Bigger homes, stairs, heavy pieces, and tight schedules |
Moving Truck FAQ
What size moving truck do I need for a one-bedroom apartment?
Most one-bedroom apartments fit in a 10 to 12 ft truck, but a one-bedroom with a full living room, a dining set, and a lot of boxes may need a 15 to 16 ft truck.
What size truck do I need for a two-bedroom apartment?
A 15 to 16 ft truck usually fits a two-bedroom apartment. A two-bedroom house with a garage often needs a 20 to 22 ft truck.
What size truck do I need for a three-bedroom house?
Plan on a 20 to 22 ft truck for a smaller three-bedroom house and a 26 ft truck if you have a garage, a large kitchen, or a lot of furniture.
Do I need a special license to drive a 26 ft moving truck?
No. Standard consumer rental trucks, up to the usual 26 ft size, do not require a commercial driver's license.
Can movers load a truck I rent myself?
Yes. Our labor-only crews load and unload rental trucks, so you only handle the driving.
Rent the Truck, Let Us Do the Lifting
Once you know your truck size, the hardest part is loading it well. Our labor-only movers load your rental tight, protect your furniture, and unload it at the new place, anywhere in Tampa Bay. If you would rather skip the truck altogether, our local movers bring their own. Request a free quote and tell us which truck you are renting.
Areas We Serve
Skyway Moving & Storage proudly serves all of Florida! Not sure if we cover your area? Just give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help!
Movers Tampa, FL
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Our Services
Explore our services and find the perfect solution for your next move.
Local Moving
When it comes to moving within the area, we are your go-to team for reliable and efficient local moving solutions. Our experienced movers are familiar with the neighborhoods and logistics, ensuring a smooth transition to your new home or office. Whether it’s across town or a few blocks away, we’re here to make your local moving easy and organized.
Long Distance Moving
Skyway Moving & Storage is your trusted Tampa partner for long-distance relocations. Our experienced movers handle every detail—from packing and logistics to safe transport and delivery. With dedicated truck options, your belongings stay secure and on schedule. Count on our clear communication and service to make your long-distance move smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
Residential Moving
Moving your home is a big task; we are here to help. Our residential moving services are designed to handle every aspect of your relocation, from packing and loading to safe delivery. Whether you’re moving into a house, condo, or townhome, our team ensures your belongings are handled with care and professionalism.
Apartment Moving
Navigating tight hallways, staircases, and elevators is no problem for us. Our apartment moving services are tailored for smaller spaces and urban environments, ensuring your move is handled efficiently and without complications. Trust us to transport your belongings safely to your new apartment.
Packing Services
Save time and energy with our professional packing services. Our skilled team uses high-quality materials to secure your belongings, from fragile items to heavy furniture. Whether you need help packing an entire home or specific rooms, we’ll ensure everything is ready for transport.
Labor Only
Our labor-only services are the perfect solution if you need help with heavy lifting or loading. We provide skilled movers to assist with loading and unloading trucks, rearranging furniture, or other labor-intensive tasks. You supply the truck, and we’ll provide the muscle.
Storage Solutions
Looking for a secure place to store your belongings? Skyway Moving & Storage offers flexible storage options to meet your needs. Whether you need short-term storage during your move or a long-term solution, our facilities are safe, monitored, and designed to keep your items in excellent condition.
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