What Size Moving Truck Do I Need? A Quick Decision Helper

What size moving truck do I need?

Answer three quick questions about your home, your belongings and your trip. You get a truck size, with the lengths, cubic feet and load limits as U-Haul and Penske publish them.

How big is the home you are moving out of?

Use bedrooms as a starting point. The next question adjusts for how much you actually own.

A studio or a single room

For a studio or single room, how much do you own?

Count big furniture and appliances, not boxes. Boxes fit around them.

Light: a few big pieces, no large appliances

Is this a local move or a one-way move?

A local move returns the truck to where you picked it up. A one-way move drops it somewhere else.

Local, back to the same place

Keep an eye on it

A cargo van or pickup may be enough

For a very small load, U-Haul's page lists pickups and cargo vans under small jobs. It lists its cargo van at 246 cu. ft. and its pickup at 76 cu. ft. Penske rates its cargo van for up to 1 room, at 404 cu. ft. of cargo space. For a local move you can often make a second trip, so a slightly smaller truck is a workable choice. Penske's page lists its cargo van, 12 ft, 16 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals returned to the same location, and describes that type as short distance within 25 miles. If the Penske size named above is not on that list, ask Penske about the nearest size that is.

What to do

1. Add up your big items first: bed frame, mattress, sofa, desk. If two or three of them fill most of a cargo van's floor, step up to the next truck size.
2. Measure the tallest and widest piece you own and compare it with the door and interior sizes on the company's own page.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

One-way, drop-off elsewhere

Deal with it soon

A cargo van or pickup may be enough

For a very small load, U-Haul's page lists pickups and cargo vans under small jobs. It lists its cargo van at 246 cu. ft. and its pickup at 76 cu. ft. Penske rates its cargo van for up to 1 room, at 404 cu. ft. of cargo space. For a one-way move there is no second trip, so lean toward the larger size. Penske's page lists its 12 ft, 16 ft, 22 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals dropped at a different location, and not its cargo van. Ask U-Haul directly which sizes it offers for your route.

What to do

1. Add up your big items first: bed frame, mattress, sofa, desk. If two or three of them fill most of a cargo van's floor, step up to the next truck size.
2. Measure the tallest and widest piece you own and compare it with the door and interior sizes on the company's own page.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

Typical: a sofa, beds and a table, plus boxes

Is this a local move or a one-way move?

A local move returns the truck to where you picked it up. A one-way move drops it somewhere else.

Local, back to the same place

Keep an eye on it

The smallest box truck is the usual fit

U-Haul suggests its 10 ft truck for a studio or one-bedroom apartment, lists it at 402 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 2,850 lbs. Penske rates its 12 ft truck for 1 to 2 rooms, at 450 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 3,100 lbs. For a local move you can often make a second trip, so a slightly smaller truck is a workable choice. Penske's page lists its cargo van, 12 ft, 16 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals returned to the same location, and describes that type as short distance within 25 miles. If the Penske size named above is not on that list, ask Penske about the nearest size that is.

What to do

1. Check that your mattress, sofa and largest dresser fit in the cargo area lengthwise: the interior length is on each company's page.
2. If you are close to the limit, reserve the next size up. An empty corner costs far less in stress than a pile left on the curb.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

One-way, drop-off elsewhere

Deal with it soon

The smallest box truck is the usual fit

U-Haul suggests its 10 ft truck for a studio or one-bedroom apartment, lists it at 402 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 2,850 lbs. Penske rates its 12 ft truck for 1 to 2 rooms, at 450 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 3,100 lbs. For a one-way move there is no second trip, so lean toward the larger size. Penske's page lists its 12 ft, 16 ft, 22 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals dropped at a different location, and not its cargo van. Ask U-Haul directly which sizes it offers for your route.

What to do

1. Check that your mattress, sofa and largest dresser fit in the cargo area lengthwise: the interior length is on each company's page.
2. If you are close to the limit, reserve the next size up. An empty corner costs far less in stress than a pile left on the curb.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

Heavy: large furniture sets, appliances, a garage or storage

Is this a local move or a one-way move?

A local move returns the truck to where you picked it up. A one-way move drops it somewhere else.

Local, back to the same place

Keep an eye on it

A mid-size truck, around 15 to 16 feet

U-Haul suggests its 15 ft truck for a 1 to 2 bedroom home or apartment, lists it at 764 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 6,385 lbs. Penske rates its 16 ft truck for 2 to 3 rooms, at 800 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 4,300 lbs. For a local move you can often make a second trip, so a slightly smaller truck is a workable choice. Penske's page lists its cargo van, 12 ft, 16 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals returned to the same location, and describes that type as short distance within 25 miles. If the Penske size named above is not on that list, ask Penske about the nearest size that is.

What to do

1. List the heavy items (appliances, bookcases full of books, a tool chest) and compare their weight with the max load or load capacity the company lists for the truck.
2. Keep a short list of what you would drop first if the truck turns out too small, so you decide before moving day.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

One-way, drop-off elsewhere

Deal with it soon

A mid-size truck, around 15 to 16 feet

U-Haul suggests its 15 ft truck for a 1 to 2 bedroom home or apartment, lists it at 764 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 6,385 lbs. Penske rates its 16 ft truck for 2 to 3 rooms, at 800 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 4,300 lbs. For a one-way move there is no second trip, so lean toward the larger size. Penske's page lists its 12 ft, 16 ft, 22 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals dropped at a different location, and not its cargo van. Ask U-Haul directly which sizes it offers for your route.

What to do

1. List the heavy items (appliances, bookcases full of books, a tool chest) and compare their weight with the max load or load capacity the company lists for the truck.
2. Keep a short list of what you would drop first if the truck turns out too small, so you decide before moving day.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

One bedroom

For a one-bedroom home, how much do you own?

Count big furniture and appliances, not boxes. Boxes fit around them.

Light: a few big pieces, no large appliances

Is this a local move or a one-way move?

A local move returns the truck to where you picked it up. A one-way move drops it somewhere else.

Local, back to the same place

Keep an eye on it

The smallest box truck is the usual fit

U-Haul suggests its 10 ft truck for a studio or one-bedroom apartment, lists it at 402 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 2,850 lbs. Penske rates its 12 ft truck for 1 to 2 rooms, at 450 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 3,100 lbs. For a local move you can often make a second trip, so a slightly smaller truck is a workable choice. Penske's page lists its cargo van, 12 ft, 16 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals returned to the same location, and describes that type as short distance within 25 miles. If the Penske size named above is not on that list, ask Penske about the nearest size that is.

What to do

1. Check that your mattress, sofa and largest dresser fit in the cargo area lengthwise: the interior length is on each company's page.
2. If you are close to the limit, reserve the next size up. An empty corner costs far less in stress than a pile left on the curb.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

One-way, drop-off elsewhere

Deal with it soon

The smallest box truck is the usual fit

U-Haul suggests its 10 ft truck for a studio or one-bedroom apartment, lists it at 402 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 2,850 lbs. Penske rates its 12 ft truck for 1 to 2 rooms, at 450 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 3,100 lbs. For a one-way move there is no second trip, so lean toward the larger size. Penske's page lists its 12 ft, 16 ft, 22 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals dropped at a different location, and not its cargo van. Ask U-Haul directly which sizes it offers for your route.

What to do

1. Check that your mattress, sofa and largest dresser fit in the cargo area lengthwise: the interior length is on each company's page.
2. If you are close to the limit, reserve the next size up. An empty corner costs far less in stress than a pile left on the curb.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

Typical: a sofa, beds and a table, plus boxes

Is this a local move or a one-way move?

A local move returns the truck to where you picked it up. A one-way move drops it somewhere else.

Local, back to the same place

Keep an eye on it

The smallest box truck is the usual fit

U-Haul suggests its 10 ft truck for a studio or one-bedroom apartment, lists it at 402 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 2,850 lbs. Penske rates its 12 ft truck for 1 to 2 rooms, at 450 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 3,100 lbs. For a local move you can often make a second trip, so a slightly smaller truck is a workable choice. Penske's page lists its cargo van, 12 ft, 16 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals returned to the same location, and describes that type as short distance within 25 miles. If the Penske size named above is not on that list, ask Penske about the nearest size that is.

What to do

1. Check that your mattress, sofa and largest dresser fit in the cargo area lengthwise: the interior length is on each company's page.
2. If you are close to the limit, reserve the next size up. An empty corner costs far less in stress than a pile left on the curb.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

One-way, drop-off elsewhere

Deal with it soon

The smallest box truck is the usual fit

U-Haul suggests its 10 ft truck for a studio or one-bedroom apartment, lists it at 402 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 2,850 lbs. Penske rates its 12 ft truck for 1 to 2 rooms, at 450 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 3,100 lbs. For a one-way move there is no second trip, so lean toward the larger size. Penske's page lists its 12 ft, 16 ft, 22 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals dropped at a different location, and not its cargo van. Ask U-Haul directly which sizes it offers for your route.

What to do

1. Check that your mattress, sofa and largest dresser fit in the cargo area lengthwise: the interior length is on each company's page.
2. If you are close to the limit, reserve the next size up. An empty corner costs far less in stress than a pile left on the curb.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

Heavy: large furniture sets, appliances, a garage or storage

Is this a local move or a one-way move?

A local move returns the truck to where you picked it up. A one-way move drops it somewhere else.

Local, back to the same place

Keep an eye on it

A mid-size truck, around 15 to 16 feet

U-Haul suggests its 15 ft truck for a 1 to 2 bedroom home or apartment, lists it at 764 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 6,385 lbs. Penske rates its 16 ft truck for 2 to 3 rooms, at 800 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 4,300 lbs. For a local move you can often make a second trip, so a slightly smaller truck is a workable choice. Penske's page lists its cargo van, 12 ft, 16 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals returned to the same location, and describes that type as short distance within 25 miles. If the Penske size named above is not on that list, ask Penske about the nearest size that is.

What to do

1. List the heavy items (appliances, bookcases full of books, a tool chest) and compare their weight with the max load or load capacity the company lists for the truck.
2. Keep a short list of what you would drop first if the truck turns out too small, so you decide before moving day.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

One-way, drop-off elsewhere

Deal with it soon

A mid-size truck, around 15 to 16 feet

U-Haul suggests its 15 ft truck for a 1 to 2 bedroom home or apartment, lists it at 764 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 6,385 lbs. Penske rates its 16 ft truck for 2 to 3 rooms, at 800 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 4,300 lbs. For a one-way move there is no second trip, so lean toward the larger size. Penske's page lists its 12 ft, 16 ft, 22 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals dropped at a different location, and not its cargo van. Ask U-Haul directly which sizes it offers for your route.

What to do

1. List the heavy items (appliances, bookcases full of books, a tool chest) and compare their weight with the max load or load capacity the company lists for the truck.
2. Keep a short list of what you would drop first if the truck turns out too small, so you decide before moving day.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

Two bedrooms

For a two-bedroom home, how much do you own?

Count big furniture and appliances, not boxes. Boxes fit around them.

Light: a few big pieces, no large appliances

Is this a local move or a one-way move?

A local move returns the truck to where you picked it up. A one-way move drops it somewhere else.

Local, back to the same place

Keep an eye on it

A mid-size truck, around 15 to 16 feet

U-Haul suggests its 15 ft truck for a 1 to 2 bedroom home or apartment, lists it at 764 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 6,385 lbs. Penske rates its 16 ft truck for 2 to 3 rooms, at 800 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 4,300 lbs. For a local move you can often make a second trip, so a slightly smaller truck is a workable choice. Penske's page lists its cargo van, 12 ft, 16 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals returned to the same location, and describes that type as short distance within 25 miles. If the Penske size named above is not on that list, ask Penske about the nearest size that is.

What to do

1. List the heavy items (appliances, bookcases full of books, a tool chest) and compare their weight with the max load or load capacity the company lists for the truck.
2. Keep a short list of what you would drop first if the truck turns out too small, so you decide before moving day.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

One-way, drop-off elsewhere

Deal with it soon

A mid-size truck, around 15 to 16 feet

U-Haul suggests its 15 ft truck for a 1 to 2 bedroom home or apartment, lists it at 764 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 6,385 lbs. Penske rates its 16 ft truck for 2 to 3 rooms, at 800 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 4,300 lbs. For a one-way move there is no second trip, so lean toward the larger size. Penske's page lists its 12 ft, 16 ft, 22 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals dropped at a different location, and not its cargo van. Ask U-Haul directly which sizes it offers for your route.

What to do

1. List the heavy items (appliances, bookcases full of books, a tool chest) and compare their weight with the max load or load capacity the company lists for the truck.
2. Keep a short list of what you would drop first if the truck turns out too small, so you decide before moving day.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

Typical: a sofa, beds and a table, plus boxes

Is this a local move or a one-way move?

A local move returns the truck to where you picked it up. A one-way move drops it somewhere else.

Local, back to the same place

Keep an eye on it

A mid-size truck, around 15 to 16 feet

U-Haul suggests its 15 ft truck for a 1 to 2 bedroom home or apartment, lists it at 764 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 6,385 lbs. Penske rates its 16 ft truck for 2 to 3 rooms, at 800 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 4,300 lbs. For a local move you can often make a second trip, so a slightly smaller truck is a workable choice. Penske's page lists its cargo van, 12 ft, 16 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals returned to the same location, and describes that type as short distance within 25 miles. If the Penske size named above is not on that list, ask Penske about the nearest size that is.

What to do

1. List the heavy items (appliances, bookcases full of books, a tool chest) and compare their weight with the max load or load capacity the company lists for the truck.
2. Keep a short list of what you would drop first if the truck turns out too small, so you decide before moving day.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

One-way, drop-off elsewhere

Deal with it soon

A mid-size truck, around 15 to 16 feet

U-Haul suggests its 15 ft truck for a 1 to 2 bedroom home or apartment, lists it at 764 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 6,385 lbs. Penske rates its 16 ft truck for 2 to 3 rooms, at 800 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 4,300 lbs. For a one-way move there is no second trip, so lean toward the larger size. Penske's page lists its 12 ft, 16 ft, 22 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals dropped at a different location, and not its cargo van. Ask U-Haul directly which sizes it offers for your route.

What to do

1. List the heavy items (appliances, bookcases full of books, a tool chest) and compare their weight with the max load or load capacity the company lists for the truck.
2. Keep a short list of what you would drop first if the truck turns out too small, so you decide before moving day.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

Heavy: large furniture sets, appliances, a garage or storage

Is this a local move or a one-way move?

A local move returns the truck to where you picked it up. A one-way move drops it somewhere else.

Local, back to the same place

Keep an eye on it

A 20 to 22 foot truck

U-Haul suggests its 20 ft truck for a 2 to 3 bedroom home or apartment, lists it at 1,016 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 5,700 lbs. Penske rates its 22 ft truck for 3 to 5 rooms, at 1,200 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 10,000 lbs. For a local move you can often make a second trip, so a slightly smaller truck is a workable choice. Penske's page lists its cargo van, 12 ft, 16 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals returned to the same location, and describes that type as short distance within 25 miles. If the Penske size named above is not on that list, ask Penske about the nearest size that is.

What to do

1. Walk the house room by room and count the large pieces. Furniture sets and big appliances decide whether you are at the low or high end of this size.
2. Reserve early and confirm the exact size on the confirmation, because a larger truck is a different class of vehicle to drive and park.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

One-way, drop-off elsewhere

Deal with it soon

A 20 to 22 foot truck

U-Haul suggests its 20 ft truck for a 2 to 3 bedroom home or apartment, lists it at 1,016 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 5,700 lbs. Penske rates its 22 ft truck for 3 to 5 rooms, at 1,200 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 10,000 lbs. For a one-way move there is no second trip, so lean toward the larger size. Penske's page lists its 12 ft, 16 ft, 22 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals dropped at a different location, and not its cargo van. Ask U-Haul directly which sizes it offers for your route.

What to do

1. Walk the house room by room and count the large pieces. Furniture sets and big appliances decide whether you are at the low or high end of this size.
2. Reserve early and confirm the exact size on the confirmation, because a larger truck is a different class of vehicle to drive and park.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

Three bedrooms

For a three-bedroom home, how much do you own?

Count big furniture and appliances, not boxes. Boxes fit around them.

Light: a few big pieces, no large appliances

Is this a local move or a one-way move?

A local move returns the truck to where you picked it up. A one-way move drops it somewhere else.

Local, back to the same place

Keep an eye on it

A 20 to 22 foot truck

U-Haul suggests its 20 ft truck for a 2 to 3 bedroom home or apartment, lists it at 1,016 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 5,700 lbs. Penske rates its 22 ft truck for 3 to 5 rooms, at 1,200 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 10,000 lbs. For a local move you can often make a second trip, so a slightly smaller truck is a workable choice. Penske's page lists its cargo van, 12 ft, 16 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals returned to the same location, and describes that type as short distance within 25 miles. If the Penske size named above is not on that list, ask Penske about the nearest size that is.

What to do

1. Walk the house room by room and count the large pieces. Furniture sets and big appliances decide whether you are at the low or high end of this size.
2. Reserve early and confirm the exact size on the confirmation, because a larger truck is a different class of vehicle to drive and park.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

One-way, drop-off elsewhere

Deal with it soon

A 20 to 22 foot truck

U-Haul suggests its 20 ft truck for a 2 to 3 bedroom home or apartment, lists it at 1,016 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 5,700 lbs. Penske rates its 22 ft truck for 3 to 5 rooms, at 1,200 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 10,000 lbs. For a one-way move there is no second trip, so lean toward the larger size. Penske's page lists its 12 ft, 16 ft, 22 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals dropped at a different location, and not its cargo van. Ask U-Haul directly which sizes it offers for your route.

What to do

1. Walk the house room by room and count the large pieces. Furniture sets and big appliances decide whether you are at the low or high end of this size.
2. Reserve early and confirm the exact size on the confirmation, because a larger truck is a different class of vehicle to drive and park.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

Typical: a sofa, beds and a table, plus boxes

Is this a local move or a one-way move?

A local move returns the truck to where you picked it up. A one-way move drops it somewhere else.

Local, back to the same place

Keep an eye on it

A 26 foot truck

U-Haul suggests its 26 ft truck for a 3 to 4 bedroom home, lists it at 1,682 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 12,859 lbs. Penske rates its 26 ft truck for 5 to 7 rooms, at 1,700 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 10,000 lbs. For a local move you can often make a second trip, so a slightly smaller truck is a workable choice. Penske's page lists its cargo van, 12 ft, 16 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals returned to the same location, and describes that type as short distance within 25 miles. If the Penske size named above is not on that list, ask Penske about the nearest size that is.

What to do

1. Plan the loading order: heavy and square items first against the front wall, boxes on top, soft items to fill gaps.
2. Line up helpers for loading and unloading. A truck this size is a full day of lifting for one or two people.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

One-way, drop-off elsewhere

Deal with it soon

A 26 foot truck

U-Haul suggests its 26 ft truck for a 3 to 4 bedroom home, lists it at 1,682 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 12,859 lbs. Penske rates its 26 ft truck for 5 to 7 rooms, at 1,700 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 10,000 lbs. For a one-way move there is no second trip, so lean toward the larger size. Penske's page lists its 12 ft, 16 ft, 22 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals dropped at a different location, and not its cargo van. Ask U-Haul directly which sizes it offers for your route.

What to do

1. Plan the loading order: heavy and square items first against the front wall, boxes on top, soft items to fill gaps.
2. Line up helpers for loading and unloading. A truck this size is a full day of lifting for one or two people.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

Heavy: large furniture sets, appliances, a garage or storage

Is this a local move or a one-way move?

A local move returns the truck to where you picked it up. A one-way move drops it somewhere else.

Local, back to the same place

Keep an eye on it

A 26 foot truck

U-Haul suggests its 26 ft truck for a 3 to 4 bedroom home, lists it at 1,682 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 12,859 lbs. Penske rates its 26 ft truck for 5 to 7 rooms, at 1,700 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 10,000 lbs. For a local move you can often make a second trip, so a slightly smaller truck is a workable choice. Penske's page lists its cargo van, 12 ft, 16 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals returned to the same location, and describes that type as short distance within 25 miles. If the Penske size named above is not on that list, ask Penske about the nearest size that is.

What to do

1. Plan the loading order: heavy and square items first against the front wall, boxes on top, soft items to fill gaps.
2. Line up helpers for loading and unloading. A truck this size is a full day of lifting for one or two people.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

One-way, drop-off elsewhere

Deal with it soon

A 26 foot truck

U-Haul suggests its 26 ft truck for a 3 to 4 bedroom home, lists it at 1,682 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 12,859 lbs. Penske rates its 26 ft truck for 5 to 7 rooms, at 1,700 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 10,000 lbs. For a one-way move there is no second trip, so lean toward the larger size. Penske's page lists its 12 ft, 16 ft, 22 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals dropped at a different location, and not its cargo van. Ask U-Haul directly which sizes it offers for your route.

What to do

1. Plan the loading order: heavy and square items first against the front wall, boxes on top, soft items to fill gaps.
2. Line up helpers for loading and unloading. A truck this size is a full day of lifting for one or two people.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

Four or more bedrooms

For a home with four or more bedrooms, how much do you own?

Count big furniture and appliances, not boxes. Boxes fit around them.

Light: a few big pieces, no large appliances

Is this a local move or a one-way move?

A local move returns the truck to where you picked it up. A one-way move drops it somewhere else.

Local, back to the same place

Keep an eye on it

A 26 foot truck

U-Haul suggests its 26 ft truck for a 3 to 4 bedroom home, lists it at 1,682 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 12,859 lbs. Penske rates its 26 ft truck for 5 to 7 rooms, at 1,700 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 10,000 lbs. For a local move you can often make a second trip, so a slightly smaller truck is a workable choice. Penske's page lists its cargo van, 12 ft, 16 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals returned to the same location, and describes that type as short distance within 25 miles. If the Penske size named above is not on that list, ask Penske about the nearest size that is.

What to do

1. Plan the loading order: heavy and square items first against the front wall, boxes on top, soft items to fill gaps.
2. Line up helpers for loading and unloading. A truck this size is a full day of lifting for one or two people.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

One-way, drop-off elsewhere

Deal with it soon

A 26 foot truck

U-Haul suggests its 26 ft truck for a 3 to 4 bedroom home, lists it at 1,682 cu. ft. and gives a max load of 12,859 lbs. Penske rates its 26 ft truck for 5 to 7 rooms, at 1,700 cu. ft. and a load capacity of 10,000 lbs. For a one-way move there is no second trip, so lean toward the larger size. Penske's page lists its 12 ft, 16 ft, 22 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals dropped at a different location, and not its cargo van. Ask U-Haul directly which sizes it offers for your route.

What to do

1. Plan the loading order: heavy and square items first against the front wall, boxes on top, soft items to fill gaps.
2. Line up helpers for loading and unloading. A truck this size is a full day of lifting for one or two people.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

Typical: a sofa, beds and a table, plus boxes

Is this a local move or a one-way move?

A local move returns the truck to where you picked it up. A one-way move drops it somewhere else.

Local, back to the same place

Keep an eye on it

The largest truck, and perhaps more than one load

U-Haul suggests its 29 ft truck for a 4 to 6 bedroom home and lists it at 2,057 cu. ft. with a max load of 11,939 lbs. Penske's largest truck is its 26 ft model, rated for 5 to 7 rooms at 1,700 cu. ft. A household at this size may not fit in one vehicle. For a local move you can often make a second trip, so a slightly smaller truck is a workable choice. Penske's page lists its cargo van, 12 ft, 16 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals returned to the same location, and describes that type as short distance within 25 miles. If the Penske size named above is not on that list, ask Penske about the nearest size that is.

What to do

1. Total your belongings with a calculator or a room-by-room count, and decide whether a second vehicle, two trips or a hired mover makes more sense.
2. If you take two vehicles, think about who drives the second one and what happens if the first arrives hours early.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

One-way, drop-off elsewhere

Deal with it soon

The largest truck, and perhaps more than one load

U-Haul suggests its 29 ft truck for a 4 to 6 bedroom home and lists it at 2,057 cu. ft. with a max load of 11,939 lbs. Penske's largest truck is its 26 ft model, rated for 5 to 7 rooms at 1,700 cu. ft. A household at this size may not fit in one vehicle. For a one-way move there is no second trip, so lean toward the larger size. Penske's page lists its 12 ft, 16 ft, 22 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals dropped at a different location, and not its cargo van. Ask U-Haul directly which sizes it offers for your route.

What to do

1. Total your belongings with a calculator or a room-by-room count, and decide whether a second vehicle, two trips or a hired mover makes more sense.
2. If you take two vehicles, think about who drives the second one and what happens if the first arrives hours early.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

Heavy: large furniture sets, appliances, a garage or storage

Is this a local move or a one-way move?

A local move returns the truck to where you picked it up. A one-way move drops it somewhere else.

Local, back to the same place

Keep an eye on it

The largest truck, and perhaps more than one load

U-Haul suggests its 29 ft truck for a 4 to 6 bedroom home and lists it at 2,057 cu. ft. with a max load of 11,939 lbs. Penske's largest truck is its 26 ft model, rated for 5 to 7 rooms at 1,700 cu. ft. A household at this size may not fit in one vehicle. For a local move you can often make a second trip, so a slightly smaller truck is a workable choice. Penske's page lists its cargo van, 12 ft, 16 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals returned to the same location, and describes that type as short distance within 25 miles. If the Penske size named above is not on that list, ask Penske about the nearest size that is.

What to do

1. Total your belongings with a calculator or a room-by-room count, and decide whether a second vehicle, two trips or a hired mover makes more sense.
2. If you take two vehicles, think about who drives the second one and what happens if the first arrives hours early.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

One-way, drop-off elsewhere

Deal with it soon

The largest truck, and perhaps more than one load

U-Haul suggests its 29 ft truck for a 4 to 6 bedroom home and lists it at 2,057 cu. ft. with a max load of 11,939 lbs. Penske's largest truck is its 26 ft model, rated for 5 to 7 rooms at 1,700 cu. ft. A household at this size may not fit in one vehicle. For a one-way move there is no second trip, so lean toward the larger size. Penske's page lists its 12 ft, 16 ft, 22 ft and 26 ft trucks for rentals dropped at a different location, and not its cargo van. Ask U-Haul directly which sizes it offers for your route.

What to do

1. Total your belongings with a calculator or a room-by-room count, and decide whether a second vehicle, two trips or a hired mover makes more sense.
2. If you take two vehicles, think about who drives the second one and what happens if the first arrives hours early.
3. Compare against the company's own page for the exact truck you reserve: Penske notes that its listed specifications are for its most commonly rented fleet and vary by make, model and year.

• Movers vs. truck vs. container
• Packing supplies checklist
• Moving timeline checklist

In short: Choose a truck by home size first, then move up a size if you own heavy furniture or big appliances, and lean larger for a one-way trip. Each result quotes U-Haul's and Penske's own published lengths, cubic feet and load limits.

This helper is for anyone planning to rent a truck and drive it themselves who wants a sensible starting size before opening a reservation page. It asks about your home, how much you own and whether the truck comes back to where you picked it up. The answer names a size and quotes what the two big rental companies publish about it. Those figures are theirs, not ours, and each one is credited to the company that prints it.

How to use the answers

Start with the home you are leaving, not the one you are moving to. Bedrooms are only a rough guide, because a one-bedroom apartment with a full garage of tools is a bigger job than a three-bedroom house furnished with a bed and a couch. That is why the second question asks how much you own. Be honest on it: people nearly always underestimate the second bathroom closet, the basement shelves and the things stored under beds.

The last question, local or one-way, does not change the size much. It changes how much risk you can afford. On a local move, a second trip is annoying but possible. On a one-way move, whatever does not fit stays behind or goes by another route, so the helper leans toward the bigger truck and tells you what each company's page says about one-way rentals.

Worked example

Say you are leaving a two-bedroom apartment with a queen bed, a couple of dressers, a sofa, a dining table, a washer you plan to take, and about forty boxes. You answer two bedrooms, then heavy because of the washer and dining set, then local. The helper lands on the 20 to 22 foot class. U-Haul says it suggests its 20 ft truck for a 2 to 3 bedroom home or apartment, and Penske rates its 22 ft truck for 3 to 5 rooms. Penske's page also shows the 22 ft truck among the different-location rentals and not the same-location ones, so for a local move you would ask Penske about its 16 ft or 26 ft trucks instead, or look at U-Haul. Had you answered light on the second question, you would have landed one size smaller. Either way, the result is a place to start, not a guarantee that everything fits.

What U-Haul and Penske publish

All figures below come from U-Haul's and Penske's own truck pages as they read on November 8, 2026. The columns are different companies' own sizes, so compare lengths and cubic feet, not names.

Two details are worth noticing. U-Haul counts bedrooms and Penske counts rooms, so the guidance is not interchangeable. And Penske says its listed specifications are based on its most commonly rented fleet, not the exact measurements of every truck, so the truck you get may differ a little by make, model and year. Both companies also list smaller vehicles, such as cargo vans and, at U-Haul, pickups, for very small loads; the helper mentions them in its first result.

What changes the answer

Heavy items matter more than the number of boxes. Appliances, solid wood furniture, a piano-sized instrument or a rack of weights push you toward the larger truck and make the max load figure worth checking. Awkward items matter too: a long sectional or a tall bookcase has to fit through the back door opening and along the interior length, and those dimensions are on each company's page. Two vehicles, or one truck plus a car carrying fragile things, is a normal answer for a big household.

If you would rather add everything up than guess, the Calcimator moving truck size calculator lets you total your items and compare the result with a truck's capacity.

When to stop and reconsider

If the helper tells you the top size may not hold your things, or if you are uneasy about driving a large truck, look at the other ways to move before reserving. Movers vs. truck vs. container compares them, and sell, donate or move it helps you shrink the load. Once you have a size, the moving timeline checklist shows when to book it and what else should be done by then.

Questions people ask

Is it bad to rent a truck that is too big?

Not usually. An empty space can be filled with a mattress or soft items so boxes do not shift, while a truck that is too small turns into a second trip or a pile left behind. When you are between two sizes, the larger one is the safer error.

Why do the two companies suggest different homes for similar truck lengths?

They measure differently. U-Haul ties each truck to bedrooms and Penske ties it to rooms, and their trucks are not the same lengths. Compare cubic feet, then use the guidance only as a rough check.

Does this page show rental prices?

No. Prices change with date, route and location, so the helper deals only in size. Get the figure from the company's reservation page for your dates.

Sources

1. U-Haul, moving truck rentals and sizes uhaul.com
2. Penske, moving truck sizes and features pensketruckrental.com