What Size U-Haul Moving Truck Should You Rent for Your Move? (2024)

If you’re preparing for a DIY household move, you may be wondering “what size U-Haul truck do I need?” With numerous U-Haul truck sizes to choose from, we know that selecting the right moving truck for your next move isn’t always easy. Fortunately, we’ve taken the guesswork out of your truck rental decision. Below, you’ll find an overview of each moving truck size currently offered by U-Haul as well as eight key considerations to make when deciding on a size. Best of luck with your decision and your nextmoving truckadventure!

U-Haul Truck Sizes

• 8 ft. Pickup Trucks
• Cargo Vans
• 10 ft. Truck
• 15 ft. Truck
• 17 ft. Truck
• 20 ft. Truck
• 26 ft. Truck

8 ft. Pickup Trucks

U-Haul’s pickup trucks are an especially popular choice for students moving into college dorm rooms and studio apartments. Perfect for moving a twin bed and various boxes, these pickup trucks start at $19.95. Here’s a quick look at some of the noteworthy features available on a U-Haul pickup truck:

• Volume: 76 cu. ft.
• Max load: 1,897 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight: 6,600 lbs. max.
• Empty weight: 4,703 lbs.
• Towing capacity: Up to 6,900 lbs.
• Inside dimensions: 7’10” x 5’2″ x 1’9″ (LxWxH)
• Miles per gallon: 19 mpg
• Automatic transmission
• Air conditioning
• Seats for 3 adults

Cargo Vans

U-Haul’s cargo vans are a great size for anyone moving to a small studio apartment or a college dorm room, as each van is capable of holding a queen mattress with a box spring. According to U-Haul, cargo vans are also a more fuel efficient choice when making a local move. Cargo vans start at $19.95. Here’s a quick look at some of the noteworthy features available on U-Haul’s cargo van:

• Volume: 245 cu. ft.
• Max load: 3,880 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight: 8,550 lbs. max.
• Empty weight: 4,667 lbs.
• Inside dimensions: 9’6″ x 5’7″ x 4’8″ (LxWxH)
• Miles per gallon: 18 mpg
• Seats for 2 adults
• Automatic transmission
• Air conditioning
• Cruise control
• Gentle-Ride suspension
• Fuel-efficient V-6

10 ft. Truck

U-Haul’s 10 ft. moving truck is one of the most popular options for students, singles and couples moving to a one or two-bedroom home. U-Haul points out that this truck also boasts a low loading dock to make loading heavy boxes and furniture easier. Here’s a quick look at some of the noteworthy features available on a 10 ft. U-Haul moving truck:

• Volume: 402 cu. ft.
• Max load: 2,850 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight: 8,600 lbs. max.
• Empty weight: 5,790 lbs.
• Towing capacity: Up to 6,000 lbs.
• Inside dimensions: 9’11” x 6’4″ x 6’2″ (LxWxH)
• Miles per gallon: 12 mpg
• Fuel economy gauge
• Driver’s side Air Bag
• Seats for 2 adults
• Automatic transmission
• Air conditioning
• Gentle-Ride suspension

15 ft. Truck

The 15 ft. U-Haul truck is the company’s second smallest box truck rental and tends to be a popular choice for those moving to a one to two-bedroom home. Unlike the 10 ft. truck, the 15 ft. truck offers seating for three people (instead of just two). Here’s a quick look at some of the noteworthy features available on a 15 ft. U-Haul moving truck:

• Volume: 764 cu. ft.
• Max load: 6,385 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight: 14,500 lbs. max.
• Empty weight: 8,115 lbs.
• Towing capacity: Up to 10,000 lbs.
• Inside dimensions: 15′ x 7’8″ x 7’2″ (LxWxH)
• Miles per gallon: 10 mpg
• Fuel economy gauge
• Air bags
• Seats 3 for adults
• Automatic transmission
• Air conditioning
• AM/FM radio
• Gentle-Ride suspension
• Disc brakes
• 2’10” Low Deck

17 ft. Truck

U-Haul’s 17 ft. moving truck offers the perfect solution for moving a two to three-bedroom home. U-Haul notes that the truck can accommodate a local move as well as a long distanceone-way move.Here’s a quick look at some of the noteworthy features available on a 17 ft. U-Haul moving truck:

• Volume: 865 cu. ft.
• Max load: 6,160 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight: 14,500 lbs. max.
• Empty weight: 8,340 lbs.
• Towing capacity: Up to 10,000 lbs.
• Inside dimensions: 16’9″ x 7’8″ x 7’2″ (LxWxH)
• Miles per gallon: 10 mpg
• Fuel economy gauge
• Air bags
• Seats for 3 adults
• Automatic transmission
• Air conditioning
• AM/FM radio
• Gentle-Ride suspension
• Disc brakes
• Widest and shortest ramp

20 ft. Truck

Equipped with a large-capacity van-like cab, the 20 ft. U-Haul moving truck is designed for moving a two to three-bedroom home. The 20 ft. truck is perfect for moving long distances, as this truck can comfortably seat three people.Here’s a quick look at some of the noteworthy features available on a 20 ft. U-Haul moving truck:

• Volume: 1,016 cu. ft.
• Max load: 5,700 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight: 14,500 lbs.
• Empty weight: 8,800 lbs.
• Towing capacity: Up to 7,500 lbs.
• Inside dimensions: 19’6″ x 7’8″ x 7’2″ (LxWxH)
• Miles per gallon: 10 mpg
• Fuel economy gauge
• Air bags
• Seats for 3 adults
• Automatic transmission
• Air conditioning
• AM/FM radio
• Gentle-Ride suspension
• Disc brakes
• Widest and shortest ramp

26 ft. Truck

U-Haul’s 26 ft. truck is the company’s largest moving truck available for rent. The truckis perfect for larger, four-plus-bedroom moves and comes with “comfortable van-like seating” for up to three people. Capable of transporting large loads, this moving truck also comes with the ability to tow a trailer. Here’s a quick look at some of the noteworthy features available on a 26 ft. U-Haul moving truck:

• Volume: 1,682 cu. ft.
• Max load: 9,010 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight: 25,999 lbs. max.
• Empty weight: 12,990 lbs.
• Towing capacity: Up to 7,500 lbs.
• Miles per gallon: 10 mpg
• Inside dimensions: 26’5″ x 8’2″ x 8’3″ (LxWxH)
• Fuel economy gauge maximizes fuel efficiency
• Seats for 3 adults
• Automatic transmission
• Air conditioning
• AM/FM radio
• Gentle Ride suspension
• Disc brakes
• Widest and shortest ramp
• Hitch with 2″ ball to tow a trailer
• Tie downs and rub rails on all three walls
• Power steering
• Patented dual mirrors for high vision

What Size U-Haul Do I Need?

Still not sure what size truck you need? With so many U-Haul truck sizes to choose from, deciding on the right one for your move can be difficult. Thankfully, we can help. Here are eight questions to ask yourself when selecting a U-Haul truck.

1. How many bedrooms am I moving?
   

   When choosing the right size U-Haul truck, consider the number of bedrooms you plan to move. As a rule of thumb: the more bedrooms you move, the larger the truck you need. Fortunately, U-Haul provides general guidelines for number of bedrooms and corresponding truck sizes to rent. For instance, U-Haul recommends renting the 8 ft. pickup truck, 9 ft. cargo van or 10 ft. moving truck for small studio, one-bedroom moves. The truck rental company recommends the 15 ft. truck for one to two-bedroom home, the 17 ft. truck for a two to three-bedroom home, and a 26 ft. truck for four-plus-bedroom homes.

2. How far am I moving?
   

   Planning to move nearby? If you’re able to make multiple trips back and forth between homes, then you can likely get away with renting a small U-Haul truck. However, those embarking on a long distance, one-way move will need to size up in order to fit everything at once. In addition, you may want to consider the gas mileage involved when moving long distance. Smaller U-Haul trucks typically get better gas mileage than larger trucks and may be a better fit for small, long distance moves.

3. Am I moving bulky furniture that won’t fit inside a box?
   

   Bulky furniture that won’t fit inside boxes often takes up a large amount of space inside the moving truck. If the majority of your belongings fit inside boxes or can be disassembled, then you may be able to fit items inside a smaller truck. Large, bulky furniture pieces, on the other hand, will likely require a larger box truck. Bulky furniture pieces include dining tables, sofas and sectionals, large chairs, coffee tables, dressers, mattresses, console tables, bar stools, desks and beds. U-Haul also provides details about the types of bulky furniture pieces that can fit inside each truck. For instance, the truck rental company claims that its 10 ft. moving truck can easily fit a king size bed, loveseat, two end tables, and a four piece dining room table with spare room for boxes filled with household items.

4. Am I using my own car to move items as well?
   

   In addition to a moving truck, do you plan to use your personal car to haul loose, miscellaneous items? If so, you may not need as large of a truck as you think. On the other hand, if you’re moving without a personal car, you’ll need a truck large enough to hold all of your boxes and furniture items.

5. How many boxes am I moving?
   

   From small cardboard boxes to large plastic bins, your moving boxes will likely take up at least half (likely more) of the room inside the moving truck. Of course, the more boxes you have, the bigger the truck you need. To figure out the number of boxes needed for your move, use Moving.com’s handy moving box calculator. All you have to do is select the number of bedrooms being moved, the number of people over 12 years of age in your household, the type of lifestyle you lead and the packing style you prefer. From there, we’ll estimate the number of boxes you need.

6. Am I comfortable driving a large truck?
   

   U-Haul truck renters often forget that these moving trucks aren’t always easy to drive. In fact, if you’re not used to driving a large vehicle, maneuvering a box truck can be downright challenging. If you’re uncomfortable driving a large moving truck, then we recommend renting one of U-Haul’s smaller moving truck rentals such as the cargo van or 10 ft. moving truck.

7. Will I need to add a trailer or tow a car?
   

   Are you going to need to add a trailer to haul grills, bikes, patio furniture and other outdoor items? What about an added car carrier to haul your vehicle? If you’re planning to rent either a cargo trailer or car carrier, you must also rent a truck large enough (and heavy enough) to carry the extra load. In addition, you’ll need to decide which size trailer or car carrier to rent. Fortunately, U-Haul offers a wide range of options, including small, medium and large cargo trailers as well as five different types of utility trailers.

8. How many cubic feet can the truck hold?
   

   When deciding on a truck size, make sure to pay attention to the number of cubic feet that each rental can hold. According to U-Haul, you should allow 150 to 200 cubic feet of truck space per fully furnished room. Once you’ve calculated the number of cubic feet you’ll be packing, select the truck that’s capable of holding that number.

Final Recommendations Regarding U-Haul Truck Sizes

For small studio and one-bedroom moves, U-Haul recommends renting the 8 ft. pickup truck, 9 ft. cargo van or 10 ft. box truck. For medium to large moves, the rental truck company recommends considering the 15 ft., 20 ft., and 26 ft. box trucks, as these vehicles are all equipped with comfort cabs, low-decks and wide loading ramps to make moving easier. If you’re planning to move a family to a large, four-plus bedroom home, U-Haul’s 26 ft. moving truck (the company’s largest truck rental option) will be your best bet. Finally, when in doubt, always size up. The last thing you want is to waste time and energy loading a moving truck only to realize that it won’t hold all of your belongings.

Ready to Rent a Moving Truck?

In addition to U-Haul, there are multiple other truck rental companies to choose from when planning a DIY move. Just make sureto select one located near your current and new home for added ease. For more information and discounts on various rental truck companies, such as Penske, U-Pack and Budget, check out Moving.com’struck rentalcenter.