Moving Truck Size & Cost Calculator
The size you need, what it costs to rent and drive, and what the movers really charge per hour. One screen, before you book anything.
Rule of thumb baked into the math: ≈ 60–75 sq ft of truck bed per bedroom of typical stuff. Rent one size up if you're a "we'll figure it out" packer, over-size beats double-rent.
How the math works
- Bed area needed = bedrooms × 70 sq ft × density. Truck picks: 600→10 ft box, 800→12 ft, 1200→16 ft, 1600→20/26 ft.
- Rental base = $100 + size × $22 + $35/day; mileage at $0.40/mile is the standard per-mile fee, fuel at the truck's 10 MPG.
- Labor = 2 movers × hours × $125/hr average crew rate (2026 US metro range $110–150).
- Full-service comparison = local moves ≈ 60 miles × $3.50/mile + $1,100 base; long distance ≈ $0.55/mile at 8,000 lbs, the industry average band.
What size truck for a 2-bedroom apartment?
12-foot box truck (≈ 800 sq ft, 2,000 lb) for normal density. Packed apartment with a garage? 16 ft. Under-sizing is how people end up renting a truck twice, the tool rounds you up.
Is renting a truck cheaper than movers?
Under ~150 miles, DIY with rented truck + hired labor is usually cheaper by 30–50%. Long distance flips: full-service per-mile rates beat your fuel + per-mile + hotel + vacation days math.
Do truck rentals charge per mile?
Most box-truck rentals include limited days of unlimited miles, then ~$0.40/mile. Confirm the per-mile fee in writing before pickup, it's the #1 surprise on the final receipt.