What Size Moving Truck Do I Need for a 2-Bedroom Apartment?
The goal of truck sizing is one trip with 10-15% of space to spare - big enough to avoid a second run, small enough to drive and park comfortably. For a two-bedroom apartment, that target is narrower than rental-company charts suggest.
Direct answer
Rent a 15-17 ft truck for a typical 2-bedroom apartment. Choose a 20 ft truck if you have large sectional furniture, appliances, or more than about 60 boxes. A 10 ft truck only works for a lightly furnished two-bedroom with two local trips.
Standard truck sizes
| Truck size | Cargo volume | Typical load |
|---|---|---|
| 10 ft truck | ~400 cu ft | Studio or small 1-bedroom, no large sofa |
| 15-16 ft truck | ~750-800 cu ft | 1-2 bedroom apartment |
| 17-20 ft truck | ~850-1,000 cu ft | 2-bedroom home, small 3-bedroom |
| 26 ft truck | ~1,600 cu ft | 3-5 bedroom house |
A 2-bedroom apartment typically packs into 40-60 boxes plus furniture. Boxes take roughly 150-250 cubic feet of that; the furniture is what pushes you between truck sizes.
Which situation are you in?
| Your 2-bedroom | Truck | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light furniture, under 45 boxes | 15 ft | Fits with room to strap tiers properly |
| Typical furnishings, 45-60 boxes | 15-17 ft | The standard choice - load furniture first |
| Sectional sofa, king bed, or appliances | 20 ft | Large single items waste stacking space |
| Local move, flexible day, small budget | 10 ft x 2 trips | Only worth it when mileage fees are low |
One-trip loading order
- Appliances and dressers first, upright against the cab wall.
- Mattresses and sofas on edge along the walls - they protect furniture and free floor space.
- Box walls floor-to-ceiling, heaviest boxes on the bottom tier.
- Awkward items last - lamps, plants, vacuum, and the essentials boxes you unload first.
If the load looks tight at the halfway point, tighten the existing tiers before continuing - re-stacking the back half beats a second trip every time.
Use the Moving Cost Calculator
Frequently asked questions
Is a 15 ft truck big enough for a 2-bedroom apartment?
Yes for most 2-bedroom apartments with typical furniture and 40-60 boxes. Size up to 20 ft if you own a sectional, a king bedroom set, or appliances.
Can a 10 ft truck move a 2-bedroom apartment?
Not in one trip. It can work for a local move done as two trips, but the mileage and time costs often erase the savings.
What if my truck is too small on moving day?
Load furniture and heavy boxes, then shuttle the overflow in personal cars - or extend the rental for a second trip. This is why sizing up one notch is the cheaper mistake.
Do I need a special license for a 15-20 ft truck?
No - consumer rental trucks up to 26 ft are driven on a standard license in the US. They do drive differently, so plan wider turns and slower highway speeds.