What Size Moving Truck Do I Need for a 3-Bedroom House?
A three-bedroom house sits at the top of the consumer truck range. Undersizing here is expensive - a second long-distance trip is not an option - so the decision is really '26 ft, or provably less.'
Direct answer
Rent a 26 ft truck for a fully furnished 3-bedroom house - it is the standard one-trip size. A compact or partially furnished 3-bedroom (townhouse, minimal garage load, some rooms sparse) can fit a 20 ft truck, but only choose it if you have measured your biggest furniture and counted your boxes.
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 typical 3-bedroom house packs into 60-85 boxes, which alone occupy 250-350 cubic feet. Add three bedroom sets, living and dining furniture, and garage contents, and a 20 ft truck (~1,000 cu ft) has no margin left.
26 ft vs. 20 ft vs. two trips
| Option | Best when | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| 26 ft, one trip | Fully furnished house, any distance | Parking and driveways - measure clearance at both ends |
| 20 ft, one trip | Compact 3-bed, decluttered, light garage | No room for error - overflow has nowhere to go |
| 15-20 ft, two trips | Local moves under ~30 minutes each way | Doubles loading labor and hours on the clock |
For long-distance moves, always take the 26 ft. The rental price difference between 20 ft and 26 ft is small compared to the cost of anything not fitting.
Before you book
- Measure the driveway and street. A 26 ft truck needs about 45 ft of clear space to park and open the ramp.
- Check tow options. If a car needs to come along, confirm the truck-and-trailer combination early - not all sizes tow.
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead. The 26 ft trucks sell out first at month-end and in summer.
- Compare against containers and movers. At this size, container and full-service quotes are worth an hour of comparison - see the cost guide below.
Use the Moving Cost Calculator
Check the details before booking or buying
Check the dimensions, capacity and packing instructions of the boxes, vehicle or storage unit you actually choose. A room count alone cannot confirm that your belongings will fit.
Updated September 8, 2026 ยท Planning method and corrections
Frequently asked questions
Is a 20 ft truck big enough for a 3-bedroom house?
Only for compact or partially furnished 3-bedroom homes. A fully furnished house with 60-85 boxes and garage contents needs the 26 ft truck.
How hard is it to drive a 26 ft truck?
Manageable for most drivers, but plan wide turns, slow lane changes, and no reversing without a spotter. Avoid downtown routes and check bridge heights on rural routes.
Can I tow my car behind a 26 ft moving truck?
Usually yes, with a tow dolly or car trailer from the rental company. Reserve it with the truck, and note that towing rules out reversing entirely.
Should I rent a truck or hire movers for a 3-bedroom house?
A truck typically costs a fraction of full-service movers but adds 1-2 days of heavy labor. Compare quotes - for long distances the gap narrows more than most people expect.