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
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.