Moving Task
15 Ft vs 20 Ft Moving Truck: Which Should You Choose?
Quick answer
If you are deciding between a 15 ft moving truck and a 20 ft moving truck, the simplest rule is this:
- Choose 15 ft if you have minimal furniture, a small studio, or a small 1-bedroom and want the tighter option.
- Choose 20 ft if you want more margin, easier loading, or you have a fuller 1-bedroom or small 2-bedroom.
If you are near the upper end of 15 ft, the 20 ft truck is usually the safer choice.
This guide is for people comparing 15 ft and 20 ft truck sizes before they book anything.
How To Compare Truck Size
- Start with your home size.
- Count bulky furniture separately from boxes.
- Choose the smaller truck only if the load is clearly light.
- Choose the larger truck if you want loading margin.
Not sure which truck is enough? Build your plan around your inventory.
Start Here
If you still need a volume estimate, start with the truck size estimator, then use this comparison page to decide whether 15 ft or 20 ft is the better fit.
Most people compare these two truck sizes because the choice usually comes down to a tighter budget versus more room to breathe on move day. A 15 ft truck can work well for a light studio or small 1-bedroom, while a 20 ft truck is usually the more comfortable choice for a fuller 1-bedroom or small 2-bedroom.
The difference between a 15 ft and 20 ft truck is usually the difference between a tight fit and a little more loading margin.
If you want the broader baseline first, use the what size moving truck do I need? guide.
If you want the deeper sizing pages, use what fits in a 15 ft moving truck? and what fits in a 20 ft moving truck? alongside this page. If your move is larger than a small 2-bedroom, compare the 26 ft truck page. If you also want box counts, use the how many boxes fit in a moving truck guide and the moving truck sizes explained guide.
For broader planning, compare this with the book movers guide and the packing supplies checklist.
15 Ft vs 20 Ft Truck: Key Differences
- Space: 15 ft is often listed around 400+ cubic feet, and 20 ft is often listed around 700+ cubic feet, but real usable space is lower once furniture and packing inefficiencies are factored in.
- Margin: 15 ft is tighter at the upper end, while 20 ft gives you more flexibility.
- Typical use: 15 ft works best for a small studio or small 1-bedroom, while 20 ft is better for a fuller 1-bedroom or small 2-bedroom.
- Loading difficulty: 15 ft is harder to load when the furniture is bulky, while 20 ft is easier when you want breathing room.
Capacity Difference: 15 Ft vs 20 Ft
| Truck size | Best for | Typical risk |
|---|---|---|
| 15 ft | Studio or small 1-bedroom | Tighter at the upper end |
| 20 ft | Full 1-bedroom or small 2-bedroom | Safer and easier to load |
How Big Is A 15 Ft Truck?
A 15 ft truck is often listed around 400+ cubic feet, but real usable space is lower once furniture and packing inefficiencies are factored in. It fits a smaller load, but it gets tight when furniture starts taking up the middle of the truck.
How Big Is A 20 Ft Truck?
A 20 ft truck is often listed around 700+ cubic feet, but real usable space is lower once furniture and packing inefficiencies are factored in. It gives you more room for stacked boxes, bulky furniture, and a little more loading margin. If your move is larger than a small 2-bedroom, you may need a 26 ft truck.
When To Choose 15 Ft
- You are moving a small studio.
- You have a small 1-bedroom with minimal furniture.
- You want the lower-cost option and the load is clearly light.
When To Choose 20 Ft
- You have a fuller 1-bedroom.
- You have a small 2-bedroom with moderate furniture.
- You want more margin so the move is easier to load and less stressful.
Real-World Examples
Example: a queen bed, loveseat, TV stand, and about 20 boxes often fit in 15 ft if the rest of the furniture is minimal.
Example: a full 1-bedroom with a bed, sofa, dining set, dresser, desk, and around 30 boxes is usually a better fit for 20 ft.
Which Truck Should You Pick?
If you want the shortest decision rule possible: choose 15 ft for a smaller move with minimal furniture, and choose 20 ft when you want more margin, easier loading, or you are near the upper end of 15 ft capacity.
How we estimate: These ranges are based on typical furniture layouts, box counts, and real-world packing. Truck sizes vary by provider, so we recommend sizing up when you are near a limit.
Next Steps
Still estimating volume
Use the truck size estimator to check the truck size against your full item list.
Need the deeper pages
Read the individual pages for 15 ft truck and 20 ft truck if you want the size-specific breakdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a 15 ft or 20 ft truck?
Choose 15 ft if your move is small and lightly furnished. Choose 20 ft if you want more margin or your load is starting to feel full.
Is 15 ft enough for a 1-bedroom?
Sometimes. A small 1-bedroom usually fits, but a fuller setup with bulky furniture can make 15 ft feel tight.
Is 20 ft enough for a 2-bedroom?
Sometimes. A small 2-bedroom can fit, but fuller 2-bedroom and house moves often need more space.
What is the safest choice if I am unsure?
If you are near the upper end of 15 ft capacity, choose 20 ft for more margin and easier loading.
MoveBeacon helps you compare truck size before you book anything.
Build a personalized move plan based on your exact date.
Get a precise truck size based on your inventory