How to Choose the Right Size Moving Truck or Container for Your Move

One of the most common (and stressful) mistakes people make on moving day? Underestimating how much space they need. The last thing you want is to realize your moving truck or container is too small—forcing you into extra trips, unexpected delays, or leaving things behind.

At The Moving Brothers, we’re here to help you avoid those headaches! With the right plan, you can choose the perfect size truck or container for a smooth, one-and-done move.

Here’s how to estimate the right size based on your home and inventory—plus a few pro tips to keep you organized and stress-free.

🚚 Why Choosing the Right Size Matters

✅ Prevents extra trips (saving you time and money)✅ Keeps your belongings safe by avoiding overpacking✅ Helps movers load efficiently✅ Ensures a smooth, single-day move

🏠 Quick Guide: What Size Moving Truck Do You Need?

Here’s a general rule of thumb based on home size:

Home Size	Truck Size	Container Size Equivalent
Studio or 1-Bedroom Apt	10–12 ft truck	Small (8 ft container)
1–2 Bedroom Home	15–17 ft truck	Medium (12 ft container)
2–3 Bedroom Home	20–22 ft truck	Large (16 ft container)
3–4 Bedroom Home	26 ft truck	Multiple large containers
5+ Bedroom Home	Larger truck or 2 trips	Custom moving plan required

TIP: When in doubt, go bigger! A little extra space is much better than not enough.

📦 How to Estimate Your Inventory

To get an accurate idea of what you’ll need, ask yourself:

✔️ How much furniture do I have? (Couches, beds, tables, etc.)✔️ How many boxes am I packing? (Average homes use 10-15 boxes per room)✔️ Do I have large or awkward items? (Pianos, gym equipment, oversized décor)✔️ Am I bringing outdoor items? (Patio furniture, grills, bikes)

Still unsure? Professional movers (like us!) can help you estimate based on a quick walkthrough or inventory list.

📝 Tips to Avoid Last-Minute Moving Day Surprises

✅ Book your truck or container early. Especially during peak moving seasons in Southwest Florida!✅ Overestimate your needs. A half-full truck is way better than needing a second one.✅ Use uniform box sizes. This makes loading easier and maximizes space.✅ Disassemble bulky furniture. Take apart bed frames, tables, and shelving to save room.✅ Don’t forget vertical space. Stack lighter boxes on top of heavier items.

🏡 What About Long-Term Storage?

If you're a seasonal resident or need temporary storage, choose climate-controlled containers to protect against Southwest Florida’s heat and humidity. We offer options that are perfect for:

✔️ Seasonal home storage✔️ Staging your home for sale✔️ Temporary downsizing

🚚 Let The Moving Brothers Help You Pick the Perfect Fit

Still not sure what size you need? No worries! The experts at The Moving Brothers can assess your move and recommend the ideal truck or container to keep your move efficient and affordable.

We serve Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, and the surrounding areas with top-notch moving services designed to take the stress out of your big day.

Contact us today for a free estimate, and we’ll make sure you have the perfect size and the perfect team to get the job done right!