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What Size Moving Truck Do I Need for a 4-Bedroom House? Let’s Break It Down

Posted in Moving Essentials on March 17, 2025

It’s easy to underestimate just how much stuff can fit into the average household. So, with the big day on the horizon, an important question pops up – what size moving truck do I need for a 4-bedroom house? No one wants to be stuck with one that’s too small, leading to last-minute panic and multiple trips, or one that’s too big, swallowing your furniture like a warehouse. Here’s how to make the perfect choice with no headaches involved.

Bottom Line – What Size Moving Truck Do I Need for a 4-Bedroom House?

For a 4-bedroom house, a truck between 20 and 26 feet in length is the ideal size. These vehicles offer ample space for large furniture, appliances, and boxes, making sure everything fits comfortably. Choosing the right size saves time, hassle, and ensures your belongings are transported safely in one go.

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A 4-Bedroom House – How Much Stuff Are We Talking?

A typical household is packed with around 300,000 items. Yep, you read that right! Three hundred thousand! It sounds like something straight out of a hoarding show, but when you start counting all those random knick-knacks – suddenly, it doesn’t seem so far-fetched.

And we’re talking about an average household here! If you’ve got a 4-bedroom house, especially with kids, the number skyrockets. There might be 300,000 of just toys, half of which are probably hiding under the couch right now.

The average American home has tripled in size since the 1950s

And then it’s time to move. Suddenly, that calm and peaceful home turns into a chaotic whirlwind of moving boxes, tape, and confusion. Packing the entire house is not exactly a walk in the park, but with the right strategy, a stress-free move doesn’t have to be just wishful thinking.

Create a Household Inventory To Get a Clearer Picture

Before the tornado of packing materials hits, creating a home inventory is a lifesaver. Go room by room, jotting down everything you’ve got – from furniture to small heirlooms. You can even use apps that make it easy to take photos of your stuff and categorize it. With this simple relocation inventory, you’ll know exactly what you’re working with, and the whole process will be immune to forgotten things!

A person creating a household inventory for long-distance moving
To know exactly what you're relocating, it's good to have a home inventory

Small, Medium, or Large – What Truck Size Does Your House Really Need?

The average moving truck size falls somewhere between 16 and 26 feet long. Why? Because this range can handle just about any type of move. So, which one is the perfect choice for your interstate relocation? Let’s break it down by size:

10-Foot Trucks

The 10-foot truck is basically the compact car of this industry. It’s perfect for one-room or studio apartments and can haul about 400 cubic feet of your stuff. It’s ideal for small long-distance moving journeys – just you, your futon, and a couple of boxes. It’s small, nimble, and won’t have you sweating the tight corners or narrow streets.

20-Foot Trucks

Now we’re getting into the middle ground with the 20-foot truck, a solid option for 2-3 bedroom homes. It’s spacious enough to fit about 1,000 cubic feet of stuff, making it the perfect choice for midsize moves. Plus, it’s still manageable to drive without feeling like you’re piloting a ship.

26-Foot Trucks

This is the heavyweight champion for 3-4 bedroom homes. It has about 1,400 cubic feet of space, enough to transport all your worldly belongings in one go. It’s perfect if you’ve got a big family or just a lot of stuff (we’re looking at you, garage and attic hoarders). The best part? No need for multiple trips. Just load it up, hit the road, and let this beast (and your long-distance movers) handle the heavy lifting.

The 26-Footer Is the Perfect Size for This Cross-Country Move

So, we’ve broken down the usual sizes used for moving across the country, and here’s the deal – for a 4-bedroom house, you’re looking at anything between 20 and 26 feet in truck length. Why? Because these big boys have enough room to store your furniture, appliances, and every last box you’ve taped shut at 3 am.

Now, the exact size depends on the amount of stuff you have. Are you a minimalist or a collector of all things under the sun? If you’re the kind of person who has one sofa, two plates, and a wardrobe that fits in a carry-on, a 20-footer might just do the trick.

However, if you’ve been hoarding every childhood memento, hand-me-down, and “just in case” kitchen gadget, you’re definitely going to need that 26-footer. That is, unless you’re willing to do some serious downsizing for the move, becoming a favorite at your local Goodwill along the way.

Movers loading a truck
It all comes down to exactly how much stuff you've got

Going Smaller? Why It Might Cost You More in Time and Hassle

Squeezing all of your belongings into a smaller vehicle can be tempting, especially if it lowers the cost of cross-country moving services. But before you get too excited about this life-size game of Tetris, let’s pump the brakes. Going smaller sounds good in theory, but in reality, it’s a fast track to headaches, chaos, and some serious time-sucking.

Why is this a terrible idea? Well, you’ll spend way more time trying to strategically pack the truck, only to realize that, no matter how many times you rearrange it, that last box just won’t fit. And that’s when the panic starts setting in.

It’s All About Avoiding the ”Two Trips” Disaster

The minute you find yourself making the dreaded second journey, the entire point of renting a smaller vehicle goes out the window. Time wasted, gas burned, and your stress level? Through the roof. You’ll quickly wish you’d just gone for the bigger truck in the first place and saved yourself the trouble. Trust us, one trip is enough for your sanity – and your wallet.

A truck in the street during rain
Imagine going through all of this twice - doesn't sound fun, right?

Expert Packing Tips To Box up Your Entire Home

Before you start loading up the stuff, you’ve got to pack everything the right way. A well-packed house means a safe, drama-free journey for all your precious belongings. If everything’s boxed up neatly and securely, the truck ride will be smooth sailing (or as smooth as relocation can ever get).

Of course, if the idea of folding clothes and bubble-wrapping every fragile item makes you break out in a cold sweat, there’s always an easier way – call the pros! Experts such as Cross Country Movers offer full packing services that can help box up your entire house. Let’s be real – if they offer car shipping as well, would a couple of rooms really be a challenge for them?

Not only does this save you time and stress, but you can also rest easy knowing that your grandma’s antique china won’t meet an untimely end at the bottom of the pile. But, if you’re feeling up to the challenge and want to handle some of it yourself, here are some packing tips to get you started:

  • Use sturdy boxes so that everything stays intact,
  • Keep heavy items on the bottom and lighter ones on top,
  • Don’t overpack because it can result in damage and injury,
  • Label everything so unpacking after the move is easier,
  • Pack an essentials bag with stuff like toiletries and a change of clothes.

Knowing these relocation hacks is a great start, but nothing beats the expertise of professional movers. They’ve done this hundreds of times, and they know exactly how to get everything packed up perfectly and loaded like a puzzle, ensuring nothing shifts or breaks in transit. In most cases, leaving it to the experts is the smartest move.

Here’s How To Maximize Space in the Truck and Keep Your Stuff Safe

To make the most of the truck’s space, start with the heaviest items – like furniture, kitchen items, and big boxes. These should go in first and be placed at the back of the truck, closest to the cab. This not only gives you a strong foundation but also keeps the vehicle balanced for the drive.

Next, think vertically. Stack items as high as you can without making everything unstable. Stack heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones at the top to prevent crushing anything fragile. Use soft items like pillows or blankets to fill in gaps and keep things from shifting during the ride. And don’t forget to secure everything with ropes or straps. You don’t want your couch doing somersaults as you hit the highway!

Movers loading a truck
With the help of experts, this whole ordeal will be a complete breeze

Honk if You’re Ready – Moving Cross-Country Has Never Been Quite This Easy

Whether you’re a minimalist with a love for clean spaces or someone who holds onto every childhood memento, there’s a truck that fits your needs. So, take a deep breath, pack those boxes (or call in the pros), and get ready for your smooth, one-trip move.

And speaking of smooth moves, Cross Country Movers are here to seal that deal! Whether you need help with transport or a full range of services, our team will make sure your belongings travel safely and securely. Don’t let stress get the best of you – contact us today for a hassle-free move, and let us do the heavy lifting! You deserve it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Drive a 26-Foot Truck With a Regular Driver’s License?

Yes, in most places, a standard driver’s license is more than enough. However, it’s important to remember that these trucks are much larger than your average vehicle, so take it slow and practice turns, braking, and parking before hitting the open road. If you’re not sure about it, calling in the pros is always an option.

How Do I Calculate How Many Boxes I’ll Need for a 4-Bedroom House?

A general rule of thumb is about 150-200 boxes for a 4-bedroom house, depending on how much stuff you have. It’s always a good idea to stock up on more boxes than you think you’ll need, as packing tends to require more space than anticipated.

Do I Need to Rent Equipment, Like Dollies or Furniture Pads?

Yes, renting equipment like dollies and furniture pads is a smart move. These tools make the heavy lifting easier and help protect your belongings from damage, ensuring that everything arrives in one piece at your new home.

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