Moving out of an apartment doesn't require a massive 26-foot truck—and paying for one will drain your budget fast. Renting the right size moving truck saves you money, time, and the headache of overpaying for space you don't need. We'll break down exactly which truck size fits your apartment move and what you should expect to pay.
Understanding Moving Truck Sizes for Apartments
Apartment moves typically fall into the 10–17 foot truck range. Here's what each size actually holds:
- 10-foot truck: Studio or one-bedroom apartment with minimal furniture. Fits roughly 3–4 rooms of belongings. Good for solo moves or couples with light packing.
- 12-foot truck: One to two-bedroom apartment. Handles most standard apartment moves comfortably. Can fit a bedroom set, couch, dining table, and boxes.
- 15-foot truck: Two to three-bedroom apartment. Popular for families or anyone with significant furniture. Provides extra ceiling height for tall items.
- 17-foot truck: Three-bedroom apartment or moves with heavy, bulky items (storage units, piano, office equipment).
Don't assume bigger is better—oversizing costs $20–$40 more per day and burns extra gas.
Typical Rental Costs for Apartment Moves
Truck rental pricing varies by company, season, and distance. Here's what apartment movers typically pay:
Local moves (under 50 miles):
- 10-foot truck: $30–$50 per day
- 12-foot truck: $40–$65 per day
- 15-foot truck: $50–$80 per day
One-way or long-distance moves:
- 10-foot truck: $0.50–$1.00 per mile
- 12-foot truck: $0.60–$1.20 per mile
- 15-foot truck: $0.70–$1.40 per mile
Major companies like U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot often run promotions during off-peak seasons (October–April). Weekend rentals typically cost 20–30% more than weekday pickups. Add damage waivers ($15–$25), mileage overages, and fuel surcharges to your final bill.
When to Choose a Moving Company Instead
If your apartment move involves stairs, tight hallways, or fragile items, renting a truck and hauling alone may cost more in the long run—especially if something breaks. Local moving companies that specialize in apartment moves often charge $800–$2,500 depending on volume and distance, but include labor, insurance, and professional packing. Mercoly helps you compare trusted apartment and small movers in your area to find services that match both your budget and move complexity.
Booking Tips to Lock in the Best Rate
Reserve early. Booking 3–4 weeks ahead typically guarantees better availability and pricing. Last-minute rentals incur rush fees.
Book weekdays. Tuesday through Thursday rates run 15–25% lower than Friday–Sunday slots.
Fill out dimensions accurately. When selecting truck size, measure your largest furniture piece and be honest about box count. Underestimating leads to overage trips or damaged items.
Skip optional add-ons you don't need. Furniture pads, equipment rental, and extended insurance add $50–$150. If you're moving light items in boxes, you can skip these.
Compare multiple providers. U-Haul, Penske, Home Depot, and regional companies price differently. A 12-foot truck might be $45 at one company and $60 at another on the same date.
Check for loyalty discounts. AAA members, military, and corporate employees often receive 5–15% off.
What's Included in Your Rental
Most truck rentals cover:
- Basic mileage allowance (usually 0 miles included on local rentals)
- Vehicle insurance for standard damage
- Pickup and drop-off at designated locations
They typically don't cover:
- Fuel (you refuel before returning or pay inflated rates)
- Dolly or equipment rental (though these cost only $5–$15 extra)
- Overage mileage (usually $0.30–$0.75 per mile over limit)
- Late returns (fees jump $40–$50 per hour or per day)
Return the truck on time and with a full tank to avoid surprise fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I fit a king-size bed and couch in a 12-foot truck? Yes. A 12-foot truck has about 300 cubic feet of space—enough for a bedroom set, living room furniture, and 20–30 boxes. You'll have room to spare for kitchen items and appliances.
Q: Should I rent a dolly separately or buy my own? Rental dollies cost $5–$10 per day; buying one runs $40–$80. Rent unless you plan multiple moves within the year. Rental companies usually provide free dolly use with truck rentals anyway.
Q: What's the cheapest way to move a small apartment? Rent a 10–12 foot truck on a Tuesday or Wednesday, book 3+ weeks in advance, ask for discounts (AAA, military, employer), and move during off-season (January, February, August). This combination typically saves $150–$300.
Compare apartment moving options and truck rentals on Mercoly to find the solution that fits your timeline and budget.