Choosing a U-Haul truck size is one of those moving decisions that sounds simple until you start looking at furniture, boxes, stairs, driveways, and the number of trips you are willing to make. Pick too small and you may spend the day reloading, reshuffling, or making extra mileage runs. Pick too large and you may pay for more truck than you really need.
If you are planning a local move around Millersville, Severn, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Glen Burnie, or nearby Anne Arundel County, this guide will help you think through the right truck size before you reserve.
Quick local tip: truck availability can change by date and location. Use this as a planning guide, then contact Severna Office & Storage Park about U-Haul rental options in Millersville before moving day.
Quick U-Haul truck size guide
Here is a practical way to think about common U-Haul rental sizes. Exact fit depends on how much furniture you own, how tightly you pack, and whether you are moving appliances, outdoor equipment, or bulky garage items.
| Rental option | Best for | Common local use |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup truck | Small loads, supplies, single furniture pieces | Buying boxes, moving a mattress, hauling a desk, quick local errands |
| Cargo van | Dorm rooms, studio overflow, boxes, small furniture | Apartment move, office setup, storage runs |
| 10 foot truck | Studio or small one-bedroom move | Boxes, mattress, small sofa, light furniture |
| 15 foot truck | One-bedroom or small two-bedroom move | Apartment move with several larger furniture pieces |
| 20 foot truck | Two-bedroom to small three-bedroom move | Townhome or larger apartment move |
| 26 foot truck | Larger household move | Multi-bedroom home, bigger furniture, fewer trips |
Start with rooms, then adjust for real life
Room count is a good starting point, but it is not the whole story. Two one-bedroom apartments can require very different trucks. A minimalist apartment with a bed, sofa, and a few boxes may fit in a smaller truck. A one-bedroom apartment with a sectional, large dining set, exercise equipment, bookcases, and outdoor gear may need more room.
Before you reserve, walk through your home and list the bulky pieces first. Sofas, dressers, mattresses, dining tables, desks, tool chests, shelving, patio furniture, and appliances are usually what determine truck size. Boxes can often fill the remaining spaces, but awkward furniture shapes decide the layout.
When a pickup truck or cargo van makes sense
A pickup truck or cargo van can be the right call when you are not moving a full household. These smaller options are useful for:
- Picking up moving boxes and packing supplies
- Moving a mattress, desk, small sofa, or dresser
- Transporting office supplies or business inventory
- Taking seasonal items to storage
- Handling a dorm, studio, or light apartment move
For customers using a drive-up storage unit in Millersville, a cargo van or pickup can also be useful for smaller storage runs before or after the main move.
When to choose a 10 foot or 15 foot truck
A 10 foot truck is often a good fit for a studio, dorm, or small one-bedroom move. If your move includes a mattress, boxes, a small table, and a few furniture pieces, this may be enough.
A 15 foot truck gives you more flexibility. It is often a better choice when you have a sofa, multiple dressers, a dining set, a desk, or more than one room of furniture. If you are torn between a 10 foot and 15 foot truck, think about your time. For local moves, a slightly larger truck can sometimes save a second trip.
When to look at 20 foot or 26 foot trucks
A 20 foot truck is usually the conversation point for larger apartments, townhomes, and smaller homes. It gives more loading room for furniture and stacked boxes, which can make the day smoother if you are moving with family, helpers, or hired labor.
A 26 foot truck is generally for larger households or moves where avoiding multiple trips matters. If you have several bedrooms, large furniture, garage contents, outdoor equipment, or lots of boxes, the larger truck may be the more practical choice.
Should you rent a trailer instead?
A trailer can be useful when you already have a vehicle set up for towing and only need extra hauling space. It may work well for equipment, boxes, small furniture, or overflow items. But trailer rentals come with towing requirements, hitch considerations, and comfort level. If you are not used to towing, ask questions before you reserve.
If you are deciding between a truck and trailer, think about what you are moving, how far you are driving, whether you have towing equipment, and how comfortable you are backing up or parking with a trailer.
Pairing U-Haul rental with storage
One of the most common moving problems is timing. Your lease ends before the new place is ready. Closing gets delayed. Renovation work takes longer than expected. A roommate move splits the load into multiple days. This is where temporary storage can make the move less chaotic.
Severna Office & Storage Park offers self storage units in Millersville, MD, so customers can pair a U-Haul rental with storage when they need a buffer. Drive-up storage can be especially helpful because you can load and unload without navigating stairs or elevators.
Do not forget moving supplies
The right truck size helps, but the right packing setup matters too. A move goes faster when boxes are consistent, sealed, labeled, and ready to load. Before pickup day, make sure you have:
- Small, medium, and large moving boxes
- Packing tape and a tape dispenser
- Bubble wrap, paper, or padding for fragile items
- Mattress covers and furniture protection
- Markers or labels for each room
- Moving blankets or padding for wood furniture
You can pick up moving boxes and packing supplies in Millersville at Severna Office & Storage Park, which makes it easier to handle the truck, storage, and supplies in one local stop.
Local moving questions to ask before reserving
Before you book your U-Haul rental, it helps to answer a few simple questions:
- How many rooms are you moving?
- Do you have large furniture, appliances, or garage items?
- Are stairs, elevators, or narrow streets involved?
- Would one larger truck save an extra trip?
- Do you need boxes, tape, mattress covers, or other supplies?
- Will you need storage for a few days, weeks, or months?
- Are you moving locally or one-way?
If you are unsure, call ahead and describe the move. A quick conversation can often save time, stress, and guesswork.
Need a U-Haul rental in Millersville?
Severna Office & Storage Park helps local customers with U-Haul rentals, moving supplies, and drive-up self storage from one convenient location at 313 Najoles Road, Millersville, MD 21108. We serve customers around Millersville, Severn, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Gambrills, Glen Burnie, and nearby Anne Arundel County.
Visit our U-Haul rental page or call 410-987-1852 to ask about current truck sizes, trailer options, moving supplies, and storage availability.
U-Haul truck size FAQ
What size U-Haul truck do I need for a one-bedroom apartment?
A 10 foot truck may work for a small one-bedroom or studio with lighter furniture. A 15 foot truck is often more comfortable if you have a sofa, dining set, desk, multiple dressers, or a larger number of boxes.
Is it better to rent a larger truck and make one trip?
For many local moves, a slightly larger truck can save time and mileage by reducing extra trips. The best choice depends on your budget, driving comfort, parking space, and how much you are moving.
Can I rent a U-Haul and storage at the same location?
Yes. Severna Office & Storage Park offers U-Haul rental support, moving supplies, and drive-up self storage in Millersville, Maryland, which can help if your move takes more than one day.
Should I reserve moving supplies before truck pickup?
It is smart to gather boxes, tape, wrap, and covers before moving day. Having supplies ready helps you load faster and protects furniture, dishes, electronics, and fragile items.