Budget's truck lineup: which size holds your move

Budget offers five main truck sizes for local and one-way moves: the 10-foot, 15-foot, 20-foot, 26-foot, and cargo van. The 10-foot is the smallest and works for studio apartments or single rooms. The 15-foot fits a one-bedroom apartment. The 20-foot and 26-foot handle two- to three-bedroom homes. The cargo van is designed for smaller loads that don't need a full truck bed. Actual availability varies by location and season, so the size you want may not be in stock on your preferred date.

Each size is priced differently, and one-way rentals charge per mile in addition to the daily rate. Knowing what fits in each truck before you book saves you from paying for a size too small or too large for your actual move.

Key Takeaways

  • Budget's 10-foot truck holds roughly 300 cubic feet and works for studio apartments, single rooms, or small office moves.
  • The 15-foot truck fits about 450 cubic feet and is sized for one-bedroom apartments or small house cleanouts.
  • The 20-foot and 26-foot trucks are designed for two- to three-bedroom homes and hold 800 to 1,000 cubic feet.
  • Budget's cargo van is smaller than any truck bed and costs less, but only works if you have a small load or multiple trips planned.
  • Truck size availability changes by location and season, so you should check your specific rental location before deciding which size to book.

10-foot truck: studios, single rooms, and small loads

The 10-foot truck is Budget's entry-level option and holds about 300 cubic feet. This size works well if you're moving a studio apartment, a single bedroom, or a dorm room. It can also handle a small office relocation or a garage cleanout. The truck is easier to drive and park than larger models, which matters if you're not used to handling big vehicles.

A 10-foot truck typically fits a bed, dresser, desk, small sofa, and several boxes, but not much more. If you have a lot of books, heavy furniture, or multiple large appliances, you'll likely need the next size up. Budget's website lets you enter your inventory before booking, which gives you a rough sense of whether this size will work. The truck bed is open on top, so tall items like standing lamps or bookshelves need to be secured carefully or may not fit at all.

15-foot truck: one-bedroom apartments and small houses

The 15-foot truck holds roughly 450 cubic feet and is sized for a one-bedroom apartment or a small two-bedroom. It fits a bed, sofa, dining table, dresser, and a reasonable number of boxes. Many people moving from a one-bedroom to another one-bedroom, or downsizing from a small house, find this size sufficient.

This truck is still manageable to drive if you're not an experienced truck driver, though it's noticeably larger than the 10-foot. Parking in tight urban spaces becomes harder, and you may need to reserve a loading zone or driveway space. Budget charges by the day and by mileage (for one-way rentals), so the cost difference between a 10-foot and 15-foot is usually modest. The 15-foot gives you breathing room without the complexity of handling a much larger vehicle.

20-foot and 26-foot trucks: two- to three-bedroom homes

The 20-foot truck holds about 800 cubic feet and the 26-foot holds roughly 1,000 cubic feet. These sizes are built for two- to three-bedroom homes. A 20-foot typically fits the contents of a two-bedroom apartment plus a garage's worth of items. A 26-foot can handle a full three-bedroom house with some furniture left behind or a two-bedroom with a lot of extras.

Both sizes require more driving skill and confidence. Backing up, navigating tight turns, and parking become real challenges, especially in cities. Budget offers some locations with automatic transmissions on larger trucks, which can make driving easier. If you're renting one-way (moving across state lines), the 26-foot costs more but may be worth it if you're close to filling a 20-foot anyway, since you're paying per mile. A single long-distance trip in a 26-foot often costs less than two trips in a smaller truck.

Budget cargo van: small loads and multiple trips

Budget's cargo van (sometimes called a moving van) is smaller than any truck bed and holds roughly 150 to 200 cubic feet. It's designed for small moves, office relocations, or deliveries. The van is easier to drive and park than a truck, and the rental rate is usually lower. If you're moving a single room's worth of items or making multiple trips, this can be the most practical choice.

The cargo van has no truck bed — everything goes inside an enclosed space. This protects your belongings from weather but limits how tall items can be. You cannot fit a full-size mattress standing up, and large furniture pieces may not fit at all. Budget's website shows interior dimensions, so measure your largest items before booking. The van's smaller size also means it uses less fuel and is easier to maneuver in residential neighborhoods.

How to pick the right size for your move

Start by listing your major items: beds, sofas, tables, dressers, appliances, and how many boxes you expect. Budget's website has a size estimator that asks you to select items from a checklist and shows which truck size fits. This is a useful starting point, but it tends to be optimistic about how much fits, so if the estimator suggests a 15-foot, you may want to book a 20-foot to be safe.

If you're unsure, call the Budget location where you plan to pick up the truck. Staff can tell you what's actually in stock on your date and may be able to show you the truck's interior dimensions or photos. They can also explain the difference between local and one-way pricing for each size, which affects your total cost. One-way rentals charge per mile, so a larger truck costs more over distance, but a smaller truck might require a second trip, which could cost more overall.

Availability and seasonal changes

Budget's truck availability varies by location and time of year. Summer moving season (May through September) often means smaller trucks are booked out first, so you may be offered a larger size at the same price or a smaller size at a higher price. Winter and weekday moves usually have better availability and lower rates.

If the size you want isn't available on your preferred date, Budget may offer you an upgrade (a larger truck at the same price) or a downgrade (a smaller truck with a discount). You can also try booking at a different Budget location nearby, since inventory differs by branch. Checking your local Budget website a few weeks before your move gives you the clearest picture of what's actually available and what the pricing looks like for each size on your specific dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fit a queen bed in a 10-foot truck?

Yes, a queen bed frame and mattress fit in a 10-foot truck, but you won't have much room for other furniture. If you have a sofa, dresser, or desk as well, you'll likely need a 15-foot. The 10-foot works best if you're moving just a bed, some boxes, and a few small pieces.

What's the difference between a 20-foot and 26-foot truck?

The 26-foot holds about 200 more cubic feet than the 20-foot, which is roughly the size of an extra bedroom's worth of furniture. If you're moving a three-bedroom home, a 26-foot is safer. For a two-bedroom, a 20-foot usually works unless you have a lot of items. One-way rentals charge per mile, so the 26-foot costs more over distance.

Should I rent a cargo van or a 10-foot truck?

A cargo van is cheaper and easier to drive, but holds less and has height limits. Choose the van if you're moving a single room or making multiple trips. Choose the 10-foot truck if you have larger furniture pieces, a lot of boxes, or want to do the move in one trip.

Can I upgrade to a larger truck if I run out of space?

Budget's policies on upgrades vary by location. If you've already picked up a truck and realize it's too small, call the rental location when ready. They may be able to swap you for a larger truck, though you could be charged a difference in price or a second rental fee. It's better to book a size slightly larger than you think you need.

Do I need a special license to drive a 26-foot truck?

Most states do not require a special license for a 26-foot moving truck if it's under a certain weight limit (usually 26,000 pounds). Budget's trucks are designed to stay under this threshold. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or call Budget to confirm, since rules vary by state and by truck weight.