What Size Cargo Van Do You Really Need? A Guide by Room Count
Moving in Atlanta isn’t just about packing boxes and bribing friends with pizza. One of the most overlooked decisions is choosing the right size cargo van. Get a van that’s too small and you’ll take multiple trips (and rack up mileage). Get one that’s too large and you’ll pay for unused space while struggling with tight parking. At Cargo Atlanta, we recommend a simple rule of thumb: match your van size to the number of rooms you’re moving. Use the guide below to book with confidence and move smarter.
Why Van Size Matters More Than You Think
- Cost Efficiency: One trip in the right van is almost always cheaper than two in a smaller one.
- Time Savings: Atlanta traffic can turn “quick” extra trips into a long day.
- Stress Reduction: The right dimensions prevent last-minute “does the couch fit?” puzzles.
- Safety: Proper space reduces the risk of shifting loads and damaged furniture.
Studio or 1 Bedroom (≈ 250–700 sq. ft.)
Recommended Van: Small cargo van (low-roof Ford Transit or similar)
Capacity: 1–2 rooms’ worth of boxes and small furniture
Best For: Students, young professionals, or minimalists
What fits easily:
- Mattress (twin/full)
- Loveseat or small sofa
- Coffee table, bookshelves, chairs
- 10–15 medium boxes
Atlanta scenario: Moving into a studio in Midtown or a 1BR near Georgia Tech? A small van is perfect and easier to park in garages along Peachtree Street.
Tip: Pair with a basic moving kit (boxes, tape, bubble wrap) to stay organized.
2 Bedroom Apartment (≈ 700–1,000 sq. ft.)
Recommended Van: Standard cargo van (mid-roof Transit, Sprinter, or Promaster)
Capacity: 2–3 rooms of furniture and boxes
Best For: Couples or roommates with a typical setup
What fits easily:
- Queen bed + frame, dresser, nightstands
- Sectional or standard sofa
- Dining table with 4 chairs
- TV stand/media console
- 15–20 medium/large boxes
Atlanta scenario: A Buckhead 2BR with shared living room furniture benefits from mid-roof height—great for tall IKEA wardrobes without awkward “furniture Tetris.” Standing room also makes loading easier in summer heat.
Related read: Where to Buy Furniture in Atlanta — And How to Get It Home.
3 Bedroom Apartment or Small House (≈ 1,000–1,400 sq. ft.)
Recommended Van: Large cargo van (high-roof Transit, Sprinter, or Promaster)
Capacity: 3–4 rooms of furniture and boxes
Best For: Families or renters with bulkier pieces
What fits easily:
- King bed or multiple queen sets
- Crib/nursery furniture
- Large sectional or recliner set
- Dining table with 6 chairs
- Entertainment center or tall bookshelves
- Washer/dryer
- 25–30 boxes
Atlanta scenario: Upgrading from Sandy Springs to a house in Decatur? A high-roof van lets you take living room sets and multiple beds in a single load, with full stand-up clearance for organizing.
Tip: Add mattress covers, sliders, and straps (available in moving supply bundles) to protect furniture and maximize space.
4+ Bedrooms or Full House (≈ 1,400+ sq. ft.)
Recommended Vehicle: Extra-large cargo van or box truck
Capacity: Entire household
Best For: Larger families or oversized items/appliances
What fits easily:
- Multiple bedroom sets
- Full dining room suite
- Large sectionals and accent chairs
- Major appliances (washer, dryer, refrigerator)
- 40+ boxes
Atlanta scenario: Relocating a family home from East Point to Alpharetta? Consider the largest high-roof or a box truck if you’re moving multiple appliances or antiques. A single load saves time over a long cross-city haul.
Smart call: Decide what’s worth moving vs. replacing. Sometimes it’s cheaper to re-buy bulky, low-value items and use your van for higher-value pieces.
Beyond Room Count: 5 Factors That Can Change Your Van Size
- Furniture Style: Minimalist pieces pack tighter than oversized recliners and farmhouse tables. When measuring, check manufacturer specs (see a general furniture buying/measurement guide).
- Appliances: Adding a washer/dryer or large fridge often justifies sizing up.
- Trip Distance: Midtown hops? Multiple trips may be fine. Roswell, Marietta, or out-of-state? Fit it in one go.
- Parking Access: Smaller vans handle tight apartment lots; box trucks need more space.
- Budget vs. Time: Short on time? Upgrade. Plenty of time and help? A smaller van with two trips could work.
Why Rent from Cargo Atlanta?
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all moving. Cargo Atlanta offers low-roof, mid-roof, and high-roof cargo vans with flexible mileage packages and weekend-friendly pickup times—conveniently located in Midtown for easy access to Downtown, Buckhead, and anywhere inside or outside the perimeter.
- Transparent pricing with no surprise delivery fees
- Options for personal or commercial insurance
- Online booking, fast pickup, and easy returns
- Add-ons: dollies, straps, and moving kits for a smoother day
The Bottom Line: Match Van Size to Room Count
- Studio / 1BR: Small cargo van
- 2BR: Mid-roof cargo van
- 3BR / Small House: High-roof cargo van
- 4+ BR / Large House: High-roof or box truck
Still unsure what size cargo van do you need? Tell us your room count and any oversized items, and we’ll dial in the best van and mileage package for a one-trip move. Pair your rental with protective supplies and simple tool add-ons to protect furniture and floors.