What Size Moving Truck Do I Need? An Easy Australian Guide
You’re ready to move. The boxes are piling up, the real estate agent has the keys, and there’s just one critical decision left that can make or break your moving day: choosing the right size truck.
Pick one that’s too small, and you’re facing the nightmare of multiple trips, wasted time, and the sinking feeling of leaving essential items behind. Pick one that’s too big, and you’ve paid for space you don’t need, plus you’ll have to navigate a larger, more difficult vehicle through suburban streets.
Getting it right is the secret to a smooth, efficient, and cost-effective move. This guide will walk you through exactly how to estimate the perfect truck size for your belongings, taking the guesswork out of one of moving’s biggest headaches.
Why Getting the Right Truck Size is So Important
Let’s quickly break down the risks of getting it wrong:
- If your truck is too small: You’ll face multiple trips, which means more fuel costs, higher rental fees if you’re paying by the hour, and a much longer, more exhausting day. It’s the most common and most frustrating moving day mistake.
- If your truck is too big: You’re paying for empty space. It can also be harder to park and manoeuvre, and your belongings might shift around more during transit if the truck isn’t packed tightly, increasing the risk of damage.
The Easiest Method: Estimating by House Size
For most people, this is the quickest and most reliable starting point. Removalists and rental companies have been doing this for decades, and it works well as a general guide.
Studio or 1-Bedroom Apartment
For a minimalist move, you might get away with a large ute or a cargo van. However, for a standard one-bedroom apartment with a couch, bed, and a few pieces of furniture, you should be looking at a small truck.
- Recommended Truck Size: A 3-tonne truck.
- Estimated Volume: Around 10-15 cubic metres (m³).
2-Bedroom Apartment or House
This is where you definitely move into small-to-medium truck territory. You’ll need space for two beds, a lounge suite, a dining set, and a fridge, plus a good number of boxes.
- Recommended Truck Size: A 4-5 tonne truck.
- Estimated Volume: Around 20-25 cubic metres (m³).
3-Bedroom House
The classic family home move. This requires a medium-sized truck to accommodate multiple beds, larger furniture, whitegoods, and potentially outdoor items like a BBQ and kids’ bikes.
- Recommended Truck Size: A 6-8 tonne truck.
- Estimated Volume: Around 30-40 cubic metres (m³).
4+ Bedroom House
For a large family home, you are entering the large truck category. At this stage, the complexity and sheer volume of items often make hiring professional removalists a much more practical and safer option. They will have the right size truck and the manpower to get it done efficiently.
- Recommended Truck Size: A 10-12 tonne truck or larger.
- Estimated Volume: 45m³ and up.
A More Accurate Method: Use a Moving Calculator
The house size method is a great estimate, but it doesn’t account for your personal lifestyle. Are you a minimalist, or have you been collecting furniture and books for twenty years?
For a more precise figure, use an online moving calculator.
These free tools allow you to create a virtual inventory of your home. You simply go room by room and enter the quantity of each item you have (e.g., 1 x 3-seater sofa, 1 x queen bed, 30 x standard boxes). The calculator then uses average item dimensions to give you a total estimated volume in cubic metres (m³). This number is the most accurate way to determine the space you need.
Don’t Forget the Big, Awkward Stuff!
When you’re doing your inventory, pay special attention to items that take up an unusual amount of space or are awkwardly shaped. These can throw out a simple estimate. Make sure you account for:
- Modular or L-shaped sofas
- Large entertainment units
- Pianos or large musical instruments
- Big refrigerators or chest freezers
- Outdoor furniture sets
- Ride-on lawnmowers or large tool chests
Quick Reference Chart: Truck Size Guide
| Home Size | Typical Truck Size (GVM) | Estimated Volume (m³) | Perfect For… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bed | 3 Tonne | 10-15 m³ | A couple or single person with standard furniture. |
| 2 Bedroom | 4-5 Tonne | 20-25 m³ | A small family or a couple with a home office. |
| 3 Bedroom | 6-8 Tonne | 30-40 m³ | The average family home with garage and garden items. |
| 4+ Bedroom | 10-12 Tonne | 45+ m³ | Large family homes with extensive furniture and belongings. |
The Golden Rule: When in Doubt, Go One Size Up
If you are hesitating between two sizes, it is almost always safer and smarter to choose the slightly larger truck. The small additional cost is cheap insurance against the disaster of not being able to fit everything on moving day. A little extra space is a lifesaver; not enough space is a catastrophe.
The Safest Bet of All: Ask the Professionals
If you’re hiring professional removalists, the good news is that this problem is theirs, not yours. When you get a quote, they will ask for a detailed inventory of your belongings or conduct a visual survey (in-person or via video call) to accurately assess the required truck size. This is part of their service and expertise, ensuring they show up on the day with the right equipment for the job.
Choosing the right truck sets the tone for your entire moving day. By taking a few minutes to accurately assess your needs, you can ensure a smoother, faster, and far less stressful transition into your new home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do truck sizes like ‘3-tonne’ or ‘4-tonne’ actually mean?
This refers to the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of the truck, which is the total weight the vehicle can carry, including the truck itself, fuel, passengers, and your cargo. While it relates to size, the most important figure for packing is the volume in cubic metres (m³).
Can I drive a moving truck with a regular car license in Australia?
Yes, you can drive any vehicle with a GVM of up to 4.5 tonnes on a standard car license. This covers most small and medium rental trucks suitable for 1 to 3-bedroom moves. Always confirm with the rental company.
How many cubic metres is a standard 3-bedroom house?
A typical 3-bedroom house in Australia will contain between 30 and 40 cubic metres of belongings.
Is it really cheaper to get a smaller truck and do two trips?
Almost never. Factoring in the rental time, the extra fuel, and the sheer amount of extra time and physical energy you will spend, getting the right size truck for a single trip is far more efficient and cost-effective.