What Size Moving Truck Do You Need? Choosing the Right Size For Your Move in Australia

• June 23, 2026
• Bill Chen

Last updated on June 23, 2026

If you’re moving house, one of the first questions you’ll hit is also one of the easiest to get wrong: what size truck do I actually need? Pick something too small, and you’re stuck doing three trips across town. Pick something too big, and you’re paying for empty space and wrestling a van that’s harder to drive and park.

This guide walks through the different moving truck sizes by home size and how to choose the right one. It also covers the option of letting a professional removalist like Bill Removalists Sydney handle the truck, loading and heavy lifting for you.

How to Choose the Right Moving Truck Size in Australia

Start with the number of rooms

The number of rooms is the easiest place to start, but it should only be a guide. A lightly furnished two-bedroom apartment may need less truck space than a packed one-bedroom flat with a storage cage, garage items, bulky furniture and outdoor gear. Use the number of rooms as a starting point, then check it against the amount of furniture you own.

Count Large Furniture First

Large items take up the most space, so start by listing your bulky furniture and appliances before estimating the number of boxes required. Items to consider include:

• beds and mattresses
• sofas and sectionals
• dining tables
• wardrobes
• desks
• fridges, washing machines and other appliances
• outdoor furniture
• gym equipment
• bikes, tools and garage items

Once you know how many bulky items you have, it becomes much easier to decide if you need to get a bigger truck.

Estimate the Number of Boxes You Have

Boxes can fill a truck faster than expected. As a rough guide:

• 10 to 20 boxes: small move
• 20 to 40 boxes: one- to two-bedroom move
• 40 to 70+ boxes: larger household move

Size up if your boxes include heavy kitchenware, books, tools, fragile items or anything that cannot be stacked easily.

Check the Internal Dimensions

Moving trucks are often described in tonnes, cubic metres, or length, but capacity also depends on the truck’s internal width, height, floor layout, wheel arches, ramp position and available overhead space.

A truck with a high roof and flat floor can fit much more than expected, while wheel arches, a narrow body or a short tailgate can reduce usable space. Before booking, ask for the internal dimensions and cubic capacity, not just the tonnage.

Estimated Moving Truck Size Guide by Home Size

For local moves, a van or small truck may be sufficient; however, for long-distance or interstate moves, it’s usually better to size up.

Local vs Long-Distance Moves: Should You Size Up?

Local Moves

A smaller truck may be enough for a local move if you have time to make multiple trips. For moves across nearby suburbs, doing a few runs in a van or small truck can sometimes be more practical than hiring a larger vehicle.

Long-Distance and Interstate Moves

For long-distance or interstate moves, it is usually better to size up. Choose a larger truck when:

• The move is one-way
• A second trip is not practical
• You have bulky furniture
• Your schedule is tight
• Storage, stairs, lifts or access points are limited at either property

How to Maximise Space in a Moving Truck

Make the most of your truck space by loading in the right order and filling gaps.

1. Disassemble large furniture, such as beds, tables and desks, before loading.
2. Load heavy furniture first and place it against the cab wall for stability.
3. Stand mattresses and flat items upright along the side walls of the truck.
4. Fill gaps with soft items like bags, pillows, cushions and linen.
5. Stack boxes by weight, with the heaviest at the bottom and the lighter ones on top.
6. Use moving blankets to protect furniture from scratches and dents.
7. Tie down items in sections as you load to stop them shifting in transit.
8. Keep essentials near the door so they are easy to unload first.

Professional removalists can help take the stress out of moving by handling the hard work for you.

But Why Do It Yourself? Hire Removalists Instead

Choosing the right truck is only one part of the job. You still have to collect it, drive it, reverse into tight spaces, load everything safely, carry heavy items and make sure your belongings arrive in one piece. Take the stress out of moving by hiring a professional removalist to handle the hard work for you.

Hiring a removalist can give you:

• The right size truck for your move, based on your home (whether it’s a studio unit, 2-bedroom unit, 3-bedroom unit or more), furniture and inventory
• No guesswork or second trips, especially for larger or longer-distance moves
• Trained movers who know how to lift, carry and manoeuvre heavy items safely
• Proper moving equipment, including trolleys, straps, blankets and ramps
• Better protection for your belongings, walls, floors and doorways
• Transit insurance options in case something goes wrong
• One organised booking instead of juggling truck hire, fuel, helpers and timing
• Less stress on moving day

Get a Competitive & Affordable Online Quote

When it comes to moving, Bill Removalists Sydney provides the experience, equipment and support needed for a smooth, efficient and stress-free move. Whether you’re moving locally, interstate, or between offices, our team will handle every stage of your move.

Get a competitive online quote now or speak to one of our friendly representatives at 0425 351 578.

REQUEST A QUOTE

Where To Find Us?
You can find our offices here: 45 Platform Street, Lidcombe, NSW 2141

Contact Us
Email Address: info@billremovalistssydney.com.au
Call Us: 0425 351 578

We are open Monday – Sunday: 7:30am – 7:30pm.

FAQs

How do I know what size moving truck I need?

Start with the size of your home, then consider how much furniture you have, the number of boxes, any bulky items and whether you are moving locally or long-distance. As a general guide, studios usually need a cargo van or 2-tonne van, while two- and three-bedroom homes often require 4- to 8-tonne trucks. A professional removalist can also recommend the right truck size based on the items you have.

What happens if I rent a moving truck that is too small?

If the truck is too small, you may need to make extra trips, hire a second vehicle, use more fuel and spend more time moving. Overloading a small truck can also increase the risk of damaging furniture, boxes or fragile items.

What size moving truck is best for a studio apartment?

A cargo van or 2-tonne van is usually suitable for a studio apartment, though this is dependent on how much furniture you own.

What size moving truck do I need for a 2-bedroom house?

Most two-bedroom homes require a 4- to 6-tonne moving truck. Choose the larger option if you have appliances, outdoor furniture, garage items or bulky furniture.

What size moving truck is recommended for a 3-bedroom home?

A 6- to 8-tonne moving truck is usually recommended for a three-bedroom home. An 8-tonne truck may be the better option if the property is fully furnished, includes bulky items, or the move is long-distance.

Are moving truck sizes measured by length?

In Australia, moving trucks are usually described by load capacity (e.g., tonnes) or by volume (e.g., cubic metres). While some providers may mention vehicle length, the most useful measurements are internal capacity, payload, height, width and access features such as ramps or tail lifts.

How can I maximise space in a moving truck?

To maximise space, disassemble large furniture, load heavier items first, stack boxes securely and use the truck’s vertical space where possible. Fill empty gaps with soft items such as cushions, blankets or bags and secure each section with tie-downs to reduce movement during transit.

Should I choose a larger truck for long-distance moves?

For long-distance or interstate moves, choosing a slightly larger truck is usually the safer option. A second trip may not be practical, and the extra space allows your belongings to be packed more securely without overloading the vehicle.

Is it cheaper to hire a truck myself or book a removalist?

Hiring a truck yourself may seem cheaper upfront, but the final cost can increase once you factor in fuel, moving equipment, your time, extra trips and the risk of damage. A professional removalist provides the truck, trained movers and equipment in one booking, which can be better value for larger, heavier or more complex moves.