What Size Truck Do You Need for Your Move?

Choosing the right truck size for your move isn’t just about space, it’s about saving time, money, and stress on moving day. At DNS Removals, we’ve seen how much easier a move becomes when the vehicle is properly matched to the job. Too small, and you’ll face multiple trips or worse, damaged goods from tight packing. Too big, and you’ll be paying for space you didn’t need. In this guide, we’ll help you understand how to choose the right truck size for your move, whether you’re relocating a studio apartment or a large family home.

Why Truck Size Matters

Truck size affects more than just volume. It determines how long the move will take, the number of trips required, how securely your items are transported, and even how much you’ll pay. Selecting the right truck means your belongings fit safely, your time is used efficiently, and your costs are controlled. Let’s break down what you need to consider.

Assess the Size of Your Move

The easiest way to estimate truck size is by the number of bedrooms in your home. Here’s a rough guide:

• Studio or 1-Bedroom Apartment: 3–4.5 tonne truck (18–25 cubic metres)
• 2-Bedroom Home: 4.5–6 tonne truck (25–35 cubic metres)
• 3-Bedroom Home: 6–8 tonne truck (35–45 cubic metres)
• 4+ Bedroom Home: 8–10+ tonne truck (45–65+ cubic metres)

Of course, volume also depends on how much furniture you own and how well it’s packed. A minimalist 3-bedroom home might only need a 6-tonne truck, while a family with large furniture, outdoor gear, and a shed full of tools might need two trips or a larger vehicle.

Consider the Access at Both Ends

Before booking the biggest truck available, consider where it’s going. Can the truck easily access both your pickup and delivery locations? Narrow streets, height-restricted apartment complexes, and steep driveways can all limit truck access. In some cases, a smaller truck with multiple trips may be more efficient and cost-effective than hiring a larger truck that can’t fit.

At DNS Removals, we always ask about access when you book so we can assign the right truck and team. If you’re unsure, it’s worth asking us to do a pre-move inspection.

Common Truck Sizes Explained

3–4.5 Tonne Truck (18–25m³)

Perfect for smaller moves, such as studio apartments, 1-bedroom flats, or student relocations. This truck usually fits:

• A bed and base
• A few appliances (e.g. fridge, washer)
• 5–10 boxes
• Small couch and dining set

4.5–6 Tonne Truck (25–35m³)

Ideal for small homes or large apartments. Expect it to hold:

• Queen bed and mattress
• Full living room set
• Medium dining table and chairs
• Whitegoods
• Around 20–30 boxes

6–8 Tonne Truck (35–45m³)

Best suited for an average 3-bedroom house. Fits most typical furniture and boxes, including:

• Beds for 3–4 people
• Full kitchen and laundry appliances
• Lounge suite
• Outdoor furniture
• 30–50 boxes

8–10+ Tonne Truck (45–65m³)

Designed for large homes or moves with bulky items. May include:

• 4+ bedrooms’ worth of furniture
• Gym equipment
• Garage tools
• Outdoor settings
• 50+ boxes

Need something in between? We offer tailored combinations and flexible vehicle options.

Additional Factors That Influence Truck Size

Packing Style

Tightly and professionally packed items take up less space. If you’re packing yourself, you might need a slightly larger truck.

Furniture Type

Modular furniture, flat-packed items, and stackable pieces allow more efficient use of truck space. Oversized sofas, antique cabinets, and odd-shaped items require more room.

Additional Stops

If your move includes a stop at a storage unit or a second pickup address, it may be smarter to go up a truck size to avoid multiple trips.

DIY vs Professional Movers

When you book with DNS Removals, our experienced movers make the most of the truck’s capacity. We load safely, efficiently, and securely. DIY moves often result in wasted space or the need for an extra trip.

How DNS Removals Can Help

We don’t expect you to guess. When you book with DNS Removals, we ask the right questions to recommend the best truck for your move. Our goal is to streamline your relocation, not make you do the maths.

You can also opt for a pre-move video or onsite inspection where we evaluate your belongings and give you a fixed quote with the right truck size. No surprises. No wasted time. Just a move that works.

Whether you’re moving locally or interstate, DNS Removals has a vehicle to suit, from agile vans for quick jobs to large trucks for full-house relocations.

Not Sure What You Need? Just Ask.

We understand that estimating the size of your move isn’t easy, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why we make it simple. One call to DNS Removals, and we’ll sort it out.

Give us the basics: how many rooms, major items, access conditions, and we’ll do the rest.

Choosing the right truck size is crucial to a successful move. It’s about more than capacity, it’s about safety, speed, and cost-efficiency. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Let the experts at DNS Removals match you with the right vehicle, the right team, and the right plan.

Call DNS Removals today at 1300 379 302 for expert advice and a free quote. Let’s make your next move the easiest one yet.