How to Choose the Right Size Moving Truck
Updated 12 July 2026
Get the truck size wrong in either direction and it costs you — too small means a second trip, too big means paying for space you didn't use. Here's how truck size actually maps to home size.
Truck size by home size
| Home size | Typical truck | What it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | Ute or small van | Bed, small furniture, boxes — occasionally a second small trip |
| 2 bedroom apartment | 4-tonne van | Full bedroom set, lounge, dining, kitchen boxes |
| 3 bedroom house | 8-tonne furniture van | Full home contents, 2–3 bedrooms, appliances, some spare room |
| 4+ bedroom house | 8-tonne+, sometimes two trucks | Full family home, multiple large items, garage/shed contents |
When in doubt, go bigger
A truck with spare room costs you nothing extra to load — you just don't fill it completely. A truck that's too small costs you a second trip, which almost always works out more expensive than booking the next size up in the first place. If your move sits right on the line between two sizes, the bigger truck is the safer call.
What actually changes the answer
- Garage and shed contents. These get forgotten in truck-size estimates more than anything else — tools, bikes, garden equipment add up fast.
- Large single items. A pool table, piano, or spa doesn't just add weight, it takes up dead space around it that can't be packed efficiently.
- How much you're taking vs starting fresh. A downsized load (see our downsizing checklist) genuinely needs a smaller truck than a full household move.
Why this is one less thing to worry about with us
This is exactly the calculation we make behind every quote — you tell us your home size, not your truck size, and we bring the right vehicle and crew for the job. No under-quoting that turns into a surprise second trip, no oversized truck you're paying to drive around empty. Get a fixed quote based on your home size and we handle the rest.
Frequently asked questions
What size truck do I need for a 3 bedroom house?
A standard 3-bedroom home typically needs an 8-tonne furniture van — enough for a full lounge suite, bedroom furniture for 2–3 rooms, kitchen boxes, and a washing machine or fridge, with room to spare for awkward items.
Is it better to get a bigger truck than I need?
Generally yes, within reason — a truck with some spare room means no second trip if you've underestimated, and loading is easier with a bit of breathing space. The real cost of going too small is a second trip, which almost always costs more than the next size up.
Get your fixed quote
Fixed-price, fully insured Brisbane to Gold Coast removals — quoted in 30 seconds, confirmed before moving day.