Choosing the right moving truck size can make your move easier, safer and more efficient. A truck that is too small may leave you making multiple trips, while a truck that is too large can mean paying for space you do not actually need.
The right choice depends on more than just the number of rooms you have. The amount and type of belongings, their weight, property access and moving distance can all affect the truck size you need.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to estimate your moving load, what factors to consider and how to choose a truck size that suits your move.
Why Does Moving Truck Size Matter?
The size of your moving truck can directly affect the cost, safety and efficiency of your move. Choosing the right size helps ensure your belongings can be loaded securely without wasting space or making unnecessary trips.
Avoid Multiple Trips
A truck that is too small may not fit all your belongings in one load. This can lead to extra trips, more time and higher moving costs.
Make Better Use of Space
A properly sized truck gives you enough room to organise furniture, boxes and appliances efficiently. This makes loading and unloading easier.
Protect Your Belongings
Overcrowding a truck can increase the risk of items being scratched, crushed or damaged during transportation. Having enough space allows belongings to be packed and secured properly.
Consider Access and Parking
Larger trucks may be difficult to maneuver in narrow streets, small driveways or areas with limited parking. The available access at both your current and new property should be considered before choosing a truck.
Avoid Unnecessary Costs
Choosing a truck that is much larger than you need can mean paying for unused capacity. The goal is to select a vehicle that provides enough space without unnecessary excess.
What Factors Determine the Moving Truck Size You Need?
Before choosing a truck, consider these key factors:
- Volume of Your Belongings: The amount of furniture, boxes, appliances and other items you need to move determines how much truck space you need.
- Number of Rooms: The number of rooms can give you a general idea of the required truck size. However, your actual belongings are more important than room count alone.
- Large or Bulky Items: Sofas, wardrobes, beds, refrigerators and other large items can take up significant space and should be included when estimating your requirements.
- Weight of Your Belongings: Consider the total weight of your items as well as available space. Heavy furniture and appliances may affect the type of truck you need.
- Property Access: Narrow streets, small driveways, tight corners, limited parking and low clearance can make larger trucks difficult to use.
- Moving Distance: For longer moves, having enough capacity to transport your belongings safely in one trip can help make the process more efficient.
How Much Can Different Moving Trucks Hold?
The right truck size depends on the volume of your belongings, the number of rooms, larger furniture and any specialty items you need to move. Faithway Movers offers different truck sizes to suit a range of moving requirements.
Truck | Capacity | Professional Movers | Rate |
Small Moving Truck | 22m³ | 2 movers | $110/hr + GST |
Medium Moving Truck | 35m³ | 2 movers | $120/hr + GST |
Large Moving Truck | 45m³ | 3 movers | $150/hr + GST |
Extra Large Moving Truck | 65m³+ | 4 movers | $190/hr + GST |
Which Moving Truck Is Right for You?
- 22m³ Small Moving Truck: Suitable for smaller household moves where you have a more limited amount of furniture and boxes.
- 35m³ Medium Moving Truck: A good option for medium-sized household moves with more furniture, appliances and packed boxes.
- 45m³ Large Moving Truck: Designed for larger household moves that require additional space and three professional movers.
- 65m³+ Extra Large Moving Truck: Best suited to very large household moves or moves with a high volume of belongings, with four professional movers.
How to Estimate How Much Space You Need
Before choosing a truck, create a simple inventory of everything you plan to move. This gives you a clearer idea of how much space your belongings will require and helps avoid choosing a truck that is too small.
- List Your Furniture: Include sofas, beds, wardrobes, tables, chairs and other large furniture.
- Count Your Boxes: Estimate how many packed boxes you will have and consider their approximate sizes.
- Include Appliances: Add refrigerators, washing machines, dryers and other large appliances to your inventory.
- Measure Large Items: Measure the length, width and height of bulky furniture or unusual items that may require extra space.
- Consider Specialty Items: Pianos, large safes, pool tables and other oversized belongings can affect your overall space requirements.
- Think About Weight: Consider heavier items as well as their size. A truck needs to have enough capacity to carry the load safely.
- Allow Some Extra Space: Avoid planning a load that completely fills the truck. Some additional room can make loading and securing your belongings easier.
How to Choose the Right Truck Size
Once you have estimated your belongings, compare your moving requirements with the available truck options. Choosing the right size is about having enough space without paying for unnecessary capacity.
- Start With Your Inventory: Use your furniture, boxes, appliances and other belongings to estimate the total space required.
- Consider the Number of Rooms: A smaller apartment may need less capacity, while a larger home with more furniture and boxes will usually require a larger truck.
- Check Large Items: Large sofas, wardrobes, beds, appliances and specialty items can quickly increase your space requirements.
- Think About Access: Check whether the truck can safely access both your current and new property. Narrow streets, limited parking or restricted driveways may affect your choice.
- Consider the Number of Movers: The size of the move can also determine how many movers are needed to load and unload your belongings efficiently.
- Choose Slightly More Capacity if Unsure: If your inventory estimate is close to the truck’s capacity, having some additional space can make loading and securing your belongings easier.
- Ask for Professional Advice: If you’re unsure which option suits your move, provide your movers with details about your belongings and access conditions so they can recommend an appropriate truck.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Moving Truck
Choosing a truck based only on the number of rooms or price can lead to problems on moving day. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Choosing a Truck That Is Too Small: A smaller truck may seem cheaper, but it could require multiple trips if all your belongings do not fit.
- Choosing a Truck That Is Too Large: Extra capacity can increase your moving costs and may make access more difficult at properties with narrow streets or limited parking.
- Ignoring Large Items: Forgetting to account for bulky furniture, appliances or specialty items can leave you with less available space than expected.
- Focusing Only on Space: A truck may have enough room but still have a weight limitation. Consider both volume and total load.
- Not Checking Access: Make sure the selected truck can reach both your current and new property safely.
- Leaving Everything Until Moving Day: Preparing your inventory and identifying large items in advance makes it much easier to choose the right truck.
- Overloading the Truck: Never try to squeeze in more belongings than the vehicle can safely carry. Proper loading is important for both your belongings and road safety.
When Should You Get Professional Help Choosing a Moving Truck?
If you’re unsure about the truck size for your move, getting professional advice can help you avoid extra trips, unnecessary costs and loading problems.
Professional movers can assess the overall volume of your belongings and consider factors such as furniture size, weight, access and the number of movers required.
You may especially benefit from professional advice when:
- You have a large number of belongings and are unsure how much truck space you need.
- You have large or heavy furniture that requires additional space or careful handling.
- Your property has difficult access, such as narrow driveways, limited parking or tight streets.
- You have specialty items such as pianos, safes or oversized furniture.
- You want to complete the move efficiently without unnecessary trips.
- You are unsure which Faithway Movers truck option is suitable for your requirements.
Providing your movers with an accurate inventory and details about both properties can help them recommend the most appropriate truck for your move.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size moving truck do I need for my move?
The right truck size depends on the volume and weight of your belongings, the number of rooms, large furniture and access at both properties. Creating an inventory can help you estimate your requirements.
Can I choose a larger truck if I’m unsure?
Yes, having some additional capacity can be useful if your inventory estimate is close to the truck’s limit. However, choosing a truck that is unnecessarily large may increase costs and create access challenges.
Does the weight of my belongings matter?
Yes. Truck selection depends on both space and weight. Heavy furniture and appliances should be included when assessing your moving requirements.
What if I have large or specialty items?
Large items such as pianos, safes, pool tables or oversized furniture may require additional planning. Let your movers know about these items before the move so they can assess the requirements.
How can I choose the right Faithway Movers truck?
Start by preparing an inventory of your furniture, appliances and boxes. Share details about your belongings and property access with Faithway Movers so the team can help determine the most suitable truck option.
Conclusion
Choosing the right moving truck size starts with understanding how much you need to move, how heavy your belongings are and the access available at both properties. Taking inventory and considering large or specialty items can help you avoid choosing a truck that is too small or unnecessarily large.
If you’re unsure which truck is suitable for your move, Faithway Movers can help you assess your moving requirements and choose an appropriate truck and moving team. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your move and get a suitable moving solution.