Truck Selection
How to Choose the Right Truck Size (4T vs 6T vs 8T)
December 12, 2024
•
6 min read
•
By Great Melbourne Movers Team
Choosing the right truck size is crucial for an efficient and cost-effective move. Too small and you'll need multiple trips; too large and you're paying for space you don't need.
4-Tonne Truck: Perfect for Small Moves
Best For:
- 1-2 bedroom apartments
- Small townhouses
- Student moves
- Single person households
- Minimal furniture moves
Capacity
- Volume: 25-30 cubic meters
- Furniture: Bedroom set, lounge suite, dining table, appliances
- Boxes: 40-60 standard moving boxes
- Rooms: Contents of 1-2 rooms
Advantages
- Most affordable option
- Easy street navigation
- Lower fuel costs
- Faster loading/unloading
6-Tonne Truck: The Popular Choice
Best For:
- 2-3 bedroom homes
- Medium-sized apartments
- Small families
- Standard household moves
Capacity
- Volume: 35-40 cubic meters
- Furniture: Full bedroom sets, large lounge suite, dining room, appliances
- Boxes: 60-100 standard moving boxes
- Rooms: Contents of 2-3 rooms
Why It's Popular
- Perfect balance of size and cost
- Handles most Melbourne moves
- Good street access in most suburbs
- Efficient for time and money
8-Tonne Truck: For Larger Homes
Best For:
- 3-4 bedroom houses
- Large family homes
- Homes with garage/shed contents
- Moves with piano or large furniture
Capacity
- Volume: 45-55 cubic meters
- Furniture: Multiple bedroom sets, large living areas, dining rooms, study
- Boxes: 100-150 standard moving boxes
- Rooms: Contents of 3-4 rooms plus storage
Considerations
- Higher cost but better value for large moves
- May have access restrictions in some narrow streets
- Requires experienced drivers
- Longer loading time
10-Tonne Truck: Maximum Capacity
Best For:
- 4+ bedroom houses
- Large family homes
- Homes with significant storage
- Commercial moves
When You Need It
- Extensive furniture collections
- Multiple large appliances
- Workshop or garage contents
- Antique or special collections
How to Calculate Your Needs
Room-by-Room Assessment
| Room Type | Average Volume | Box Count |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | 8-12 m³ | 15-25 boxes |
| Living Room | 10-15 m³ | 10-20 boxes |
| Kitchen | 6-10 m³ | 20-30 boxes |
| Bathroom | 2-4 m³ | 5-10 boxes |
Quick Decision Guide
- Studio/1 bedroom: 4T truck
- 2 bedrooms: 4T or 6T truck
- 3 bedrooms: 6T or 8T truck
- 4+ bedrooms: 8T or 10T truck
Expert Tip
When in doubt, it's usually better to go slightly larger rather than risk needing a second trip. However, our experienced team can provide accurate assessments during your free quote consultation.
Cost Considerations
Pricing Factors
- Truck size and hourly rate
- Travel time between locations
- Loading and unloading time
- Fuel costs
- Additional services required
Money-Saving Tips
- Choose the right size on the first try
- Pack efficiently to maximize space
- Have everything ready before the truck arrives
- Consider decluttering before your move
Get Professional Advice
Still unsure about the right truck size for your move? Our experienced team provides free consultations and accurate quotes. We'll assess your belongings and recommend the perfect truck size for your specific needs.
Need Help Choosing?
Get a free consultation and accurate quote for your move.