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
Moving trucks comparison

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.