Rental Truck vs Your Car: When to Upgrade for Your Move
The economics of using your own car for a move versus hiring a truck depend heavily on home size, distance, and how many trips are realistic. Here's how to make the right call before moving day.
11 min read
The Decision Framework
Answer these questions before committing to a vehicle strategy:
How many car-loads would your move require?
Estimate by thinking about: how many boxes, how many items of furniture, and how many trips between locations. If the answer is over 4 car loads, a truck is almost certainly worth it.
What's the distance between locations?
5km: multiple trips are easy. 50km: 5 trips is half a day of driving. 100km: multiple trips become genuinely expensive in fuel and time.
Do you have large furniture?
Beds, sofas, wardrobes, dining tables, and white goods essentially require a truck or removalist unless they're being left behind. You cannot safely transport most large furniture in a passenger car.
By Home Size: What Typically Fits
Studio / bedsit
~10–15 cubic metresCar loads required: 5–10 car loads (SUV)
Recommended truck: 4m cargo truck is ideal for a single trip
Feasible with a hatchback or SUV if doing 2–3 trips over a weekend and have minimal furniture
1-bedroom apartment
~15–25 cubic metresCar loads required: 8–15 car loads
Recommended truck: 6m cargo truck for a single trip
Only practical with a van or SUV doing multiple trips, and if furniture is minimal or being left
2-bedroom house
~30–45 cubic metresCar loads required: 15–25 car loads
Recommended truck: 8–10m truck (medium moving truck)
Not realistic — a truck or removalist is almost always necessary
3-bedroom house
~50–70 cubic metresCar loads required: 25–40+ car loads
Recommended truck: 10–15m truck or removalist van
Not realistic without a truck — even partial moves usually require truck hire
Truck Hire Cost Guide (Australia, 2024–2025)
| Truck Size | Daily Rate | Fuel (100km) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small van (10–12m³) | $80–$120/day | ~$25–40 | Studio, small 1BR |
| Medium van (14–18m³) | $110–$180/day | ~$35–55 | 1–2BR apartment |
| Large truck (22–28m³) | $150–$250/day | ~$55–80 | 2–3BR house |
| Extra large (38m³+) | $220–$350/day | ~$80–120 | 4BR+ house |
Rates are approximate and vary by provider, location, and season. Always compare multiple quotes. Weekend rates are typically higher.
Hidden Costs of Truck Hire to Factor In
- Insurance excess: Standard hire excess is often $1,000–$3,000. Reduce this with a daily insurance fee ($20–$40/day) or your credit card's hire insurance.
- After-hours returns: Returning a truck outside business hours may incur fees. Confirm this at booking.
- Extra days: If the move takes longer than expected, extra days at full rate can add up quickly.
- Equipment: Dollies, trolleys, moving blankets, and straps are usually extra. Budget $20–$50 for moving equipment.
- Tolls: Trucks are often charged at a higher toll rate than passenger vehicles in some states.
See How Much Fits in Your Car First
Before deciding on truck hire, use stowey to see exactly how much fits in your car — you might need fewer trips than you think.
Try the Packing Calculator