What affects the cost of moving house?
Moving costs vary enormously based on four main factors: how far you're moving, how much stuff you have, what level of service you choose, and when you book.
Distance
Local moves (same city, under 50km) are charged by the hour. Interstate moves are priced as a fixed rate based on the route and volume of your belongings. International moves are usually quoted per cubic metre of sea freight.
Volume
More furniture means more time (local) or more space on the truck (interstate). A studio apartment has roughly 10–15 cubic metres of belongings; a 4-bedroom house can be 50–70 cubic metres. Decluttering before you move is the single most effective way to reduce costs.
Service level
Three main options at different price points:
- DIY truck hire — rent a truck and do everything yourself. Cheapest, but slower and physically demanding.
- Partial service — a 2-person crew and truck; you do the packing. Most popular option for value.
- Full service — the removalists pack, move, and unpack everything. Most expensive but least stressful.
Average moving costs in Australia (2026)
| Move type | Home size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Local (same city) | Studio / 1 bed | $400 – $800 |
| Local (same city) | 2–3 bedrooms | $900 – $1,600 |
| Local (same city) | 4+ bedrooms | $1,500 – $2,800 |
| Interstate (Syd ↔ Mel) | 2 bedrooms | $1,800 – $2,800 |
| Interstate (Syd ↔ Bris) | 2 bedrooms | $2,200 – $3,400 |
| Interstate (Mel ↔ Per) | 2 bedrooms | $4,500 – $7,000 |
Hidden moving costs to budget for
The removalist quote is rarely the full cost of moving. These are the expenses most people forget:
- Packing materials — boxes, tape, bubble wrap, wardrobe boxes. Budget $80–$200 depending on home size. Many removalists charge extra for these.
- Transit insurance — typically $150–$300 for a full house move. Worth it; standard public liability doesn't cover your belongings.
- Bond cleaning — renters need a professional exit clean. Budget $250–$450 for a 2-bedroom; a 4-bedroom can be $500–$700.
- Utility connections — some providers charge connection fees for electricity, gas, and internet at the new address. Budget $100–$200.
- Storage — if there's a gap between moving out and moving in. Storage units typically cost $150–$400/month depending on size and location.
- Parking permits — required in some inner-city areas for a removalist truck. Check with your local council; typically $50–$150.
How to save money on your move
- Book mid-week. Tuesday–Thursday moves are 10–20% cheaper than weekends. Avoid end-of-month dates.
- Declutter first. Sell, donate, or bin anything you wouldn't buy again. Less volume = less time or space = lower cost.
- Pack yourself. Partial service (you pack, they move) saves 30–40% compared to full service.
- Get three quotes. Prices vary significantly between removalists. Use AFRA-accredited companies for peace of mind.
- Consider backloading for interstate. If you're flexible on dates, a backloading service can be 30–50% cheaper than a dedicated truck.
- Source free boxes. Liquor stores, supermarkets, and Facebook Marketplace often have free moving boxes.