Moving house has never exactly been cheap in Australia. But right now, it’s arguably more expensive than at any point previously.
Between rising removalist fees, larger rental bonds, fuel prices, storage costs, and utility connection charges, the total cost of relocating can easily run into the thousands of dollars. Even if you are only moving a short distance within the same suburb.
Indeed, many renters and homeowners are increasingly surprised to find that the costs involved are much higher than they expected. That’s why it’s more important than ever to factor in the true upfront expenses of moving before signing a new lease or booking a removalist truck.
If you’re thinking about moving at some point in the near future, here’s what you should know.
How Much Does It Really Cost to Move House in Australia?
The average cost of moving house in Australia, according to realestate.com.au, can range from $1,500 to $10,000+. However, this depends very much on where you are moving to and if you engage professional services.
That said, local moves can start as low as $300 if you are only hiring a truck for a couple of hours. However, it can also be as high as $4,500 if you include packing, cleaning, removalist, and storage costs. If you are planning to move interstate, for instance, from Sydney to Perth or Brisbane to Melbourne, you can expect to pay anywhere between $5,500 to $10,500 or more.
In general, state capital cities, in particular Sydney and Melbourne, remain among the most expensive for moving services, especially on weekends when demand is highest.
What Are the Biggest Upfront Moving Costs Australians Forget About?
One of the biggest mistakes people make when budgeting for a move is to focus only on the removalist part of the equation. However, in reality, there are several other smaller expenses involved in moving home that can pile up pretty quickly.
For example, for renters, having to cover bond payments and rent in advance can put serious pressure on their finances. Many landlords still require two to four weeks’ rent upfront. Along with a bond equal to another four weeks’ rent. This could easily be a couple of thousand dollars.
Then there are cleaning costs, utility connection fees, pet deposits, packing materials, parking permits, and storage costs to consider, particularly if your move-in dates don’t align.
These costs can be difficult to fund, which is why some Australians look into fast cash loan options as they arrive all at once.
How Much Should You Budget for Removalists?
The average cost of hiring removalists depends on several variables. They include:
- Where are you moving to and from
- How many possessions are you moving
- If stairs are involved
- The size of the truck and the number of removalist staff you require
In most Australian cities, removalists charge hourly rates that usually increase on weekends and public holidays. According to Hipages, the Australian trade services website, you can expect to pay between $300 to $3,500 if you are moving between suburbs in the same state, or $2,000 – $6,000 if relocating interstate.
This is a general guide, as additional services such as furniture assembly, fragile item packing, or stair access can also increase the price.
What Cleaning Costs Should You Expect Before Moving Out?
If you have been renting, you will need to factor in end-of-lease cleaning costs. If your rental agreement requires professional services, then you might find yourself having to cover the cost of:
- Carpet steam cleaning
- Pest control
- Wall cleaning
- Window cleaning
- Garden tidy-ups
There are some cleaning companies that operate on a “no bond back, no payment” incentive, which is an option you might want to explore.
How Expensive Are Utility Connections and Internet Setup?
Something many people forget to factor into their moving costs is their connections. This includes electricity, gas, and internet setup fees. All of which are now considered essential.
Most providers waive connection fees during new customer promotions. But many still charge setup or transfer costs. It is worth visiting the free government comparison service to find the best deal.
You should also be aware that when setting up your internet connection, it can take a few days for your hardware to arrive.
What Other Hidden Moving Expenses Catch People Off Guard?
Aside from the above, there are a few other moving-related costs that often catch people out. Temporary storage is one of the most common surprise costs. They can be necessary if you are involved in a chain or when the moving-out dates don’t align with the moving-in dates.
In this circumstance, you could be forced to store your furniture for days or weeks. The cost of doing so can be anything from around $100 a month for a small locker to upwards of $800 a month for a large storage unit.
Another expense that is often overlooked or underestimated is packing supplies. You might think that boxes, tape, bubble wrap, mattress covers, and protective materials are relatively inexpensive. But in reality, they can cost hundreds of dollars, especially for larger or long-distance moves.
Other costs to be aware of are redirecting mail, the cost of overnight accommodation if you are moving interstate to somewhere like Sydney, and paying for food and fuel during the move.
How Can You Reduce the Cost of Moving House?
The key to bringing your moving costs down is to be organised and start planning things as early as possible.
Decluttering your home well in advance of your move can save you a lot of money in transportation costs. It could be the difference, for instance, between requiring a large truck or a medium-sized one. You should also compare quotes between companies to find one that offers the best value-for-money service.
Ideally, you should avoid moving on the weekends and public holidays, as those times tend to be more expensive. To save you money on packing boxes, you can also try to source them for free from supermarkets, bottle shops, and retail shops.