It's not something you do frequently so most people aren't aware how much to budget for their interstate move or what hidden costs they may be up for.
To help you, we've outlined approximate interstate moving costs for common city to city moves.
We've also listed other costs you might not have thought of that you'll probably need as part of your interstate move.
This includes:
Based on interstate moves we've done for clients over the past 10 years, on average, moving interstate will cost you between $2,600 - $5,850 for a 3-bedroom house move.
Keep in mind these are only averages and it does depend on the amount of furniture you have, and the types of furniture (eg. budget more for a king-size bed, several lounge suites or an upright piano), and the distance of the move, but these figures will give you a starting point to help you plan for your moving budget.
There are some cost differences for moving interstate, particularly based on the distance of the move, size of the move, time of year and associated services like packing and unpacking.
For instance, a move from Queensland to West Australia can be from $3500 up to $10,000 with an average of about $5000 for a 3-bedroom house.
Moving from Queensland to New South Wales would work out to between $3500 and $8000 subject of course to the above factors.
Queensland to Victoria works out at between $1000 and $6000 averaging at $3500.
Brisbane to Hobart might work out between $1500 to $8000 averaging $5000. This would be less if you are moving from Victoria or New South Wales but you still need to factor in the ferry plus booking time for the ferry.
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One of the advantages of enquiring online is that you can quickly adjust your locations of to/from to suit your plans. This gives you a better idea of what you might be up for and the freedom to experiment with location as a comparison.
If you don't have a large amount of furniture or items to move, we'd suggest considering getting a backloading service which can save you approximately 10-30% off your interstate move.
Backloading does mean your move may be loaded onto the same truck as another small move. To prevent any delivery mixups, make sure your removalist is willing to:
Most interstate removalists don't cover damage to your items during transit if the damage is due to no fault of their own, such as a traffic accident or water damage from rain. Check your home and contents insurance policy to see if your contents are covered during transit or if you can add insurance for your move as an optional extra.
Alternatively, most reputable interstate removalists are legally authorised to provide Goods in Transit insurance. There are legal documents they need to supply as part of the insurance, so make sure you're supplied with these: a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), a Financial Services Guide (FSG) and insurance documents in your name.
It may seem like another unnecessary cost but insurance is for your benefit so that you don’t suffer loss of your possessions in transit despite the circumstances.
Unless you've requested it, packing your items is not generally included in a removalist's quote. Getting a packing service is not only a great option if you're pushed for time, but also for peace of mind knowing your items have been prepared for transit by professionals.
Professional removalists have the right materials to ensure a damage-free move for your valuables and train their staff for this specialist service.
Packing services can include:
The cost of getting your interstate removalist to pack and unpack for you is well worth considering. It takes so much of the worry out of the move for you.
Need your move stored for a while before you settle? Look for interstate removalists that offer short to long-term storage for a streamlined move and to save costs. No need to try to coordinate suitable days and times with two different parties, again saving you so much of the hassle.
Book your furry family members in with your removalist as well. There are quality interstate removalists out there who can coordinate safe, professional pet moving services as part of your move.
Speaking for ourselves, we've got dedicated suppliers that we use frequently so we know the quality of service delivery we can expect for our customers and their fur buddies.
No need to look for an additional provider to organise the transport of your second car or motorbike interstate.
Professional removalists that specialise in interstate moves will often have a network of vehicle transportation providers across the country which means they can save you time and potentially money by organising this service for you as part of your move with them. It is a great relief to find your second car there waiting for you at your new residence.
If you've got the time and self-motivation to complete your packing yourself, we'd recommend investing in quality commercial-grade moving boxes and packing material.
These boxes have been designed specifically for commercial removalist transportation (boxes bought from your local hardware store aren't). They're also the same boxes that we use ourselves so you're guaranteed you're using the best you can get to protect your belongings.
Most interstate removalists sell commercial-grade moving boxes and materials and can ship them direct to you, Australia wide.
Use our boxes, and we'll 100% guarantee the integrity of our boxes if you move with us.
Chris Cornish ~ Director, Austate Removals
It is worthwhile to have some practical tips on how you can save money on your interstate move. Here are our favourites.
The Relocation to take up a job assistance package is available through the Australian Government and can be up to $9000.00 depending on the circumstances of your move. Additionally, Services Australia has assistance available for rent and other costs associated with moving interstate for work.
The individual states also offer relocation assistance to those wanting to move to their states sometimes through their own particular government departments.
For students attending university, some universities have financial assistance available for students moving away from home.
Moving interstate in Australia can be an exciting yet daunting endeavour. One of the most important considerations is the cost of the move. To help you better understand the expenses involved in moving between states, we've compiled this FAQ.
Several factors can impact the cost of your interstate move, including:
The cost of moving interstate varies widely, just as the distances do, but a rough estimate could range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more for a basic move. However, this estimate can change significantly based on the factors mentioned in question 1. See our section above for more on this.
To get a precise quote, it's recommended to contact multiple moving companies and provide them with specific details about your move. They will typically send a representative to assess your needs and provide a customised quote but leave this step until you have shortlisted the quality interstate furniture removalists.
It's crucial to ask moving companies for a comprehensive breakdown of costs. Some potential hidden costs to consider include insurance, packing materials, storage fees, and additional services you may need during the move.
This decision depends on your budget, the size of your move, and your willingness to handle the logistics yourself. Professional movers can make the process much smoother but are generally more expensive than a DIY approach.
Certainly! Here are some ways to save on interstate moving costs:
Most professional moving companies offer various insurance options to protect your belongings during transit. Ensure you understand the coverage provided and consider purchasing additional insurance if needed. Remember to maintain your insurance cover for your moving from residence until handover and also organise your cover for your move to residence. In addition, insurance cover for your possessions in transit can be organised through your trustworthy interstate removalist.
The Relocation to take up a job assistance package is available through the Australian Government and can be up to $9000.00 depending on the circumstances of your move. It's advisable to check with relevant authorities or agencies for any updates or changes in policies. Some state governments have relocation assistance available also, so do some research with the applicable state government.
Yes, negotiating with moving companies is common. Don't hesitate to ask for discounts, especially if you have multiple quotes and want to see if one company can offer a better deal.
Preparation and planning are key to a successful interstate move. Create a detailed moving checklist, gather all necessary documents, declutter your belongings, and communicate effectively with your chosen moving company to ensure a smooth transition.
Please note that the cost of moving interstate can change over time due to various factors, including economic conditions and inflation. Therefore, it's essential to obtain up-to-date quotes and information from moving companies when planning your move.
As a starting point, budget $2,600 - $5,900 for your interstate move.
Start with a plan of your move giving time parameters and then researching interstate removalists months prior to your move so you're not making rushed decisions at the last minute and to ensure you've organised and locked in all of the extras you need with your move that we've covered here.
Got any questions or need a quote from a top-rated removalist on Google? We'd love to give you a hand with your move. Get a moving quote or get in touch today.