The Cost of Moving Interstate in 2024

The costs associated with moving interstate can quickly add up if you're not prepared. This guide breaks down the key expenses involved, offers cost comparisons and offers practical tips to help you budget effectively for a smooth and affordable relocation.

Moving interstate as a range of costs to consider and weigh up. Gaining a good understanding of these interstate moving costs is crucial to ensuring a successful move. This handing pricing guide will help you break down the expenses and provide insights on how to manage your budget effectively, whether you’re hiring interstate removalists or considering alternative moving options.

Understanding Interstate Removalists Cost

Hiring interstate removalists is one of the most common ways to manage an interstate move. While convenient, the interstate removalists cost can vary depending on several factors:

• Volume of Belongings: The more items you move, the higher the cost. Interstate moves are usually priced based on the cubic meters of goods being transported. Decluttering before moving interstate can help reduce this expense.

• Distance: The longer the distance between your old and new home, the higher your fuel and transport costs, leading to increased interstate moving costs.

• Accessibility: Homes that are difficult to access—whether due to stairs, narrow doorways, or limited parking—can raise labor fees and therefore the total cost to move interstate.

• Timing: Moving during peak periods, typically from November to March, will usually increase costs. If your schedule allows, aim to move during off-peak times to lower your overall interstate moving costs.

• Route: Different routes (i.e. the combination of origin and destination locations) attract different prices due to competitive market dynamics. For example, moving from Brisbane to Melbourne has a very different cost than moving from Sydney to Perth.

We have a helpful video about understanding moving costs available in our Moving Masterclass series.

Comparison of Interstate Removalist Costs and "Do It Yourself" (DIY) Self-Pack Containers

It's possible to save money when moving interstate by doing the heavy lifting yourself. Services like Selfy - self-pack containers are a really cost-effective way to move interstate. To help you weigh up your options, we’ve put together the following price comparison tables from some of mainland Australia’s major capital cities. Prices are based on an average 3 bedroom house move (35 cubic meters) and a 20ft self-pack container. To find out the cost of interstate removalists for different sized houses, use our interstate cost calculator.

Brisbane Outbound:

Sydney Outbound:

Melbourne Outbound:

Adelaide Outbound:

Perth Outbound:

Additional Factors That Influence Your Interstate Moving Costs

Regardless of which method for transportation you choose for your interstate move, several key factors will add to the overall moving costs:

• Packing Materials: Buying your own packing materials such as boxes and tape can add to the total expense. Consider using household items like blankets and towels to cushion fragile belongings and save on costs.

• Travel and Accommodation: Depending on the distance, you may need to budget for travel expenses such as fuel, meals, and lodging. These additional costs can easily add up, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

• Utility Connections: Don’t forget to factor in the cost of connecting utilities, such as electricity and internet, at your new home. This is another potential area for additional costs that you should plan for.

• Insurance: Whether you use interstate removalists or a self-pack option, you’ll need to consider insurance. Basic insurance may be included, but it’s wise to review the coverage and consider upgrading if needed. Muval offers a great and affordable warranty product called Muval Cover which can give you extra peace of mind.

Tips for Reducing Moving Costs

Keeping interstate moving costs low is achievable with some careful planning. Here are a few strategies to help reduce your cost to move interstate:

• Declutter Before You Move: Reducing the amount of stuff you take with you can significantly lower your moving expenses. Fewer belongings mean less space needed, which directly impacts your interstate removalists cost.

• Source Free Packing Materials: To save money, ask local businesses for spare boxes or use items you already have, like towels, as cushioning. This can reduce the need to buy expensive packing materials.

• Compare Quotes from Multiple Moving Companies: Be sure to get multiple quotes from different moving companies to find the most competitive price. Tools like an interstate moving cost calculator can help you get accurate estimates tailored to your situation. Muval is specifically designed to do this automatically for you. When you put through your initial booking enquiry, you'll instantly see a range of prices from quality-assured moving companies matched to your move.

• Move During Off-Peak Seasons: Avoid moving during high-demand seasons when prices are typically higher. Moving mid-week or during the off-peak season (April to October) can lower your interstate moving costs.

• Look Into Backloading: If you’re flexible with your dates, backloading—a service where you share truck space with others—can be a cost-effective way to handle your interstate move.

Estimated Cost of Moving Interstate

The estimated cost of moving interstate varies depending on several factors, such as the size of your home, distance, and the method of moving. Below is a rough guide:

• 1-2 Bedroom Apartment: $3,000–$5,000
• 3-Bedroom House: $5,000–$7,000
• 4-Bedroom House: $7,000–$12,000

These figures are general estimates. To get a more accurate picture of your potential expenses, use our interstate moving cost calculator or source pricing from multiple providers through Muval at https://book.muval.com.au/new.

Moving interstate doesn’t have to be a hugely daunting task if you plan carefully and understand your interstate moving costs. Our team at Muval is here to help you master every aspect of you move: regardless of whether you choose to hire interstate removalists or go for a self-pack option. Knowing your options and managing your budget effectively will make the process smoother and less stressful. If you need some assistance, please give us a call: 1300 168 825.

Frequently Asked Questions About Interstate Moving

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