Fun fact: the average Australian moves about 13 times in their lifetime (that’s a whole lot of packing and unpacking!). And while some of those relocations are just down the road or across town, plenty of those movers are heading interstate.
Moving to a new state can be pretty exciting – a new home, new experiences and new opportunities await. But moving is a process that requires careful planning. It’s also really important to create (and stick to) accurate budgets, particularly when you consider the average interstate move costs around $5,000. Phew!So, how much does it cost to move interstate? Let’s dive into the various costs you should consider to make your interstate move as smooth as possible.
Moving costs: breaking it down
Thinking about moving? Get ready to crunch some numbers. Moving costs vary widely and depend on a number of factors. To get you started on your budget, here’s a breakdown of typical expenses.
- Initial trips to the new location: It’s easy to overlook this one, so keep in mind that scouting out your new area can add up with costs like fuel, flights and accommodation expenses.
- Moving supplies: You want to protect your stuff when moving. Factor in the costs of good-quality boxes, packing materials, bubble wrap and other packing essentials.
- Transport costs: You’ll need to factor in fuel, tolls and vehicle rental if you’re doing a DIY move over long distances.
- Professional services: Want someone else to handle the move? We don’t blame you. But the costs of hiring movers, packers and additional labour can take a toll on your wallet.
- Accommodation: You might need to stay in hotels or short-term rentals during the transition period.
- Insurances for the move: It’s a good idea to look into insurance options to cover you and your stuff while it’s in transit. Don’t just rely on the removalist to have it covered.
- Meals, pet care and other unexpected costs: These can vary, and sometimes it’s hard to know what you’ll need to budget for until you start the moving process. We always recommend adding a buffer to the budget for the unexpected.
Let’s look at the figures:
Lower-end estimate
- Initial trips to the new location: $1000 (including fuel and accommodation for a couple of trips)
- Moving supplies: $150 (for boxes, tape and bubble wrap)
- Transport costs: $300 (this covers fuel and tolls for a rental truck)
- Self-move: $500 (a rental truck for a few days)
- Accommodation: $600 (for a hotel for the first few nights)
- Meals and miscellaneous costs for the first week: $500
- Unexpected: $300
Total: $3,350
Higher-end estimate
- Initial trips to the new location: $1700 (fuel and accommodation for a couple of trips)
- Moving supplies: $300 (higher-quality packing materials and more boxes)
- Professional movers: $8,000 (full-service movers including packing, loading and unloading)
- Accommodation: $1,000 (for an extended stay in a hotel or short-term rental)
- Meals and miscellaneous costs for the first week: $600
- Unexpected: $500
Total: $12,100
The costs of moving furniture interstate
Moving furniture across Australia? Whether you’re going pro with movers, tackling it yourself or looking for a flexible, out-of-the-box solution, each choice comes with its own set of fees and considerations. Let’s explore your options and the cost of moving furniture interstate.
Professional movers
The cost to hire an interstate moving company can vary significantly. Key factors include the distance of the move, the volume of items, the timing, the service offered and the company. We recommend contacting several businesses and asking how much they charge to move furniture interstate. Ask for quotes to make it easy to compare.
Self-move options
The cost to move furniture interstate can drop dramatically when you do it yourself. Renting a truck or trailer and driving it yourself can be the cheapest way to move stuff interstate.
Don’t forget about fuel, insurance and any additional equipment needed (such as trolleys, blankets and straps), which you’ll need to factor into your budget.
Container services
Portable storage units, like TAXIBOX, are a great option if you need flexibility. A TAXIBOX container can be delivered to your home, giving you the time and space to sort and pack your belongings.
If you don’t need your stuff delivered straight away, we can store the container unit securely and deliver it to your new home when you’re ready. This option gives you flexibility, security and convenience when moving interstate.
How to move interstate on a budget
Okay, so you now know your options. But what’s the cheapest way to move furniture interstate (who doesn’t like saving a dollar, right)? We’ve got some ideas. Let’s explore.
DIY moving
Handling the move yourself is a cheap way to move furniture interstate, but it can be a challenge. You might need to hit the gym before you move, as you’ll be responsible for lifting and carrying heavy items.
Coordinating the logistics of the move can also be time-consuming and stressful. You’ll probably need to take time off work and perhaps even lose out on some pay to make the move happen. You might also need to be extra nice to family and friends, as you’ll definitely need their help!
If you’re not confident driving a moving truck over long distances, taking the DIY path can be daunting. However, if you can handle all that, the cost savings are definitely worth it.
Budget-friendly tips
- Move during off-peak seasons to get better rates.
- Reduce volume by getting rid of items you no longer need.
- Save by using pre-owned packing supplies.
Go the alternative: let TAXIBOX take care of the hassle
We offer a streamlined, stress-free solution by delivering portable, secure storage units to your location, eliminating the need for multiple service providers. Just order the number of boxes you need and fill them when the time is right for you. It’s a convenient way to pack and move at your own pace, offering both security and peace of mind.
Remember, we can store your containers for as long as you like or deliver them straight to your new address.
With TAXIBOX, you get clear pricing with no hidden fees, making it easier to budget for your move. We’re here to help you survive your interstate move.
Ready to roll?
So, have we answered your questions about how much it costs to move interstate? While we can’t give you a definitive answer for your situation, we hope we’ve given you some clarity around the costs and considerations to help your move go smoothly and to budget. Head over to the TAXIBOX blog for more advice on staging your home to sell, moving out for the first time and more!
Want a hassle-free and cost-effective solution to your interstate move? TAXIBOX is the answer. Whether you’re heading to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth or dozens of other locations across Australia, when you’re moving interstate, we’ve got you covered.
Discover how TAXIBOX can help.
