How Much Does Moving House Cost in Australia? A Full Budget Guide
Moving costs catch most people off guard — not because they're outrageous, but because they add up from a dozen small directions. Here's a complete, honest breakdown of what it actually costs to move house in Australia, whether you DIY or hire professionals.
14 min read
Disclaimer: All prices are estimates based on typical Australian conditions as of 2024–2025. Actual costs will vary significantly by city, distance, and specific circumstances. Always get multiple quotes before committing to any service.
The Quick Comparison: DIY vs Removalist
Studio / 1 Bedroom
Often DIY-able in 1–2 car loads + small van
2 Bedrooms
DIY requires hired van; tight on time unless well-organised
3–4 Bedrooms
DIY at this scale requires 2+ helpers and significant planning
Full Cost Breakdown
Here's what goes into each scenario:
| Cost Item | DIY Move | Removalist |
|---|---|---|
| Packing supplies | $80–$150 | $0–$50 (often included) |
| Vehicle hire (1 day) | $100–$180 | N/A |
| Fuel | $30–$80 | N/A |
| Helper labour | $0–$200 | Included |
| Removalist labour | N/A | $600–$2,500+ |
| Removalist truck | N/A | Included |
| Insurance (transit) | $0–$100 | Often included |
| Cleaning supplies | $20–$60 | $0–$50 |
The Hidden Costs Most People Forget
Lost wages / annual leave
A typical DIY 2-bedroom move takes 1–2 full days plus prep time. If you're using annual leave, factor in the effective cost of the lost days.
Food and drinks for helpers
If you have 2–3 friends helping, expect to spend $80–$150 on food, drinks, and a meal. This is the unwritten social contract of borrowed labour.
Cleaning fees at origin property
Most rental bonds require the property to be professionally cleaned ($200–$400) or cleaned to a high standard. Budget for this separately — it's not part of the move cost, but it happens at the same time.
Connection fees and utility changes
Reconnecting internet ($0–$200 depending on plan), electricity ($0–$50 connection fee), and postal redirect ($30–$60 per year) add up quickly.
Broken or damaged items
Even careful DIY moves result in something broken. Budget $100–$300 as a contingency for items that don't survive the journey.
Money-Saving Tips for DIY Moves
- Move on a weekday. Hiring a van on a Tuesday or Wednesday is typically $20–$40 cheaper per day than a weekend, and traffic is lighter.
- Get free boxes. Liquor stores, supermarkets, and bookshops receive constant deliveries. Call ahead and ask to collect boxes — most are happy to hand them over. Facebook Marketplace is also full of free moving box listings.
- Use Stowey to plan trips. Knowing exactly how many car and van loads you need prevents the expensive mistake of underestimating and needing an extra hire day.
- Book the van early. Weekend van hire in major cities sells out 2–3 weeks in advance at the start of each month. Booking late means fewer choices and higher prices.
- Declutter before you move. Items you sell on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree before moving day reduce the volume you need to transport — and put money back in your pocket.
- Hybrid approach: removalist for big items, DIY the rest. Hiring a removalist for just the heavy items (bed frames, sofa, white goods) — typically 2 hours — costs $200–$400 and eliminates the most physically difficult part of the move. You DIY the rest.
When Removalists are Worth Every Dollar
Despite the cost difference, there are situations where hiring professional removalists is genuinely the better choice:
- Long-distance moves (interstate): Driving a hired van 800km isn't the same as a 20km local move. Professional movers handle long-distance logistics, insurance, and multiple-day journeys far more efficiently.
- 4+ bedroom homes: At this scale, the time and physical toll of a DIY move typically outweighs the cost savings for most people.
- You have a bad back, injuries, or health considerations: The physical toll of moving is real. Professional movers have equipment, technique, and numbers to handle heavy lifting safely. This is not worth the saving if it puts you out of action for a week.
- Access is genuinely difficult: Narrow staircases, high-rise apartments, or properties with no street access significantly complicate DIY moves. Professionals have the equipment and experience to handle these.
Plan Your Move to Minimise Trip Count
Use stowey's moving house tool to figure out exactly how many car and van trips you'll need — the single biggest variable in a DIY move's cost.
Moving House Calculator