Costs of moving interstate in Australia and savings tips

There are many reasons you might decide to move interstate – you might have a new job opportunity, you might want to get closer to family, or you might just be looking to broaden your horizons and try a new adventure. In a country the size of Australia, ‘moving interstate’ can mean many different things, whether you’re making a short hop across the border from NSW to Queensland or packing up and moving from the east coast to Western Australia. Here are some things to consider.

How much does it cost to move interstate?

If you’re planning a move in Australia, especially if you have a lot of possessions to pack up, then one of the main costs you’ll need to consider if the cost of removalists. Moving interstate can be a big undertaking, and you may not be able to rely on your mate’s ute to help out, so how much will it set you back?

According to Austate Removals, the average cost of moving interstate, based on a three bedroom house, is between $2,600 and $5,850, but this figure is just a starting point, and a move is likely to be more expensive the further away you are relocating, and the amount and size of possessions you have to pack up.

Austate Removals says that for example, the cost of moving from Queensland to WA can be anywhere up to $10,000 and above, and the cost of a move from Brisbane to Hobart can be up to $8,000 or above, not including ferry costs. This means the further you move, the more you are likely to pay, and you will also need to factor in other costs such as:

• Moving boxes: If you’re packing up your things yourself, you’ll need to get some moving boxes. You might also need tape and packing material such as bubble wrap or foam packing peanuts.
• Personal moving costs: For example, petrol costs if you’re driving, or the cost of a plane ticket if you’re flying interstate. You may also need temporary accommodation if you don’t have a place ready to move into yet or if your new house is not ready.
• Moving insurance: If your possessions are damaged during the move, this may not be covered by your home insurance policy or by the removalist. Therefore, you may want to take out a separate moving or transit insurance policy (more on this below).
• Storage: You may also need to store your belongings for a period of time if your new address isn’t ready. In some cases, your removalist will also provide storage services, although this may involve an additional fee.
• Rubbish removal: If you are cleaning out your home before the move, you might also want to hire a skip bin to help you dispose of items you no longer need.

How do you move interstate on a budget?

Moving interstate can get expensive, but there are a few different ways to help cut down costs.

1. Declutter before you move

Getting rid of anything you don’t want to take with you can help you save space and money.

“Do a clean-out of your house and dispose of what you don’t need or use, before even contacting the removalist,” Joe Lopino, executive director of the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA), recommended. “The more furniture and goods you have, the more it’s going to cost you.”

You could also sell your unwanted items and put the proceeds towards covering some of your moving costs, or organise a donation drop.

2. Shop around for removalists

“Find a removalist in the state you’re moving from and see if they have connections or other agents interstate,” Mr Lopino suggested.

It can be a good idea to get quotes from a couple of different companies. It’s also important to do your research to make sure the company is reputable and that its services suit your needs.

“Make sure the company has a depot and an office. Also, check for good reviews,” Mr Lopino said.

3. Pack it yourself

Another way to save is to pack up your things yourself, rather than getting the help of a professional packer. This may also give you a chance to go through your belongings and see if there is anything you can get rid of.

You could also cut down costs by using second-hand boxes or hiring boxes rather than buying brand-new ones. See if your removalist offers any, or look online on websites like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.

4. Consider alternative moving options

You could also consider if there are any potentially cheaper alternatives to using a traditional removalist to transport your possessions interstate. For example, you could consider using a self-packed shipping container or a mobile storage company. In these cases, you would typically load your belongings yourself and they would then be transported to your new address.

Another option is backloading. This is where you use space on a truck that is already headed to your destination. But be aware that you may need to be a bit more flexible on your pickup and delivery times if you choose this option.

If you are driving to your new home, you could also move some smaller belongings yourself. This could help reduce the number of items to be moved by a removalist.

Do you need moving insurance?

If your goods are damaged during the moving process, your removalist will generally be liable under the Australian Consumer Law if it was due to their negligence. However, if your removalist wasn’t at fault, you could be left out of pocket. This is where moving insurance can help provide peace of mind.

Moving insurance is available through some contents insurance policies, authorised removalists and standalone insurance providers. It provides cover for loss or damage to your goods during the moving process. It can typically cover events such as accidental damage, road accidents, flood, fire and theft, although the exact situations you’re covered for may vary depending on the insurer and policy you choose.

Contents insurance

Some contents insurance policies include transit cover. However, there may be exclusions or conditions involved. For example, some policies may not cover items when they are being loaded and unloaded from a vehicle. Other policies may only cover you if you use a professional removalist company. It’s important to read the fine print and check with your insurer directly to see what you are covered for.

Removalist insurance

Moving insurance can also be sold by qualified removalists.

Mr Lopino said removalists can only discuss and offer insurance if the financial regulator ASIC has authorised them to do so.

“Unless you become an authorised representative, you can’t offer insurance to a member of the public,” Mr Lopino said.

Removalists who are members of AFRA are authorised to provide transit insurance for all goods and personal effects being moved. They will also have public liability insurance, according to AFRA.

Standalone insurance

Another option is to get moving insurance from a standalone insurer. It’s important to check the product disclosure statement (PDS) or other terms and conditions so you have a good understanding of what you are and aren’t covered for.

If you’re preparing for a move, check out our moving house checklist. You might also like to compare your electricity, gas and internet options to see if you can get a better deal at your new address.

Main image source: Pixie-Shot/Shutterstock.com.