Moving Interstate Costs Explained

Moving homes is stressful – that’s a given. However, it’s something a lot of us experience at least once in our lifetime, even when it’s not necessarily a part of our life goals.

Whatever your reason for moving interstate, there are certain cost considerations you’ll need to make. After all, moving involves a range of expenses, whether you’re moving within the same area or to another state entirely. Either way, it’s crucial to plan ahead for all expenses.

When you calculate the cost of moving interstate well ahead of time, you’ll be giving yourself ample opportunities to prepare a detailed, comprehensive budget. By familiarising yourself with all moving-interstate costs, you’re eliminating the possibility of costly, unexpected expenses cropping up in the middle of your move.

But before we dive into the nitty-gritty, in general, movers set a minimum cost to move items interstate based on the cost of transporting 5 cubic metres’ worth of items.

That being said, let’s dive in and cover all the cost details of an interstate move in Australia.

Disclaimer: All stated costs are indicative only and do not necessarily represent Relocations WA's own pricing alone (Industry Pricing). Relocation prices can chance from day to day dependent upon many factors. We therefore encourage you to get in touch with us for an accurate quote that is personalised to your own requirements.

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How Much Does it Cost to Move Interstate?

So, how much does it cost to move interstate? How much do interstate removalists cost?

In calculating the costs of moving interstate in Australia, there are several factors to consider, including the following:

  • Volume of belongings
  • Household size (number of bedrooms)
  • Travel distance or which state you’re moving to
  • Mode of transport (air, road, rail)

Of course, aside from these items, there are other expenses to consider. However, the above items typically cover a huge chunk of the total interstate moving cost.

Just to give you a fair idea, average overall interstate moving costs range from $3,900 to $5,000 (excluding GST). This ballpark figure is based on the context of moving the furnishings and belongings of a 3-bedroom dwelling – which is the most common home size indicator in Australia.

It does not include other possible expenses like moving insurance, packing services, storage, temporary accommodation, cleaning, rubbish removal and pet transportation.

However, if you want to have a rough estimate of your moving expenses, you can always get in touch with us for a interstate moving quote online. A quote is always the best way to find out how much it would cost you to relocate.

After requesting a detailed quote, we sharpen our pencils and calculate your interstate moving cost in detail.

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How Are Interstate Removalist Costs Calculated?

As mentioned above, calculating the cost of moving house interstate depends on several variables.

Aside from the volume of belongings, household size, travel distance and mode of transport, there are certain factors that can affect the outcome whether you use an interstate moving cost calculator or make manual estimates.

You’ll need to take into consideration the fact that the rate will vary based on the types of furniture that need to be moved. For example, if you have a lounge suite, king-size bed, grand piano or some other big-ticket items that you want to take with you, then you also need to prepare for the additional costs that come with moving these.

Other additional expenses you’ll need to watch out for include:

 

  • Moving insurance: While there are companies that provide insurance to cover damages to your possessions during the move, you need to verify if all your belongings are adequately covered. Remember, coverage varies depending on the policy. If you find your items are not sufficiently covered, then you can purchase moving insurance – which is crucial if you own antiques, family heirlooms, art and other irreplaceable items. Removal transit insurance premiums usually start from around $100.

 

  • Packing services: This is an additional service a removalist usually offers to customers who engage them to pack delicate, high-value or big-ticket items included in the move. When you budget for packing services, you should also specify the materials to be included in the service (including specialised cartons, custom crates, packing tape, bubble wrap, etc.) to ensure the damage-free transport of your valuable possessions. While a local move may entail an extra $60 per hour for the packing service, you may need to spend an additional $500 to $4,000 for packing during a long-distance move.

 

  • Storage: When you don’t want to have all your items taken to your new home directly, chances are you’ll need to store your belongings somewhere secure and safe first. Depending on the state and the size of the space you need, a storage facility can charge between $200 and $400 a month. Here, you also have the option to get insurance for your peace of mind.

 

  • Flights and temporary accommodation: Although travel by road and rail is something you could do when moving interstate; it could mean hours or even days spent in transit. Of course, you also have the option to travel by air so you can save time and effort. Depending on the distance you’ll be travelling and the airline, your air fare can cost you anywhere from $150 to $500. Also, if you need to stay at a hotel or a temporary accommodation upon arrival at your destination, this would be an additional expense you’ll have to consider.

 

  • Cleaning: Aside from performing standard removalist tasks, some companies offer a comprehensive house cleaning service. This includes a number of items, and you can pick or choose which ones you want done, including carpet vacuuming, mopping floors, cleaning ledges and skirting boards, dusting, washing bedroom wardrobes, sanitising all toilets and sinks, unpacking, furniture arrangement, setting up wall hangings and organising the rooms.

 

  • Rubbish removal: You may want to consider hiring skip bins when clearing your old home to get rid of items you don’t use or need. The skip bin rate varies depending on the location, although a two-cubic-metre skip bin costs $180 on average. Dumping the rubbish yourself can reduce the cost of your move as well.

 

  • Pet transportation: Your fur babies or pets are, of course, coming with you. However, you need to arrange for their safe transfer to your new address yourself or through your removalist. You can ask your interstate removalist if they offer pet transport as a service of if they can coordinate it as a part of your move. In any case, pet transportation may cost you between $200 and $400.

     ➜ Learn more about Pet Transport Prices

 

  • Fuel levy: In general, all removals services come with a minimum 5 per cent fuel levy, but this varies depending on the distance travelled. For example, moves that exceed 40 kilometres may come with a 10 per cent fuel levy and there could be extra charges if the destination runs through a toll road or highway – which is something to be expected in an interstate move.

 

Interstate moving cost calculation in Australia may not be the simplest exercise, depending on how much and how far you’ll be moving.

Aside from the above, there could be other unforeseen costs you’ll have to prepare for, although these items cover the majority of all possible expenses you can expect during an interstate move.

Interstate Moving Cost by Number of Bedrooms

Below you will find moving cost estimates for some of our most popular interstate moving routes, broken down by number of bedrooms of a dwelling. As mentioned earlier, there are a number of factors involved in calculating exact interstate moving costs. Therefore, please be aware that these are high-level ball-park estimates only.

Perth – Melbourne

To give you a fair idea of the cost of moving from Perth to Melbourne, you can choose from the following bedroom sizes to find out average estimates updated for this year.

 


1 Bedroom
The average interstate moving cost for a 1-bedroom dwelling is between $1,700 and $1,900 (excludes GST)

2 Bedrooms
A good moving interstate cost estimate for a 2-bedroom dwelling ranges between $2,200 and $2,400 (excludes GST)

3 Bedrooms
For this move, a fair cost estimate for a 3-bedroom home would cost anywhere between $3,500 and $4,500 (excludes GST)

4 Bedrooms
A move from a 4-bedroom dwelling could cost an average of somewhere between $5,000 and $6,000 (excludes GST)

5 Bedrooms
The average cost of a move from a 5-bedroom house could range between $9,000 and $10,500 (excludes GST)

 
 
➜ Learn more about Moving from Perth to Melbourne (& vice versa)

Perth - Sydney
Perth - Brisbane

How Much Space is Needed for Your Interstate Move?

Another way of calculating costs would be determining how much space is needed as this will determine the size of the truck or container needed for your move.

Here, what will impact the cost would be the size of your home and how much of it is furnished.

In the following example, we calculated the cost of the move based on the space or number of bedrooms for an interstate move from Perth, Western Australia to Melbourne, Victoria.

Minimally furnished:

Required space: 9-13 m3 | Cost: From $1,575 (ex. GST)

Somewhat furnished:

Required space: 14-16 m3 | Cost: From $1,725 (ex. GST)

Heavily furnished:

Required space: 17-20 m3 | Cost: From $1,890 (ex. GST)

If you are looking for the cheapest way to move interstate, there are a number of measures you can take to reduce the cost. For instance, decluttering your home before the move or relocating during off-peak times. Other things to consider include how to move interstate, specifically your chosen mode of transport, and whether you'd like to hire your own truck and handle the move yourself.

Interstate Moving Cost Difference by Mode of Transport

There are three primary modes of transport available when moving interstate; that is, by road, air and rail.

Your choice ultimately boils down to how much your budget is, as well as your situation.

For example, if you’re relocating because of a job, and you need to report to work immediately, then you might have to go by air as it’s the fastest route, albeit the most expensive. Also, if you have small children, going by road or rail might prove too exhausting for your little ones.

Then again, if your budget is limited, you’ll need to factor in how much stuff you’ll be moving. You also need to calculate how many people will be moving with you, especially if you want to go by air.

In order for you to make the best decision, conduct a little research and enquire about the prices for each option. Once you receive our quote, you can make an informed decision.

Interstate Moving Cost by Road

Moving Interstate by Road

Moving this way is usually considered the easiest, most convenient and more affordable mode of transport for an interstate move. With this option, you can simply hire a professional removalist and rent a truck. You can even use your own vehicles if your belongings will fit in them. You can also save more money when you share a truck or container with other movers.

Interstate Moving Cost by Air

Moving Interstate by Air

Considered the most expensive interstate moving option, you might want to consider this if your priority is to move fast and settle in your new place as quickly as possible. To save a bit, look for the best dates with the optimum flight schedules and prices.

Interstate Moving Cost by Rail

Moving Interstate by Rail

Moving by rail is not a very common route Aussies take when relocating interstate, even when interstate removalists use this option. When you go by rail, your possessions go into a six-metre high-cube shipping container that’s somewhat taller than a typical shipping container. These containers are quite spacious and can be used to transport everything between capital cities via freight trains, with trucks used at both ends of the trip. One container is generally enough to accommodate the contents of a 2-bedroom apartment.

Travelling Cost When Moving Interstate

An often overlooked cost when planning your and your family's interstate move, is the traveling cost for family members. Since flight costs change all the time, please do your own research online. Below outlined flight costs are high-level estimates only.

Estimated flight ticket costs for one way only:

Approx. Average Adult Ticket Cost: ~$267

Child (Up to 12 Years Old) Ticket Cost: Usually the same as adult tickets for domestic flights, however some extra fees and taxes tend to be lower.

Infants (< 2 Years Old):  When travelling with infants, you usually have a choice to share your seat with your child at no extra cost. If your little one needs his/her own seat, usually the full cost of fare (same as adult), is charged. 

Check flight ticket prices flying from Perth to Melbourne

Additional Moving Interstate Services Cost

If you want to take advantage of additional moving services, here we provide you with further information and examples with regards to cost by moving service.

Packing Services Cost When Moving Interstate and International

Packing & Unpacking Services

The cost of packing and unpacking as add-on services includes the packing materials to be used during packing. If there are fragile or valuable items and expensive appliances to pack, this could also be an additional cost.

For example, a standard carton costs $22 apiece, whilst a book carton costs $6.50 per piece, and a portarobe costs $24.00 per carton, and these will be included in the packing cost. The unpacking cost is included in a standard service as above to working benchtop only if goods are pro-packed.

➜ Learn more about our Removals Packing Services

Vacate Cleaning Cost When Moving Interstate or Overseas

Vacate Cleaning

The cost of cleaning depends on which specific services you require from your removalist. They’ll usually provide a checklist or an itemised list you can choose from, including vacuuming, mopping floors, and sanitising toilets and sinks, and organising the bedrooms. In general, vacate cleaning costs can range from $200 right up to $1,000 for larger homes.

➜ Learn more about bond cleaning and access our End of Lease Cleaning Checklist

Car Transport Cost When Moving Interstate

Car Transport

If you want to arrange for vehicle transport, know that there are several factors that can affect the cost of moving a car interstate. These include the type of vehicle, distance, pickup and delivery locations, whether you want depot-to-depot or door-to-door delivery, fuel prices and so on.

For example, if you’re moving a medium-sized car from Perth to Melbourne, the door-to-door price would be $1,250, excluding GST.

➜ Learn more about Interstate Car Transport

Pet Transport Cost When Moving Interstate or International

Pet Transport

The cost of pet transport depends on the size of the pet, species, special needs, distance of travel and the length of time your pet needs to be boarded and cared for.

For example, if you’re moving from Perth to Melbourne, you may be charged $770 for your small dog plus an additional $44 per night for boarding.

➜ Learn more about Interstate Pet Transport

Transit Insurance Cost When Moving Interstate or Overseas

Moving Transit Insurance

Removalists generally provide insurance to cover any damages your possessions incur during a move. However, you need to ascertain which specific items are covered.

If you have valuable items being moved, you can purchase additional cover to ensure all your items are protected.

Generally speaking, removal transit insurance premiums start from around $100. 

➜ More info on Removals Insurance

Storage Cost When Moving Interstate or International

Storage Services

There may be instances when you want to keep some of your items in storage in a facility that’s safe and secure.

In calculating the cost of storage, some factors that can affect the price include the state you relocated to, size of the unit you need, the duration you plan to use it, as well as any special requirements like a temperature-controlled unit. You can also purchase insurance if you want.

For example, a 2.4m x 1.8m x 2.4m medium unit can cost $72 per month, if it is found within a security premise and pest-controlled environment. You may be given a discount if you intend to keep your items in storage for long periods.

➜ Learn more about our Perth Removals and Storage solutions

Why Choose Relocations WA for your interstate move?

The main point is that you will have a truly worry-free interstate move with Relocations WA. You'll be dealing with a friendly team of highly experienced relocation experts that tailor our services to your requirements. There will be no hidden fees and no ugly surprises.

What's holding you back still? Get in touch to discuss any questions you might have.

Trusted Interstate Relocation Services

55+ Years Experience with Interstate Moves

The owner of Relocations WA, Stephen Blackwell, has worked in the relocation industry his whole life. Having 55+ years' of interstate moving experience under his belt, Steve and his team have the necessary knowhow to facilitate challenging interstate moves worry-free for all our valued clients. 

Personalised Interstate Removals

Personalised & Tailored Interstate Moving Service

Relocations WA makes a point of offering a highly personalised, quality & worry-free moving service. Every job is our highest priority. We ensure your treasures and belongings are moved safely so that you don't have to worry about anything.

Happy Interstate Removal Clients

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We currently have 59 five star Google reviews, some of which are displayed below. We pride ourselves in delivering the best possible service and highly appreciate feedback, whether good or bad...

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Full-Service Relocation Offer

Besides relocating furniture and belongings, we also offer the whole range of additional moving services, such as packing, cleaning, storage, pet transport, transit insurance and more. You name it, we do it!