How much does it cost to move house?

Moving house involves more than just loading boxes onto a truck. There are a range of factors that influence your overall costs — from how you choose to move, to distance, time, insurance and even hidden expenses you might not think of at first.

Understanding these costs early helps you budget better and avoid surprises on moving day.

The way you move has the biggest impact on cost.

• DIY move: Borrowing a van and getting help from friends is often the cheapest upfront option — but it still takes time, effort and coordination. It usually doesn’t include insurance for your goods, so you could be financially responsible if something is damaged in transit.
• Truck rental: Hiring a moving van or truck gives you control but still puts the physical work on you. Truck hire in Australia generally ranges from about $70 to $150+ per day, depending on truck size and rental duration.
• Intermediate helpers: Services like casual removalists on marketplaces can be more cost‑effective and save you asking friends for help, but they may not include transit insurance and may have variability in pricing and time commitment.
• Professional removalists: Hiring experienced removalists gives you convenience, expertise and often insurance options — especially valuable for fragile or heavy items. In Australia, professional removalists typically charge between about $110 and $200 per hour for a standard local move with two movers and a truck — sometimes more for larger teams or bigger vehicles.

Distance significantly affects cost.

Moving within the same suburb is very different from relocating interstate. Travel time, fuel and potential overnight costs all add up.

If you are hiring removalists, ask whether travel time to and from your property is included in the quoted price.

If you are hiring a truck, factor in:

• Fuel
• Tolls
• Excess kilometre charges
• One way rental fees if relocating to another city

Interstate moves are often quoted as a fixed price based on volume rather than hourly rates.

Time and volume go hand in hand.

More belongings, awkward furniture and complex access situations (like stairs or narrow hallways) extend the time needed — and therefore the cost — especially with hourly‑rate removalists. A professional crew can often work more efficiently, which can reduce the total hours charged.

Typical hourly removalist rates range from around $110 – $200 per hour for two movers and a truck, depending on city and service level.

The true cost of moving is not just the invoice.

If you take unpaid leave, arrange extra childcare or board pets during the move, those expenses add up quickly.

There is also the physical cost. Injuries from lifting heavy furniture can result in medical bills or time off work.

When weighing DIY versus professional removalists, consider what your time and energy are worth.

Damage during a move can be costly.

Check whether your contents insurance covers belongings during transit — many policies don’t. If not, you might consider separate transit insurance.

Most professional removalist companies offer some form of transit or liability cover. It’s important to confirm what’s included in your quote and whether additional cover is needed to protect high‑value or fragile items.

Packing isn’t just about putting items in boxes — professional packers know how to protect fragile goods and efficiently use space, which can help avoid damage and make unpacking easier.

Although professional packing is an added cost (often priced per hour or per room), it can reduce stress and help your move feel more organised.

Sometimes you need storage — whether because of settlement timing, renovation overlap, or staging your home before sale.

Storage costs vary widely by size and location, but many people can expect around $300–$600 per month for a standard unit.

Some removalist companies offer short‑term storage as part of their services, which may save you time and transport costs.

Here are practical ballpark figures for a local move (same city/suburbs) in Australia:

Truck or van hire for a day: ~$70–$150+ depending on vehicle size.

Professional removalists: ~$110–$200/hour for two movers and a truck.

• Small homes or 1‑2 bedroom moves typically ~$300–$900 total depending on time taken.
• Medium homes (2–3 bedrooms): ~$800–$1,500+.

Larger homes (4+ bedrooms): $1,500–$2,500+ depending on crew size and time.

Packing materials: Budget around ~$100–$250 for boxes, bubble wrap, tape, labels and protective wrap.

Storage (if needed): ~$300–$600/month.

Transit insurance: Costs vary, often quoted as a flat weekly or trip rate or included by professional removalists.

These figures are illustrative and will vary based on city, timing, access conditions and services you choose. Always get detailed quotes to compare costs.