How Much Does It Cost To Move Interstate

May 10th, 2025

Moving to another state in Australia is a big life decision — and it comes with a price tag. Whether you’re relocating from Sydney to Brisbane or Melbourne to Perth, understanding the costs involved in an interstate move can help you plan, avoid hidden surprises, and make smart financial choices.

In this blog post, we break down the typical costs of moving interstate in Australia, the factors that influence the final bill, and some tips to save money along the way.

Average Cost of an Interstate Move in Australia

The cost of moving interstate in Australia generally ranges between $2,000 and $10,000, depending on your specific situation. Here’s a rough price guide based on what needs to be moved and the distance:

What Affects the Cost of Moving Interstate?

There are several factors that contribute to the final cost of your interstate move. Understanding these factors can help you plan ahead and potentially cut unnecessary expenses.

1. Distance

The single most influential factor in your interstate moving cost is how far you’re relocating. Moving from Sydney to Canberra (around 300 km) will cost significantly less than a move from Melbourne to Darwin (over 3,700 km).

Longer distances not only increase fuel and toll charges, but also require more time and labour, sometimes even an overnight crew. If you’re moving to a remote or rural area, this can add additional fees due to the lack of direct routes and increased logistical complexity.

2. Volume of Goods

Moving companies in Australia usually quote based on the volume or weight of your belongings, typically measured in cubic metres (m³). The more furniture, boxes, and personal items you have, the more space they’ll take up in the truck or container, and the more it will cost to move them.

Here’s how you can reduce costs:

• Declutter before packing. Sell or donate what you don’t need.
• Disassemble large furniture where possible to save space.
• Use efficient packing methods to minimise wasted space in boxes.

Remember, even small reductions in volume can lead to significant savings, especially on longer-distance moves.

3. Type of Service

You can choose from different types of moving services:

• Full-service move: Includes packing, loading, transport, unloading — most expensive but stress-free.
• Backloading: A more budget-friendly option where your items share truck space with other loads heading in the same direction.
• Self-pack containers: You pack a container, and the company handles transport. A middle-ground in terms of price and effort.

4. Direct Access Issues

Difficulties such as stairs, narrow driveways, or the need for shuttle services can add to the cost of your moving.

5. Moving Insurance

While many companies offer basic moving insurance, comprehensive coverage for your belongings can cost extra — typically 1–3% of your goods’ declared value.

Here Are Other Moving Costs to Consider

• Packing materials: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, etc. ($100–$300)
• Storage: Temporary storage between moves ($200–$500/month depending on size and location)
• Utilities connection fees: Electricity, gas, internet setup (~$100–$300)
• Travel and accommodation: If you’re driving or flying to your new home this can also incur additional charges
• Pet transport: Specialised transport services for interstate pet moves ($200–$1,000+)

Tips to Save Money on Your Interstate Move

Declutter before you pack: Sell, donate, or throw out items you no longer need before you move.

Compare quotes: Get at least three quotes from reputable interstate removalists companies.

Pack yourself: Save on labour costs when you’re moving by handling the packing and unpacking yourself.

Move during off-peak seasons: Prices are often lower mid-week or outside of school holidays so keep this in mind when you’re looking to move.

Final Thoughts

Moving interstate in Australia isn’t cheap, but with careful planning and budgeting, you can manage the costs and avoid unnecessary stress. Whether you’re going DIY or hiring professional movers, understanding your options will help you make informed decisions — and maybe even save a few extra dollars in your pocket.

Need help comparing removalist quotes? You Pack Removals offers flexible, stress-free moving services across Australia – from self-pack containers to secure transport and storage. With transparent pricing and nationwide coverage, we make interstate moving simple and affordable.