Are you contemplating a move? Whether you’re buying, selling, leasing, or just exploring options, there’s one essential question you need to ask: What is the cost of moving house?
On average, moving house in Australia can range from $400 to $4,500 for local relocations. If you’re moving interstate, costs can soar up to $8,000.
While these figures might seem substantial, they are necessary to ensure a smooth and secure transition from one home to another. To help you navigate the financial aspects of moving, we’ve crunched the numbers for you.
Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire professional house removalists, understanding these costs will help you plan better and ease the financial pressure.
Professional Moving Services
The most substantial cost in moving is often hiring professional movers. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Hourly Rates: Most Melbourne movers charge by the hour. Rates can range from $100 to $150 per hour for two movers and a truck. For larger teams and bigger trucks, the price can go up to $200-$250 per hour.
Distance: The distance between your current home and your new one also affects the cost. For local moves within Melbourne, this may not add much, but for interstate moves, the price can increase significantly.
Additional Services: If you require packing, unpacking, or special handling of items like pianos or antiques, expect additional charges. Packing services can cost an extra $30-$60 per hour per packer.
Moving house Cost by Size
Packing Materials
Even if you opt to pack yourself, you’ll need to purchase packing materials. Costs can include:
Boxes: Prices vary depending on size and strength. Standard moving boxes can cost between $2 to $5 each.
Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper: Essential for protecting fragile items. Expect to spend around $10-$30.
Tape and Markers: Packing tape costs about $3-$5 per roll, and markers are around $1-$3 each.
Transportation Costs
If you’re moving a short distance, you might be able to use a personal vehicle for smaller items, but for most moves, hiring a moving truck is necessary:
Rental Trucks: Renting a truck can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per day, depending on the size of the truck and distance traveled. Additional charges may apply for fuel and insurance.
Temporary Storage
Sometimes there’s a gap between when you need to leave your old home and can move into your new one. In such cases, temporary storage is necessary:
Self-Storage Units: Monthly rental costs for a storage unit in Melbourne range from $100 for a small unit to $300 or more for a large unit.
Moving Company Storage: Some moving companies offer short-term storage solutions, but these can be more expensive, averaging $150-$400 per month.
Utility Connection Fees
When moving to a new home, you’ll need to set up utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and internet. Fees can include:
Connection Fees: Vary by provider, but typically range from $50 to $100 per service.
Disconnection Fees: Some companies charge to disconnect services at your old home, usually around $20-$50.
Cleaning Costs
Leaving your old home in good condition, especially if you were renting, is crucial to getting your bond back:
Professional Cleaning Services: End-of-lease cleaning can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, depending on the size of the property and the extent of the cleaning required.
Insurance
Protecting your belongings during the move is essential:
Moving Insurance: Costs vary based on the value of your items and the level of coverage, typically ranging from $200 to $500.
Home and Contents Insurance: Ensure your new home and belongings are covered immediately. Premiums vary but average around $100-$200 per month.
Miscellaneous Costs
There are always unexpected expenses that crop up during a move:
Meals and Accommodation: If your move takes longer than a day, consider the cost of meals and possibly hotel stays.
Pet Care: If you have pets, you might need to budget for boarding or pet sitting services, which can cost $20-$50 per day per pet.
Tips to Save on Moving Costs
Declutter Before Moving: Sell, donate, or dispose of items you no longer need to reduce the volume of items to move.
Book Early: Secure moving services well in advance to get better rates and availability.
Compare Quotes: Get multiple quotes from different moving companies to ensure competitive pricing.
DIY Packing: Pack your belongings yourself to save on labor costs.
Use Second-Hand Materials: Find used boxes and packing materials to cut down on expenses.
What Are the Extra Moving Costs?
When moving, there are additional costs associated with buying and selling a house. Here are the main expenses to consider:
Other factors affecting the cost include:
Timing: Moving costs include driving to your new home and the time taken to load and unload the van.
Location: Extra costs may be incurred if your home is difficult to access.
Possessions: The overall size and number of items affect the cost. Large items like pianos or fridges increase costs.
Conclusion
Moving house in Melbourne involves a variety of costs, from hiring professional movers to purchasing packing materials and setting up utilities.
By understanding these costs and planning ahead, you can budget more effectively and reduce the financial stress associated with moving.
Remember, each move is unique, so tailor your budget to your specific needs and circumstances.
Whether you’re moving across town or interstate, being prepared and informed is the key to a smooth and cost-effective move.