Moving house is one of the most significant financial events most Australians manage. The headline removalist fee is only part of the story — bond payments, packing materials, cleaning costs, utility connections, and dozens of small administrative tasks all add up quickly. This budget checklist covers every category of moving cost so you can plan accurately and avoid surprises.
Before you move: upfront costs to budget for
- Removalist fee — from $195/hr for 2 movers, plus $14 fuel surcharge and 2-hour minimum for local Brisbane moves
- Packing materials — $258 (small), $436 (medium), $656 (large), or $994 (XL bundle)
- Expert Kitchen Prep — $599 fixed if you want your kitchen packed professionally
- Storage — $150/week per 20ft container if you need a bridge between move-out and move-in dates
- Bond/security deposit at new home — typically 4 weeks rent
- Utility connections — electricity, gas, internet; check connection fees with each provider
- Truck hire insurance — if applicable for interstate moves
During the move: variable costs to track
These costs depend on your specific situation but should be factored into your budget:
- Removal of items not going to new home — hard rubbish collection, charity pickup, or skip bin hire
- Professional cleaning — end-of-lease professional clean if required under your tenancy agreement
- Carpet steam cleaning — often a lease requirement separate from general cleaning
- Pest inspection or treatment — if required by the property manager
- Piano or pool table specialist move — quoted individually based on item and access
After the move: ongoing transition costs
- Mail redirection — Australia Post redirects mail from $33.50/month
- Address updates — banks, Medicare, ATO, electoral roll, subscriptions, insurance policies
- School enrolment — uniforms, stationery, and registration fees if changing schools
- Internet/NBN connection — allow 1–4 weeks for new connection depending on provider and address
- Minor repairs or painting — common when moving into a new property
- New furniture or appliances — if items don’t fit the new space or were sold/donated before the move
Budget spreadsheet: moving house in Australia
Below is a simple framework for calculating your total moving budget. Adjust figures based on your situation:
- Removalist: estimate based on expected move duration × hourly rate + fuel
- Packing materials: select the right bundle size for your home
- Cleaning: budget $300–$600 for a professional end-of-lease clean (1–3 bed)
- Bond: 4 weeks rent at new property
- Utilities: check connection fees with your chosen providers
- Mail redirect: $33.50/month × months needed
- Contingency: add 10–15% buffer for unexpected costs
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of moving house in Australia?
A local move (2–3 bedroom home) with a professional removalist team in Brisbane typically costs $600–$1,500 depending on home size and how long loading and unloading takes. An interstate move adds travel costs on top of this, priced per m³.
What are the hidden costs of moving house?
Common costs people underestimate include: utility connection fees, carpet cleaning or professional house cleaning, mail redirection, address change notifications, pet transport, school enrolment costs, and replacement of items that didn’t survive the move.
How much should I budget for packing materials?
A small move (1–2 bedrooms) typically needs a $258 materials bundle. A full family home (4+ bedrooms) may need $656–$994 worth of boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and wardrobe cartons.
When are removalists cheapest to book?
Midweek (Tuesday to Thursday) moves are typically the easiest to book and avoid weekend surcharges. Avoid end-of-month dates — these are peak demand periods when prices rise and availability is tight.
Can I reduce my moving cost by doing some packing myself?
Yes — packing your own boxes reduces both the time the crew spends on your property and the cost of our kitchen prep service. The more that’s ready before the truck arrives, the lower your total bill.
Should I buy or rent packing boxes?
For most moves, buying is more practical than renting — the cost difference is small, and there’s no need to collect and return boxes under a time constraint. Our packing bundles include boxes, tape, and packing materials at fixed bundle prices.
For more moving advice, see our How Long Does a House Move Take? and What Not to Pack When Moving House. Ready to book? Visit our pricing page, browse our service areas, or request a quote online. Call (07) 3472 7573 seven days a week.