Moving cost guide
How Much Do Removalists Cost in Australia? (2026 Guide)
City-by-city pricing data, cost factors, and tips to save on your next move.
Moving house is one of the most stressful — and expensive — things you'll do. But how much should you actually pay? We've compiled real pricing data from removalist quotes across Australia's major cities to help you budget with confidence.
Local removalist costs by city
Prices are indicative ranges based on typical quotes. Actual costs vary by access, timing, and provider.
| City | Studio / 1-bed | 2-bedroom | 3–4 bedroom | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $130–$280 | $450–$950 | $900–$1,800 | $140–$200/hr |
| Melbourne | $130–$260 | $420–$900 | $850–$1,700 | $130–$190/hr |
| Brisbane | $120–$240 | $380–$820 | $750–$1,500 | $120–$175/hr |
| Perth | $120–$240 | $370–$800 | $720–$1,450 | $120–$170/hr |
| Adelaide | $110–$220 | $350–$750 | $680–$1,350 | $110–$160/hr |
Interstate moving costs
Interstate moves are priced by cubic metre, not by the hour. Backloading (sharing truck space) is significantly cheaper for flexible movers.
| Route | 2-bedroom | 3–4 bedroom | Backloading | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney → Melbourne | $1,800–$4,500 | $3,500–$7,000 | $800–$2,000 | 1–2 days |
| Brisbane → Sydney | $1,600–$4,000 | $3,000–$6,500 | $700–$1,800 | 1–2 days |
| Perth → Melbourne | $3,500–$8,000 | $6,000–$12,000 | $1,500–$4,000 | 5–10 days |
What affects the cost of your move?
Six factors that have the biggest impact on your final removalist quote.
Volume and weight
The more furniture and boxes you have, the larger the truck needed and the longer the job takes. Decluttering before you move is the single most effective way to reduce cost.
Access and stairs
Narrow driveways, flights of stairs, lifts, and parking restrictions all add time — and cost. Removalists may charge a stair levy of $30–$80 per flight.
Distance
Local moves are typically charged by the hour. Interstate moves are usually quoted as a fixed price based on cubic metres. Longer distances mean higher fuel and labour costs.
Day and time
Weekends and public holidays attract a 15–25% surcharge with most removalists. Moving mid-week or mid-month is almost always cheaper.
Packing services
Professional packing adds $200–$800+ depending on the size of your home. It saves time and reduces breakage risk, but it's the easiest cost to cut if you're on a budget.
Insurance
Most removalists include basic transit insurance. Full replacement value cover costs extra — typically 1–3% of the declared value of your goods. Worth it for high-value items.
7 ways to save on your move
- 1Get a couple quotes — prices vary significantly between providers
- 2Book in your move mid-week and mid-month to avoid peak surcharges
- 3Declutter before you move — fewer items means a smaller truck
- 4Use your garage or entry way as a staging area
- 5Empty your fridge, disconnect your wash machine and dismantle your bed frames
- 6Ask about backloading for interstate moves to lower the cost
- 7Book 3-4 weeks ahead to secure the best rates
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