Moving costs depend on different factors such as your stuff, move distance, number of removalists, and number and sizes of trucks. The number of removalists needed, how many removalists you require, depends on the size of the moving truck and the amount of furniture being moved. A removals cost calculator is a free tool that will help you get a competitive quote to understand furniture removal costs.
Removalist Cost Calculator
Moving Cost Calculator: How Much Does It Cost to Move?
What Is the Average Moving Cost?
The average cost for a local move, including furniture removal, could range from $300 to $3,500. A moving company in Sydney might charge anywhere from $75 to $300. These prices may or may not include packing supplies and insurance. The final price depends on the exact services you require.
Often, there’s a moving cost calculator on the website of a professional removalist. This free tool helps estimate moving and removal costs using move distance, the number of bedrooms, and more.
Local move
Moving locally costs less than interstate moving. For example:
- A one-bedroom house costs between $180 – 200 per hour for two removalists and takes 3 to 5 hours.
- A two or three-bedroom house needs at least three movers, takes 5 to 7 hours, and costs between $260 – 300 hourly. A 4-men team costs $350 – 400 per hour.
- A five-bedroom house needs five movers, takes 7 to 9 hours and the hourly cost is $400 – 500.
On Sundays and public holidays, the removalist cost could be 15% higher.
Interstate move
Moving interstate is easier when you hire professionals, but you will pay more. A flat rate moving quote is often provided for interstate moves, based on distance, volume, and additional services, rather than hourly rates.
Let’s say you’re moving from Sydney to Melbourne. The removalist costs of a 3–bedroom house will range from $3,500 to $5,000. For interstate moves, typical costs range from $2,000 to $6,000+ depending on distance and volume. That rate includes insurance, boxes, bubble wrap, and other packing supplies.
Removalist costs are calculated either by multiplying the hourly rate (typically $120–$300+ for 2-3 movers) by the estimated hours, or by obtaining a fixed-price quote based on home size, volume, and distance.
Check our interstate moving cost calculator to estimate the moving cost between states.
What Affects Your Moving Cost?
Several factors affect the costs of moving. A removal costs calculator factors this when giving an estimate.
Move size
This is the amount and volume of belongings that need to be moved from one location to another. The size of the move directly affects the moving costs since you’re charged based on the number of belongings, distance traveled, and labour required.
Moving date
If you have the luxury of time, you might want to carefully consider your estimated date and schedule it in advance. Sometimes, a removalist will raise their prices to match the demand and charge higher during busier times. If you’re hoping to cut costs, schedule your move during off-peak periods.
Removalist cost
Full-service moves involve higher costs but keep you stress-free. Professional moving companies offer various services that cover all of your moving needs from the pick–up to the drop-off location. These can include furniture removals, packing and unpacking services, and storage rentals.
They also handle residential and commercial relocations.
Moving insurance
Professional removalists offer different levels of protection against damages and loss, such as limited liability, added valuation, and full value. You may purchase additional moving insurance from a third-party insurer if you need more comprehensive protection.
Distance of the move
The longer the distance between locations, the higher the cost. Check our interstate move cost estimator to get an estimated cost.
Packing costs
A full-service moving company can supply everything you need, including additional padding for extra security during the move.
Level of service
Your removalist may charge extra for any difficulties they encounter along the way, such as packing a coffee table that requires special care. If that heavy table needs to be carried across a narrow hallway, then your mover might add that to the final price.
Storage fees
Some moving companies offer storage options, but you can also rent self-storage rentals from third-party providers.
The costs might depend on the size, the location, and the rental duration. In Sydney and Melbourne, the average price of a medium-sized storage container is $317.
Travel and accommodation fees
For long-distance moves, you have to consider travel and accommodation fees. If you’re from Sydney and you’re moving to Melbourne, you need to think about how you’re going to travel. Driving will take about eight to nine hours and maybe longer if you stop and sightsee.
Flying cuts travel time. However, plane tickets are costly, and you might have to stay at a hotel while waiting for your belongings to arrive.
How to Calculate Moving Costs
Our moving cost calculator is a straightforward price estimator that gives you a reliable moving cost estimate from removalists immediately.
Our moving cost calculator considers the number of bedrooms, distance, packing services, and other factors. To begin, enter the details of your move on the moving cost estimator to get an instant quote.
Tips to Get a Competitive Quote
- Get a free quote from different removal companies to get a clear picture of the moving costs.
- Not all removal services are made equal. While cost is important, consider the quality of the service you’re spending on.
- Start by creating a list. If you find a removalist you like, check if they’re a member of the Australian Furniture Removers Association. Once you’ve verified their details, read reviews online and use a removalist cost calculator to get an accurate cost estimate.
- Get in touch with the moving companies you like. Ask questions about their services and anything related to your move so that you can fully understand what you’re getting into.
Special Items and Services
If your move includes special items such as a piano, pool table, or outdoor furniture, it’s important to account for the extra care and cost required for their safe transport. Many moving companies offer additional services like packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and secure storage solutions. When requesting a moving cost estimate, be sure to mention any special items or services you need so they can be included in your moving budget. For interstate moves, an interstate moving cost calculator can provide an accurate estimate for transporting these items, helping you plan for every aspect of your relocation.
Removalist Costs in Different Cities
Removalist costs can differ significantly depending on the city or region you’re moving to or from. For example, the average moving cost in Sydney may not be the same as in Melbourne or Brisbane. To get an accurate estimate tailored to your location, use a moving cost calculator or removal cost calculator that factors in your specific city and the services you require. Researching the average moving cost in your area can also give you a better idea of what to expect, ensuring you receive a competitive and accurate estimate for your move.
Budgeting for Your Move
Careful budgeting is key to a successful and stress-free move. Start by using a moving cost calculator or removal cost calculator to get an accurate moving cost estimate. Factor in all additional services you might need, such as packing supplies, furniture removal, and storage. Don’t forget to include hidden moving costs like fuel surcharges, tolls, or limited parking fees in your moving budget. By planning ahead and using a moving cost estimator, you can create a realistic budget, avoid unexpected expenses, and ensure your move goes smoothly from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move?
The cost of an interstate move will be significantly higher than a local one. For a long-distance move, the average total price can range from $3,500 to $5,000. If you’re moving within the same city, the move will cost anywhere from $75 to $300 for an hour’s worth of work. You can get free estimates using a removal cost calculator.
Do professional movers provide packing boxes?
If the mover charges a flat fee, it might include the costs of packing supplies such as boxes, tape, and other safety measures to keep the items secure inside the truck. The number of moving boxes required is a key factor in determining the overall moving cost, as removalist cost calculators often estimate truck space and pricing based on both furniture and box quantities.
For time-based removals, packing supplies and services might not be included. You’ll have to do the job yourself, while the mover will pick up and drop off the items at your new home.
Should I help the moving company?
A reputed removalist is experienced and knowledgeable about the entire moving process. Their goal is to get things done as quickly and efficiently as possible without you having to lift that heavy coffee table. If your mover charges a time-based rate, you might want to help in any way you can to speed things up and save money.
You can decrease your stuff by giving away things you don’t need and packing smaller items ahead of time. However, leave the heavy lifting to your moving company.
Just remember that removalists have company policies that protect you and the crew from needless injuries and liabilities. Always ask and coordinate with professional movers before doing anything.
How do removalists calculate their service cost?
For local moves, removalists use a detailed cost calculation process to determine the final price, charging customers per hour or half an hour. Some might even charge customers in 15-minute increments if they only have a few items. Many factors influence an estimate, and a removalist cost calculator helps customers calculate relocation costs quickly by factoring in all relevant variables.
When is the best time to move?
The best time to move will vary per person or family. If you have kids, you should schedule your estimated moving date around the holidays, such as summer, to ensure they don’t miss school. However, holidays are busy times of the year, especially for movers, and can cost more.
No matter where you’re moving, you need to consider seasonal and weather conditions because these can disrupt your home removal plans.
Will the moving company cover any damage or loss during my move?
If the movers aren’t directly responsible for the damage or loss of your belongings, then your compensation might be low or nothing at all. Consider getting insurance from a third-party company.