How Much Does It Cost to Move House in Australia in 2026?
Moving house in Australia costs between $800 and $2,000 for a local move and $3,000 to $8,000 for an interstate relocation, depending on the volume of belongings, distance, and time of year. Understanding these costs upfront helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises on moving day.
Average Moving Costs in 2026
| Move Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Local move (1-bed apartment) | $400–$800 |
| Local move (3-bed house) | $800–$2,000 |
| Local move (4-5 bed house) | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Interstate (3-bed house, <1000km) | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Interstate (3-bed house, >1000km) | $5,000–$8,000 |
| Sydney to Melbourne (3-bed) | $4,000–$6,500 |
| Sydney to Brisbane (3-bed) | $4,500–$7,000 |
| Melbourne to Perth (3-bed) | $6,000–$9,000 |
How Removalist Pricing Works
Hourly Rate (Local Moves)
Most local removalists charge by the hour. In 2026, typical hourly rates are:
- 2 movers + small truck: $100–$140/hour
- 2 movers + large truck: $130–$180/hour
- 3 movers + truck: $170–$230/hour
A typical 3-bedroom local move takes 4–6 hours, so expect to pay $500–$1,100 in labour alone, plus any additional charges for stairs, long carries, or heavy items.
Fixed Quote (Interstate and Large Moves)
Interstate moves are typically quoted at a fixed price based on volume (measured in cubic metres) and distance. Get at least three written quotes and ensure they include insurance, fuel, and any access fees.
Key Factors That Affect Moving Costs
- Volume of belongings: The single biggest cost factor. A 3-bed house typically requires 30–40 cubic metres of truck space.
- Distance: Interstate moves are priced primarily on kilometres. Longer routes cost more.
- Access difficulty: Stairs, narrow hallways, long driveways, and no lift access all increase time and cost. Many removalists charge a flight of stairs surcharge ($50–$100 per flight).
- Time of year: Moving in summer (December–February) and at the end of the month costs 20–30% more due to higher demand. Mid-week and mid-month moves are cheapest.
- Special items: Pianos ($200–$500 extra), pool tables ($300–$600), and large artwork require specialist handling and equipment.
Backloading: Save 30–50% on Interstate Moves
Backloading means sharing truck space with other customers when a removalist is returning from a delivery. Because the truck is already making the trip, you pay only for the space your belongings occupy.
Backloading can save 30–50% compared to a dedicated interstate move. The trade-off is less flexibility on exact pickup and delivery dates — typically a 2–3 day window rather than a specific date.
DIY vs Professional Movers
| DIY | Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (local 3-bed) | $200–$500 | $800–$2,000 |
| Time | Full day + helpers | 4–6 hours |
| Insurance | None (your risk) | Included or optional |
| Heavy items | Risk of injury/damage | Professional equipment |
| Stress level | High | Low |
DIY moves make sense for small apartments with minimal furniture. For houses with heavy items, professional movers are safer and often more cost-effective when you factor in truck hire, fuel, equipment, and the risk of damage.
Moving Insurance
Most removalists offer transit insurance as an add-on, typically costing $50–$150 for a local move or $150–$400 for interstate. Standard policies cover accidental damage during loading, transit, and unloading. Check whether your home and contents insurance covers items in transit — many policies do not.
Tips to Reduce Moving Costs
- Declutter before quoting: Less volume means a smaller truck and fewer hours. Sell, donate, or discard items you no longer need.
- Move mid-week, mid-month: Avoid peak demand periods for lower rates.
- Get 3+ written quotes: Prices vary significantly between removalists.
- Pack yourself: Most removalists charge $300–$600 for packing services. Doing it yourself saves this cost entirely.
- Consider backloading: For interstate moves, backloading cuts costs by 30–50%.
- Book early: Last-minute bookings cost more, especially during peak periods.
See Your Total Moving Costs
Removalists are just one part of the cost of moving. Agent fees, stamp duty, conveyancing, inspections, and insurance all add up. Use the free LookingToSell moving costs calculator to see every cost involved in your move in one personalised report.