Experts suggest that the average cost of moving home in Australia is anything between $2-5k. However, depending on your circumstances, the final amount for you could end up being much higher.
That is why it is a good idea to create a firm budget based on your specific needs to avoid any nasty surprises. Here is some expenditure you might need to account for.
1. Packing Supplies
One of the first things you’ll need to account for is packing supplies.
The likes of boxes, bubble wrap and cellotape are all essentials that you will need to source. However, there are several other items including moving blankets, furniture pads, box cutters, hand carts and dollies which might come in useful too.
It is easy to overlook the cost of these items, so make sure you factor them into your costs.
2. Hiring a Removal Truck
For those planning to move homes themselves, you might need to hire a rental truck for your bigger items like the fridge, washing machine and sofa.
These costs will vary depending on the size of the vehicle you need, the location from where you hire it and the length of time you need it for.
When budgeting for this cost, you will also need to account for fuel and insurance.
3. Professional Moving Firm
Should you want to call in the professionals, this is likely to be your biggest cost.
Generally speaking, most removal firms in Australia will charge you between $800 and $2,500 for a same-suburb move. However, this will depend on factors like the time of day and year you hire them, the amount of time it will take to complete the move and whether they need to navigate stairs.
Be mindful that this cost will be a lot more expensive if you are moving from, say, Brisbane to Cairns and even more expensive if you are moving out of state.
4. Out of State Expenses
Talking of moving out-of-state, there are several additional costs associated with doing so, including difficulties involved in accessing your pick-up or delivery location, your own travel and car registration and license fees.
Consider using a moving cost calculator to gain a better understanding of how these costs might add up.
5. Packing and Unpacking Services
It doesn’t matter where you are moving to, packing or unpacking is a task you might not fancy doing. Additionally, there are some people whose mobility issues might prevent them from being able to perform the job effectively.
Should you find yourself in this boat, you might want to hire a removal company who offers full-service packing. Generally, they will bill you for this at an hourly rate. They will also be able to wrap your possessions in a secure way you might not otherwise be able to, particularly when it comes to fragile items.
6. Cleaning Services
If you are moving out of a rental property or just want to create good karma before going into your new place, you might want to engage the services of a cleaning company.
Doing this can save you a lot of time and ensure you leave your old place in good condition.
Typically, a cleaning company will charge an hourly fee, which could be anywhere from $50 to $100, depending on what type of cleaning you need doing. Like with any service, it is worth getting a fully itemised quote prior to commissioning them.
7. Rental a Storage Unit
When moving out of your home, especially if you are downsizing, you might need to temporarily put some of your possessions in a rental storage unit.
One reason for doing this is because you might want to sell those items at a later time. Another is that you may pass them on to your children or a friend who needs them
Storage units come in a wide range of sizes, with the costs varying for each one. Try to pick one that isn’t too big, as you will end up paying for empty space.
9. Moving Insurance
For your own peace of mind, you might want to take out moving insurance to cover you for damage or loss of your possessions, as well as liability for any issues such as accidents that may occur when driving the moving truck.
As a rule of thumb, these costs tend not to be too expensive, though it will depend on what you want to be covered for.
10. Move-In Expenses
Lastly, the home you are moving into might need a few immediate repairs or upgrades which you should be taken into consideration with your budget.
This may include anything from buying new curtains for the study to making your bedroom allergy-proof. Essentially, little jobs that will still need to be paid for.