How Much Does Moving Cost In Melbourne?

Moving to a different city is like embarking on a thrilling journey, but it can also be a little puzzling, especially when you think about the costs. If Melbourne, Australia’s lively cultural hub, is your next stop, you are in for a fantastic experience! But, before you fully dive into the city’s vibrant lifestyle, you will want to sort out your finances. No matter if you are making a local move in Melbourne or travelling from afar, knowing how much it’s going to set you back is essential. Melbourne’s housing market, the distance you are travelling, the size of your household, and various other factors can all influence your moving budget.

In this blog post, we are here to help you make sense of the expenses tied to moving in Melbourne. We will provide you with all the information you need to confidently plan your move, whether you are a student, a young professional, or a family ready to call Melbourne home. So, let’s dive in together and uncover the true costs of setting up your new life in this extraordinary city.

1. The Average Cost Of Moving House In Melbourne

When it comes to making a move in Melbourne, understanding the average cost is key to planning your budget effectively. Professional removalists in this vibrant city typically charge on an hourly basis. During off-peak times, which are generally on weekdays, you can expect to pay around $130 to $160 per hour. This rate usually includes two professional movers and a fully equipped truck, making your move smoother and less stressful.

To give you a clearer picture, let’s break down the estimated costs for different types of homes:

For a 1-bedroom apartment, the cost with removalists is approximately $380 or more.
If you are packing up a 2-bedroom home, your budget will likely begin at $450 or higher.
Families with a 3-bedroom house can anticipate costs starting at $660 and up.
For larger households with 4-bedroom homes, the estimated cost begins at $880 or more.

It’s important to note that these prices can increase if you are moving on the weekend or during a public holiday. Alternatively, if you choose to rent your own moving truck, you can expect to pay around $60 to $85 per hour, but you will need to arrange additional assistance for loading and unloading. Understanding these costs will help you plan your move in Melbourne more effectively, ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.

2. Factors That Affect The Cost Of Moving

Moving from one place to another comes with a price tag, and it’s essential to know what factors affect the cost. Mentioned below are some of the key elements that determine how much you will pay when relocating, making it easier to plan your budget.

Property Size: The size of your current and new home significantly impacts the cost of your move. Larger properties typically require more labour, packing materials, and potentially a bigger truck, resulting in higher moving expenses.
Volume of Belongings: Your moving costs will be greatly influenced by the volume of stuff you have to relocate. Larger trucks, more manpower, and more packing supplies are frequently required when moving with more possessions, which raises the cost of moving.
Packing Services: You can ensure that your belongings are packed securely and save time by choosing to use expert packing services. Nevertheless, you will have to pay extra for the labour and materials used, which makes this convenience more costly.
Parking the Moving Truck: The moving truck can work more efficiently while consuming less labour if it can easily access your house or building. However, a restricted parking area or difficult access could mean extra work and time, which could result in higher expenses.
Distance: Long-distance moves typically involve higher transportation costs. The farther you relocate, the more you can expect to pay for fuel, mileage, and travel time, which significantly influences the overall cost.
Accessibility: An important consideration is how easy it is to get to both your new and existing locations. Moving companies may face difficulties when moving into homes with stairs, small corridors, or tight corners, which could result in higher labour expenses and work time.
Moving Date: Your move’s timing can have a major influence on how much it will cost to move. There is always a greater demand for moving services on weekends, holidays, and peak seasons, leading to increased prices.
Furniture Disassemble/Assemble: It could be necessary to disassemble and reassemble large or complicated furniture during the process of moving. To complete these tasks, more labour time, expertise, equipment, and possible expenses are needed.
Fragile Items: Special care, packing materials, and sometimes customised crates are needed for items such as antiques, fragile artwork, or precious goods. The expense of protecting these goods goes up to guarantee their safe transportation.
Insurance: Insurance is essential to take into consideration when moving. Although it is a wise investment to protect your valuable belongings, the cost of moving insurance varies according to the coverage level you choose.

3. Cost Of Professional Movers Per Hour

Number Of Movers	Cost Per Hour With Truck (Off-Peak)	Cost Per Hour With Truck (Weekends)	Cost Per Hour With Truck (Public Holiday)
1 Mover	$80 - $100	$100 - $130	$120 - $150
2 Movers	$100 - $130	$130 - $160	$150 - $180
3 Movers	$130 - $160	$160 - $190	$180 - $210
4 Movers	$160 - $190	$190 - $220	$210 - $240
5 Movers	$190 - $220	$220 - $250	$240 - $270

4. How Long Does An Average Move Take In Melbourne?

When it comes to predicting how long your Melbourne move might take, it’s important to understand that each move is a bit unique, and various factors can speed things up or slow them down. However, some rough estimates can help you plan your moving day more effectively. Generally, loading and unloading approximately 10 cubic metres of belongings typically takes around an hour each. To put it into perspective, a compact studio or 1-bedroom unit may take around 2 to 4 hours, while a slightly larger 2-bedroom apartment or house can typically be completed in 4 to 6 hours. For a 3-bedroom house, you might need to give about 5 to 8 hours, and if you are moving from a spacious 4-bedroom house, it will take roughly 7 to 10 hours. Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and the actual moving time can be influenced by specific circumstances and any unexpected events that arise on your moving day. So, staying flexible and well-prepared is key to a successful move.

5. Estimated Moving Charges And The Average Cost Of Removalists In Melbourne

House	Hours To Move	Movers and Truck	Price
1 BHK House	2 to 4 hours	2 movers and a truck	$200 - $520
2 BHK House	4 to 6 hours	2 movers and a truck	$520 - $780
3 BHK House	5 to 8 hours	3 movers and a truck	$650 - $1280
4 BHK House	7 to 10 hours	3 movers and a truck	$910 - $1600

6. Essential Tips For Saving Money While Moving

Moving can be an exciting new chapter in life, but it often comes with a big expense. To help you keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket, here are some essential tips for saving money while making your move as smooth as possible.

Plan Ahead For A Smooth Start: Start planning for your move well in advance to prevent hurried and costly decisions. A well-structured plan allows you to make more budget-friendly decisions and minimises the chance of financial surprises during your move.
Streamline Your Belongings: Make a complete list of your belongings before beginning to pack. Give away things you don’t need anymore. Because you won’t have as much stuff to move, moving expenses will be lower as a result of this preventive strategy.
Pack Your Belongings Yourself: Take responsibility for packing if you have the time and energy to do so. You can use the packing materials of your choice and save money using this strategy, which can help you better manage your expenses.
Sell Or Donate Unnecessary Items: Transform your unnecessary belongings into a source of income by selling them or giving charitable donations to people in need. This not only lessens the load but also lines your pockets.
Organise Your Boxes With Labels: Implement an organised labelling technique for your boxes. Labelling items correctly reduces the possibility of damage to your valuable belongings, improves organisation, and speeds up the unpacking process. This is a wise decision that saves money.
Budget-Friendly Meals: When preparing for your relocation and on moving day, make sure to carefully plan your meals. Your food bills can be greatly reduced by cooking for yourself instead of dining out.
Choose Off-Peak Times For Your Move: Pick a day to move that falls on a weekday or during off-peak season. Moving companies sometimes provide more affordable prices during these periods, which adds up to significant savings.
Utility Management: To avoid unnecessary post-move expenses, quickly cancel your utility services in your previous house. This keeps your money organised and hassle-free.
Seek Help From Family And Friends: Make use of your network’s assistance for jobs that don’t require professional movers. The involvement of these individuals not only strengthens the sense of community but also successfully lowers the costs that arise from hiring more workers.

7. Things To Consider Before Hiring A Removalist

Seek Recommendations: Begin your search by asking friends, family, or colleagues for suggestions on reliable removalists. Personal recommendations often lead to trusted choices.
Review Customer Feedback: Take advantage of online reviews and customer testimonials to gain insights into a removalist’s track record. It’s like having firsthand experience at your fingertips.
Check Credentials: Ensure that the removalist you are considering is licensed and carries adequate insurance. Licencing signifies professionalism, while insurance safeguards your move.
Compare Quotes And Payment: Collect quotes from different removalists for cost and service comparisons. Be clear about payment options and any potential additional charges to avoid financial surprises.
Understand Services: Familiarise yourself with the full spectrum of services offered by the removalist. Some go beyond moving and offer services like packing, storage, or cleaning. Choose based on your specific needs.
Insist On A Written Agreement: Always request a written contract that outlines the terms and conditions of your move. This document covers crucial details like the agreed-upon price, the moving date, and any unique requirements, ensuring clarity and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Relocating to a new house in Melbourne often comes with a considerable price tag, and this cost can vary significantly based on several key factors. The size of your current and new property, the distance of your move, and the selection of specific moving services all contribute to the final estimate. While providing an exact figure can be challenging due to the unique nature of each move, understanding the variables involved is essential for effective financial planning.

Whether you are shifting to a 1-bedroom apartment or a 4-bedroom house, being aware of potential expenses and embracing cost-saving strategies, such as decluttering and handling some of the packing yourself, can significantly impact your overall moving budget. By staying well-informed and making careful choices, you can embark on your Melbourne move with the assurance that you have taken proactive steps to manage and control the costs. This way, your transition to your new home in Melbourne can be both seamless and budget-friendly.