How Much Does Moving House Cost?

What Is the Average Cost of Moving House?

There is no single average price that applies to every move. Two households with the same number of bedrooms can have very different moving costs because one may have substantially more furniture, difficult stairs, limited parking or a much longer travel distance.

The most useful way to estimate your moving budget is to separate it into two parts:

• The removalist cost: labour, truck use, travel and any additional moving services.
• Other moving expenses: packing supplies, cleaning, storage, utility connections, insurance and rubbish removal.

An accurate removalist quote should consider your actual inventory and moving conditions rather than relying only on the number of bedrooms in your home.

How Much Do Removalists Cost in Brisbane?

Brisbane removalists generally charge either an hourly rate or a fixed price. Optimove offers both options, allowing customers to choose the pricing method that best suits their move.

Optimove’s published local rate for two removalists and a truck is $200 per hour. Your total may also include an applicable call-out fee, travel time, tolls, fuel charges or additional labour. All relevant charges should be identified when your booking is confirmed.

See our complete removalist costs and pricing information, or speak with our Brisbane removalists for a quote based on your move.

What Affects the Cost of Moving House?

The following factors usually have the greatest effect on your final moving price.

1. The Volume of Furniture and Boxes

The more belongings you have, the more truck space and loading time your move will require. Removalists may estimate volume in cubic metres or use a detailed inventory to select the appropriate truck and crew.

Decluttering before requesting a quote can reduce the amount you need to move and may lower the overall cost.

2. The Distance Between Properties

A move within the same suburb will generally cost less than a regional, country or interstate relocation. Longer moves involve additional driving time, fuel, tolls and scheduling requirements.

Interstate and regional moves are commonly quoted at a fixed price based on distance, volume and the conditions at both properties.

3. Access at the Pickup and Delivery Addresses

Easy access can help your removalists work efficiently. Conditions that may increase the time or labour required include:

• Stairs or properties without lift access
• Long distances between the truck and the entrance
• Narrow hallways, doorways or staircases
• Limited truck parking
• Loading-dock or lift-booking restrictions
• Furniture that must be dismantled to leave the property

Provide accurate access information when requesting your quote so the correct team, equipment and truck can be arranged.

4. The Number of Removalists Required

Two removalists and a truck may be suitable for many apartment and small-to-medium household moves. Larger homes, difficult access or heavy furniture may require a third removalist or a larger team.

Although a larger crew has a higher hourly rate, it may complete a substantial move more quickly and efficiently.

5. Your Moving Date

Weekends, public holidays, school-holiday periods and the end of the month can be popular moving times. Availability and applicable surcharges may differ, so booking a weekday move can sometimes provide greater scheduling flexibility.

6. Packing and Unpacking Services

You can pack your belongings yourself or arrange professional assistance. Optimove provides flexible packing and unpacking services for an entire home, selected rooms, fragile items or unpacking at the destination.

Professional packing adds to the initial quote but can save considerable time and reduce the risk of belongings being packed incorrectly.

7. Storage and Special-Handling Requirements

Temporary storage may be required when settlement dates do not align, you are renovating, or your new property is not ready. Storage costs depend on the volume of goods and the length of time they need to be stored.

Heavy, fragile or unusually shaped items—such as pianos, safes, marble tables, antiques and oversized furniture—may also require additional staff, equipment or preparation.

Hourly Rate or Fixed Price: Which Is Better?

Neither pricing method is automatically cheaper. The right option depends on how predictable and complex your move is.

An Hourly Rate May Be Suitable When:

• You are moving locally
• Your inventory is relatively small
• Both properties have straightforward access
• You have packed and prepared everything before the crew arrives
• You are comfortable with the final price depending on the time taken

A Fixed Price May Be Suitable When:

• You want to know the total before booking
• You are moving a large household
• The move involves stairs, restricted access or heavy items
• You are moving regionally or interstate
• You need packing, storage or other additional services

For a fixed quote to remain accurate, disclose your complete inventory and all relevant access conditions before moving day. Items or conditions that were not included in the original assessment may require the quote to be updated.

DIY Moving Costs to Include in Your Budget

Hiring a truck and moving yourself may initially appear cheaper, but it is important to calculate every expense—not only the vehicle hire price.

Truck or Van Hire

The cost of a rental vehicle can vary according to its size, rental period, kilometres travelled, insurance, fuel use and availability. Check whether the quoted hire price includes kilometre limits and whether you are licensed to drive the selected vehicle.

Moving Boxes

Strong, correctly sized moving boxes protect your belongings and are easier to stack securely than used grocery boxes. Your total box requirement will depend on your household size and how much you own.

Optimove customers can also review our range of moving boxes and packing supplies.

Packing Materials

Your packing budget may need to include:

• Packing tape and dispensers
• Butcher’s paper or packing paper
• Bubble wrap
• Mattress and furniture covers
• Permanent markers and labels
• Protective blankets
• Straps, trolleys and lifting equipment

Fuel, Tolls and Multiple Trips

A vehicle that is too small may require several trips, increasing fuel use, tolls and the total time spent moving. You should also account for the trip to collect and return the rental vehicle.

Time and Physical Work

A DIY move can require several days of packing, lifting, driving and unloading. There is also a greater risk of injury or damage when heavy furniture is moved without suitable equipment or experience.

Compare the complete DIY cost with a professional quote before deciding. Read our guide to DIY moving versus hiring removalists for a more detailed comparison.

Other Moving House Expenses to Plan For

The removalist bill is only one component of the complete cost of moving. Your budget may also need to cover the following expenses.

End-of-Lease or Pre-Sale Cleaning

Tenants may need an end-of-lease clean to meet the requirements of their rental agreement. Homeowners may also arrange cleaning before settlement or before placing their property on the market.

The price will depend on the property size, condition and whether carpet, oven, window or outdoor cleaning is required.

Rubbish Removal and Decluttering

Moving is a useful opportunity to sell, donate, recycle or dispose of items you no longer need. Depending on the quantity, you may need council collection, a trailer, a skip bin or a professional rubbish-removal service.

Decluttering early can also reduce your moving volume, packing requirements and storage costs.

Utility Connections and Address Changes

Allow for possible electricity, gas, internet or water connection fees. You may also need to update licences, insurance policies, vehicle registrations, subscriptions and business records.

Temporary Accommodation or Storage

If your settlement dates do not align, include temporary accommodation and removal storage in your budget. Knowing these dates early can help your removalist coordinate pickup, storage and redelivery.

Moving Insurance

Ask what protection is included with your removal service and whether additional comprehensive moving insurance is appropriate for valuable or fragile belongings. Always review the relevant terms, conditions and exclusions.

How to Reduce the Cost of Moving House

1. Declutter before obtaining a quote. Moving fewer items can reduce truck space, packing materials and labour.
2. Provide a complete inventory. Accurate information helps your removalist recommend the right truck and team.
3. Describe access honestly. Mention stairs, lifts, long carries, narrow streets and parking restrictions.
4. Pack early. Have boxes sealed and clearly labelled before the crew arrives unless you have booked packing services.
5. Disassemble suitable furniture. Preparing beds, tables and modular furniture may save time, provided it can be done safely.
6. Reserve parking and lifts. Easy access can reduce delays on moving day.
7. Consider a weekday move. Weekdays may offer better availability than weekends or public holidays.
8. Compare overall value, not only the hourly rate. Training, insurance, protective equipment, truck quality and reliability all affect the moving experience.

What Information Is Needed for an Accurate Moving Quote?

To calculate your moving cost, a removalist will generally need:

• Your pickup and delivery suburbs or full addresses
• Your preferred moving date
• A detailed inventory or estimated household size
• The number of boxes
• Details of heavy, fragile or oversized items
• Stair, lift and parking information at both properties
• The approximate distance from the truck to each entrance
• Any packing, unpacking, storage or assembly services required

Photos, a video inspection or an on-site assessment may be recommended for larger or more complex moves.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving House Costs

How much does it cost to hire removalists?

The cost depends on the volume of furniture, moving distance, access, number of removalists and additional services required. Local moves may be charged by the hour, while regional and interstate relocations are often quoted at a fixed price.

How much do two removalists and a truck cost in Brisbane?

Optimove’s published rate for two removalists and a truck is $200 per hour. The full price may also depend on the applicable minimum booking, call-out fee, travel, moving date and access conditions. Check the current Optimove pricing page when planning your move.

How long does it take removalists to move a house?

A small apartment may take only a few hours, while a large home can require most of a day or longer. Packing status, furniture volume, stairs, travel distance, parking and the number of removalists can all affect the duration.

Is it cheaper to move yourself or hire removalists?

DIY moving may cost less for a small, straightforward relocation if you already have suitable help and equipment. However, truck hire, fuel, insurance, packing supplies, multiple trips and time away from work can narrow the difference. Compare the total DIY expense with a professional quote.

Are weekdays cheaper for moving house?

Weekday bookings may have greater availability and can avoid weekend or public-holiday surcharges. Pricing policies differ, so confirm the rate for your preferred date before booking.

Do removalists charge for travel time?

Travel or call-out charges may apply depending on the location of the properties and their distance from the removalist’s depot. These costs should be explained in your quote or booking confirmation.

Do removalists provide boxes and packing materials?

Services differ between companies. Optimove provides protective wrapping as part of its moving service and offers professional boxes, packing materials and optional packing assistance. Confirm exactly what is included in your quote.

Can I get a fixed price for my move?

Yes. Optimove provides fixed-price options based on your inventory, locations, access and required services. A complete and accurate inventory is essential when preparing the quote.