Moving locally can be tricky at the best of times, even if it’s just down the road, but moving interstate is a whole other can of worms.
With so much distance between two states, it’s no longer just a matter of putting things in a truck and calling it a day. Interstate moves require extensive planning, logistics, and plenty of time to ensure a smooth transition.
Budgeting is crucial to moving interstate, but predicting the exact costs can be challenging. This expert guide on interstate moving costs from Ready Movers will help you plan accordingly and give you a better idea of what to expect when putting together a budget for your move.
Key Cost Factors When Moving Interstate
- Interstate moves from Brisbane typically cost $2000-$6000
- Interstate moves from Townsville typically cost $3000-$6000
- Interstate moves from Cairns typically cost $3000-$6000
- Interstate moves from Darwin typically cost $3500-$6500
- Interstate moves from Adelaide typically cost $2000-$6000
Additional Costs to consider:
- Removalist Insurance will cost $30 per thousand dollars of declared value.
- Utilities disconnect, and setup can cost between $100 to $600
- Packing materials can vary from $100 to $500
- Storage per week costs $25 to $170, depending on the size you require
- Flights range from $300 to $1000
- Accommodation is $500 to $1000 depending on the time required
- Skip bin or dumping fees are between $150 to $500
- Pet transport can cost $300 to $800
- Vehicle transport usually costs between $800 to $2000
Removalist Insurance: Protection For Your Precious Items
When transporting your valuable items long-distance or interstate, concerns about their safety are natural. After all, the removalists are handling your whole life’s belongings as they head off into the sunset.
Rest assured, removalists will take every precaution to ensure your goods arrive safely. Their reputation and pride are on the line to deliver your items on time and intact. However, unforeseen factors beyond their control can sometimes cause damage or total loss of your possessions. While it’s unpleasant to think about, it’s a reality that needs to be addressed.
What Are Your Options?
Removalist insurance can be purchased through the company moving you choose. If a removalist cannot offer this coverage, it’s wise to choose one that can.
Removalist insurance typically costs $30 per thousand dollars of declared value and covers events like fire, flood, rollover, and collision. It also covers incidentals such as scratches, dents, bumps, or breakages, ensuring your items are protected against the unexpected.
Cost Of Utilities Disconnect and Reconnect
We all dread the process of disconnecting and reconnecting utilities when moving interstate. Waiting on hold for hours or dealing with automated web chats can be incredibly frustrating. However, there are solutions to make this easier. Companies like My Connect can take the hassle away and handle the process for you. While this service may cost slightly more, it will save you time and stress. Expect to pay upwards of $500 to disconnect and reconnect utilities at your new property.
Packing Materials Cost
Choosing to pack your own cartons can save you thousands in the long run, but it still comes with costs. Sourcing materials like boxes, paper, tape, and bubble wrap can add up. On average:
- Boxes: $4 to $6 each
- Paper: $15 to $60 per pack
- Tape: $5 to $6 per roll
- Bubble wrap: $50 to $60 per roll
While you can take shortcuts, such as using second-hand cartons, linen instead of packing paper, and old newspapers, correct packing is crucial for protecting your items. Using new materials ensures your items are well-protected. Second-hand cartons or those not designed for interstate transport can fall apart and cause your load to shift, potentially damaging other items.
For packing tips, check if the moving company has resources like videos. If not, consider choosing a company that provides such guidance. Also, ask for a discount if you purchase all packing materials as part of your move.
Cost of Self Storage Vs. Shipping Container Storage
When it comes to storage, making the right choice can save you thousands in the long run. While the idea of having access to your goods is appealing, consider whether you truly need access or just feel like you might. Using a self-storage centre provides access and peace of mind, allowing you to see and access your goods anytime, but this convenience comes at a cost.
Upon arrival interstate, the removalist will deliver your goods to the storage facility, completing the move. However, when it’s time to move into your new property, you’ll incur additional local move costs, which can range from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the size of your load.
An alternative option is to choose a removalist that utilises Ready Movers containers. By planning ahead, you can have any items you might need to access loaded last, giving you access upon arrival. Using a shipping container, the delivery cost will be included in your original move cost, saving you thousands on additional local moves once you’re ready for delivery. This approach also minimises the risk of damage, as it reduces the handling of your furniture.
The average cost of a self-storage unit ranges from $55 to $170 per week, depending on the size. In contrast, a shipping container with Ready Movers costs $85 per week per container, offering a cost-effective and secure storage solution.
Cost of Flights
While road trips can be fun, flying interstate is often more cost-effective than enduring multiple days on the road with kids and pets. To find the best deal, consider the day and time you want to fly and compare prices on sites like Webjet or other flight comparison platforms. On average, the cost of a flight ranges from $200 to $400 per person.
The cost of flights will vary on many factors:
- The airline and class you choose
- The amount of baggage required
- Number of family members travelling
- Length and distance you’re flying
- Area or region you’re flying from and too
To get the best price, use comparison sites such as Webjet or flight centre, and choose the days and times you fly. Off-peak can save you a lot of money if you can travel during those days and times.
Skips and Rubbish Disposal
When planning an interstate move, you may find yourself with old furniture and other items you’re happy to part with. This not only reduces the amount of clutter you’ll need to transport but also provides an excellent opportunity to start fresh in your new home with new purchases.
However, you can’t leave everything behind. We recommend donating or selling unwanted furniture items that are still in good condition. Holding a garage sale is a great way to offload many items at once. Additionally, check with your local council about arranging a free collection of your unwanted items.
For items that can’t be sold or donated, hiring a skip might be a convenient option. Prices for renting a skip vary depending on the company and location, typically ranging from $150 to $500. Be sure to confirm whether the cost of removing the skip and its contents is included in the quote.
If you need additional rubbish removal services, expect costs to increase. Always shop around for the best prices to fit your budget. Instead of discarding everything, consider selling old furniture, clothes, and belongings online to save on interstate moving costs.
Ready Movers is here to make your move as smooth and cost-effective as possible. Let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on starting fresh in your new home.
Cost of Pet Transport
Let’s not forget our valued family members—pets can be a significant cost factor when moving interstate. Transporting them by air ensures they arrive safely, with general airfreight costs ranging between $500 and $1,000, depending on the regions you’re travelling from and to.
Pets can react in various ways to a move as significant as relocating interstate, so it’s essential to prepare accordingly. Even if you’re driving, ensuring your pets are vet-cleared and comfortable will also take a chunk out of your moving budget.
To understand your costs and requirements when transporting your loved ones, it’s a good idea to get multiple quotes from companies such as Dogtainers or Jetpets.
Interstate Moves Made Easy With Ready Movers
When using a removalist, costs are based on your inventory list and the space required. Interstate removal prices start from as little as $600.00
If you decide to use Ready Movers for your interstate relocation, you’ll need to factor our costs into your overall budget. It’s generally recommended that you use an experienced moving company like ours to help with your move.
Not only will Ready Movers take all the stress and hassle out of your move, but we also provide packing materials and assist with every step of the journey, including loading and unloading. They are AFRA-certified and give you the peace of mind you need.
When you consider the costs of fuel, boxes, stress, and your own time, it makes a lot of sense to use professional interstate removalists like Ready Movers. There are affordable ways to move interstate, and at Ready Movers, our team knows what it takes to execute an interstate relocation with complete care and efficiency. Our prices will pleasantly surprise you. We pride ourselves on providing affordable and stress-free interstate relocations for our clients. Get a quote today.
