Moving house can be exciting, but it is also pretty stressful. In fact, moving house is widely considered one of life’s most stressful events, often ranking up there with divorce, job loss, or bereavement.i
One of the reasons for the stress can be the financial impact of a move, so the good news is with a bit of planning and a few smart choices, you can keep costs under control and still make the experience feel like a fresh start rather than a financial headache.
The real cost of moving
Before you even start packing a single box, it helps to understand the possible costs and where the money tends to go.
Moving house in Australia can cost around $300 at the lower end of the scale and up to $10,000 depending on what you have to move, how far you are moving and how much you outsource.ii
There is the obvious stuff like hiring movers or a van and packing materials. Add in things like moving insurance to protect your belongings during the move, and the costs associated with packing up and setting up a new house, and the price can creep up faster than expected.
Try to get a sense of the costs upfront – that way it becomes much easier to spot where you can save. Here are a few ideas.
Declutter like you mean it
One of the simplest ways to reduce moving costs is also one of the most satisfying.
The less you have to move, the less you will pay, whether that is in time, effort or actual dollars.
It can feel a bit ruthless at first but letting go of unused or unwanted items makes everything lighter, literally and mentally. Fewer boxes mean a cheaper move and a calmer packing and unpacking experience, which sets a much nicer tone for settling in.
And once you have pared things back, the next step is figuring out the best way to actually get everything from A to B.
DIY or call in the pros
This is where the practical decisions really start to shape your budget.
Doing it yourself can be the more affordable option, especially if you have access to a vehicle and can convince a few willing helpers to lend a hand. Friends and family can help lighten the load a lot, whether that is lifting boxes, keeping things organised or just being there to make the day feel less overwhelming.
It does not have to be a big production. Even small contributions can keep things moving along and take some pressure off you. A DIY move is still not completely free though, so it is worth factoring in fuel, equipment and the inevitable food run to keep everyone going.
On the other hand, professional movers can take a huge amount of pressure off. They are faster, more experienced and far less likely to wedge your couch in a doorway at an awkward angle.
Whichever option you choose, your timing can play a surprisingly big role in how much it all costs.
Pick your timing
If you have any flexibility at all, this is where you can make things work in your favour.
Moving during quieter periods, such as midweek, can often be more affordable than weekends when demand is higher. The same goes for certain times of the year when everyone seems to be on the move at once.
Even a small shift in your schedule can ease the financial pressure a little, and every bit helps.
Keep a little buffer
No move goes exactly to plan, and that is completely normal.
There is almost always something that costs a bit more than expected or takes longer than you thought. Having a small buffer, both financially and time-wise, can make these moments less stressful.
It means you can handle surprises without feeling like everything is spiralling, which is pretty valuable on moving day.
And finally, after all the effort, there comes a point when you can settle in.
A new home means new routines and a chance to set things up your way. Once the boxes are unpacked, it starts to feel worth it.
Even if that one mysterious box marked “misc” follows you around for a few weeks. Some things never change.
For help with what to do next, our team are ready to hear from you. Contact the team.
ii https://www.realestate.com.au/advice/how-much-does-it-cost-to-move-house/