Interstate Moving Guide for Australians
Planning Your Interstate Move
Interstate moves require more planning than local moves. Start organising at least six to eight weeks before your move date. Key tasks include booking your removalist early (interstate trucks fill up quickly, especially around end-of-month and school holidays), arranging your new home's lease or settlement date, notifying utilities, Medicare, the ATO, and your bank of your new address, and organising school enrolments if you have children.
How Much Does an Interstate Move Cost?
Interstate removal costs vary significantly based on home size, distance, and whether you choose a dedicated truck or a backload service. As a rough guide, a two-bedroom apartment from Sydney to Melbourne typically costs $1,500–$3,000 for a dedicated truck. A four-bedroom home on the same route may cost $4,000–$8,000. Backloading — where your belongings share truck space with another customer — can reduce costs by 30–50% if your dates are flexible. Use RemovalistNow to get free quotes from multiple interstate removalists and compare prices side by side.
Dedicated Truck vs Backloading
A dedicated truck means the removalists pick up your belongings and deliver them directly to your new home without stopping for other jobs. This is faster and gives you more control over timing. Backloading is cheaper but less flexible — your delivery window may be several days wide, and your belongings may be stored in a depot overnight. For families with young children or anyone who needs to be in their new home by a specific date, a dedicated truck is usually worth the extra cost.
What to Expect on Moving Day
For interstate moves, the removalists typically arrive in the morning, load the truck, and depart the same day. Delivery is usually the following day for shorter routes (Sydney–Melbourne, Brisbane–Sydney) or two to three days for longer routes (Sydney–Perth). You'll need to be available at the destination to receive the delivery. Confirm the delivery window with your removalist a day or two before the move.
Interstate Moving Checklist
Six to eight weeks before: book removalist, arrange new home, give notice to landlord if renting. Four weeks before: start decluttering and packing non-essentials, notify utilities and government agencies of address change. Two weeks before: confirm removalist booking, pack most items, arrange disconnection of utilities. Moving day: do a final walkthrough, hand over keys, confirm delivery window. After moving: connect utilities, update driver's licence and vehicle registration to new state address.
Insurance for Interstate Moves
Most removalists include basic transit insurance, but it may only cover a fraction of the replacement value of your belongings. For high-value items, consider purchasing additional cover through the removalist or a specialist transit insurer. Keep a written inventory of your belongings and photograph high-value items before they are loaded.
Related guides:
Moving House Checklist
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How Much Does It Cost to Move in Australia?
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Interstate Moving Checklist
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Top Moving Tips & Tricks
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How to Choose a Removalist in Australia
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