Moving is hard enough, but moving interstate is even trickier. If it’s a job relocation, you might be lucky enough to have your company-sourced moving specialist handle everything. But for the bulk of us, we’re moving for other reasons and have to be our own specialists.
Aside from packing up your things, you also need to think about how you’re going to get them from one state to another.
And then there are all the other administrative duties that change when you move interstate like car registrations and new schools for the kids. Not to mention forgetting things, which we all inevitably do. All that, plus trying to find the cheapest way to move interstate so you don’t break the bank in the interim.
But don’t get discouraged, if you start planning early and consult the experts, the process doesn’t have to be so painful. So let’s begin with a few of the essential questions you may have:
Can I move interstate during Covid?
In short, yes, but you need to check with your state for more up-to-date information. Some states require an application which will be judged on a case-by-case basis. However, many governments are actually discouraging the move if you can help it.
Removalists are considered an essential service so you can use services like Soho for Renters to have your things packed up as well as organise utilities in your next location.
How should I transport my things—air, train or car?
How you move depends on your budget and how fast you need to get there. You’ll want to look at all the options before settling for one. Get quotes on how long it will take and how much it will cost.
As a base, you’re looking at about $5,000 to $12,000 to move from one state to the next. This factors in the move, your flights as well as a temporary storage facility for your things. But you might not need all of these services so again, it depends on your situation. And if you’re doing it all yourself, this will be cheaper yet.
Moving interstate by plane
This is the fastest but priciest option. If you’ve got the budget and are on a time-crunch, this is the best way to move. Start researching flights early and from there, you can plan the move with the removalists.
Moving interstate by car
If you’re not moving far, this will be a simple option and an affordable one too. You have the choice of hiring a professional mover, renting a vehicle or using one of your own as long as it’s enough.
Moving interstate by train
Believe it or not, most interstate moves involve a railway. Your belongings are stacked into a shipping container and moved on freight trains between cities. Australia has an efficient train infrastructure between the cities. And while this isn’t the most popular option for travellers, it’s an effective one for moving interstate.
Typically, you can fit the contents of a small house or average apartment into one container. With a larger family, you might need two.
Are professional movers worth the price?
We can’t help but answer yes to this question. Yes, professional movers are worth the price. But also, yes, they do cost a lot more. But what they will offer is the peace of mind that you have experts handling your belongings.
So if you do choose this route, know that they usually have a selection of services; some of which can be omitted to cut costs. Services like:
- Packing up your things into boxes
- Giving you packing essentials like boxes and tape
- Moving your boxes from one place to the next
- Unpacking your boxes
- Storing your belongings
- Insuring your belongings
- Transporting your pets
The more services you opt for, the more expensive it will be. Expect to pay at least $3,000 for an interstate move alone. To save extra, pack your own things and source your own boxes and tape. Sometimes, movers also charge extra if the moving day is on the weekend so ask first.
The fewer boxes the better, which means a spring cleaning and a garage sale will only do good.
Moving Interstate Checklist
Setting the budget
- Moving company fees
- Packing materials (boxes, bubble wrap, tape)
- Insurance
- End of lease professional cleaning
- Flights, vehicles and any other travel expense
- Temporary accommodation
- Meals (before and during the move)
- Utilities transfer
- Extras for the new home
- Pet care and transport
What to arrange:
- Enroll kids in new school
- Book move with company
- Transfer utilities with Soho for Renters (internet, electricity, gas, landline, television, water)
- Update driver’s licence and car registration
- Notify new address changes (Australia Post, banks, tax office, electoral commission, concession and health care, insurance, friends and family, other mail)
Moving day essentials
- Get sleep
- Coordinate meals or pack snacks
- Pack an essentials box/overnight bag
- Confirm timing with moving company
- Plan ahead in case of delays (temporary accommodation, activities etc)
How else can I have a stress-free move?
Our handy article with 7 of the best moving hacks will help you there. But you can also consider the following:
- Start early – if you know that you’re moving, get to the organising as soon as possible. If you have months ahead, start by purging your things of everything you don’t need. Our rule of thumb is if you haven’t used it in three years, it should go.
- Keep furniture together – if you’re breaking down any of your furniture, keep all the screws, nuts and bolts together in a bag. Tape it to one of the pieces or label it and keep it in a separate container.
- Take inventory – take inventory of everything you’re packing by labelling the boxes ie: Master bedroom box 1 of 5. That will help you keep track.
Now that you’re armed with all the best tips for moving interstate, you can start looking forward to the end goal. If you haven’t found your dream home yet, we can also help you out in that department. Browse our search page to check out some amazing listings available right now.
But don’t just stop there, download our app to get the full Soho experience. Just remember to shortlist or swipe left on our listings so we can send you others that better match what you’re looking for.
