Whether you’re relocating for a new job, a lifestyle change, or to be closer to family, moving between states in Australia is a big task—and often an expensive one. If you’ve started gathering quotes, you’ve probably noticed that the cost of interstate movers can vary dramatically, even for seemingly similar jobs. One company might quote $2,500, while another comes back with $6,000 for the same route. So what’s going on?
In this blog, we’ll explore why the cost of interstate moving varies so much, breaking down the key factors that influence pricing and giving you the insight you need to budget smartly and choose a mover that fits your needs.
Distance and Route Complexity
This is the most obvious factor: the further you’re moving, the more you’ll pay. A move from Sydney to Canberra is cheaper than a move from Melbourne to Darwin. But it’s not just about distance in kilometres.
Other factors affecting route cost:
- Accessibility: Are you moving to or from a remote or rural area? Fewer transport links can increase costs.
- Return trips: If a moving company can’t find a job on the way back, they may charge extra to cover the cost of the empty return journey.
- Fuel and tolls: Routes with long distances between fuel stops, or those that require passing through multiple toll points, will cost more.
Pro tip: Backloading (where your items share space with another customer’s move) can significantly reduce costs for long-distance relocations.
Volume and Weight of Your Belongings
Another major factor in the cost of interstate movers is how much stuff you’re taking with you.
Volume (cubic metres) and/or weight affect:
- The size of the truck required.
- The number of staff needed for packing and loading.
- Time required for handling.
- Fuel consumption and wear-and-tear on vehicles.
Some companies price based on volume (e.g., cubic metres), while others may include weight as a factor—especially for long-haul moves.
Tip: Decluttering before you move can cut hundreds (even thousands) off your moving bill.
Level of Service You Choose
There’s a big difference between:
- A full-service move (including packing, dismantling furniture, providing boxes, loading, transport, unloading, reassembly, and unpacking), and
- A basic move (where you pack and disassemble everything, and movers just load and transport).
Naturally, full-service moves cost more, but they offer convenience and time savings, especially if you’re juggling a move with work or family responsibilities.
Optional extras that can increase your cost:
- Packing services and materials
- Insurance coverage
- Temporary storage
- Cleaning services
- Vehicle or pet transport
Relocations WA, managed by experienced relocation specialist Stephen Blackwell, provides both full-service and flexible moving packages to meet a range of needs and budgets.
Time of Year and Demand
Just like airlines and hotels, the moving industry has peak seasons, and prices tend to rise when demand is high.
Most expensive times to move interstate:
- School holidays (especially December–January)
- End of the financial year
- Long weekends
- End-of-month periods (many leases end then)
Most affordable times to move:
- Mid-month dates
- Winter months (outside school holidays)
- Weekdays
Tip: If you have flexibility, ask movers if they offer off-peak discounts. If you have flexibility, ask movers if they offer off-peak discounts. Some, like Relocations WA, provide competitive rates during quieter periods to help customers save.
Access and Property Layout
You’d be surprised how much the layout of your current and new home can impact your moving costs. If the movers need to carry items up and down stairs, deal with elevators, or navigate narrow hallways, you may be charged extra for the additional time and effort.
Potential access-related charges:
- Long carry fees (if the truck can’t park close to your home)
- Stair or elevator surcharges
- Hoisting or specialised equipment (for moving large furniture over balconies)
Pro tip: Be upfront about your property’s layout to get an accurate quote and avoid surprise fees. Be upfront about your property’s layout to get an accurate quote and avoid surprise fees. Stephen Blackwell and his team at Relocations WA prioritise transparency in quoting to prevent unexpected costs on moving day.
Insurance and Risk Coverage
Many reputable interstate movers include basic transit insurance in their quote, but you may need or want additional coverage, especially for high-value or fragile items. Full replacement insurance or additional cover can add a few hundred dollars to your final bill.
Why this affects price:
- Riskier moves (long distance, poor access, bad weather) can drive up premiums.
Insurance may also reflect how careful and experienced the movers are—the better their claims history, the cheaper their insurance costs (and potentially yours).
Company Size and Operational Model
Not all moving companies are created equal. Some large, national firms have higher overheads but offer consistency and established processes. Smaller, local businesses may charge less but offer fewer services or variable quality.
Cost differences by business type:
- National companies: Often more expensive, but offer set procedures, tracking, and insurance.
- Local or family-owned movers: May be cheaper and more flexible but vary in professionalism.
- Online platforms and marketplaces: Can offer great deals but require you to vet providers carefully.
Companies like Relocations WA strike a strong balance—offering the personal service of a local operator with the standards and structure of a national mover.
Hidden Fees and Inclusions
Sometimes, the quote you receive isn’t the whole story. The cheapest quote isn’t always the best—some companies add fees later for fuel, waiting times, or equipment use.
Look out for:
- Fuel surcharges
- Charges for extra boxes or wrapping materials
- Delays due to traffic or weather
- Extra labour or weekend surcharges
Tip: Ask for an itemised quote that lists every charge clearly—and compare multiple quotes before choosing.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been wondering why the cost of interstate movers can vary so widely, it’s because no two moves are alike. Every quote depends on a complex mix of factors.
The best approach? Take your time to gather detailed quotes, ask the right questions, and understand what’s included in the price. A slightly more expensive company that offers transparency, insurance, and reliability might save you money—and stress—in the long run.