6 to 8 weeks out
Lock in your moving date, get removalist quotes and start decluttering. Our guide to removalist costs shows typical prices by city.
Moving is one of the few times you have to set up energy, internet and insurance from scratch, which makes it the easiest time to switch to something cheaper. Start with our week-by-week checklist, then compare what you need for your new address.
Your moving timeline
4 weeks out
Book your internet connection more than 4 weeks ahead, and compare NBN plans at your new address before you do.
2 weeks out
Set up electricity and gas at least 2 weeks ahead. Compare energy plans instead of moving your old one across.
Moving week and after
Check your insurance covers the move, take meter readings and update your address everywhere it matters.
Moving house guides and resources
Internet and mobile
What does moving house cost?
Removalists for a local move from a 2-bedroom home typically cost $400 to $1,300, before extras like packing, stairs and connection fees. Moving interstate costs more, from about $1,650 to $3,850 on popular routes. Here's what to budget for.
| Cost | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Removalists, local move (2 bedrooms) | $400–$1,300 |
| Removalists, local move (3 bedrooms) | $600–$2,200 |
| Removalists, interstate (popular routes) | $1,650–$3,850 |
| Packing service | $150–$350 partial, $400–$800 full |
| Electricity connection | $0–$168 during business hours, depending on your network. After-hours connections cost more. |
| Rental bond | Usually up to 4 weeks' rent, depending on your state |
| Mail redirection (Australia Post) | $40.50 for 1 month, $202.50 for 12 months |
| Transit insurance | Priced on the value of what you're moving |
Removalist, packing and connection prices are as at October 2026, from Finder's guides to removalist costs and connecting utilities when you move. Removalist prices exclude call-out fees and extras.
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Meet our experts
We get it, there are more exciting ways to spend moving week than comparing energy plans, so we've done the hard work for you. Our team writes and updates guides on everything that comes with a move, from what removalists cost and whether your insurance covers the move to connecting energy and internet at your new address.
We also research and rate products across energy, internet, insurance and home loans as part of the Finder Awards, and our experts regularly share money-saving tips in the media.
Whether you're renting your first place, buying a home or packing up the family, we've got you.
Our expert says: Don't assume your policy moves with you
"Moving is one of the riskiest times for your belongings. Things get dropped, damaged in the truck or go missing between homes, and many people only find out their policy doesn't cover transit when they go to make a claim. Some contents policies include limited cover for moving, while others only offer it as an optional extra. A quick call to your insurer before moving day can save you a lot of stress and money during an already emotionally charged time."
"We bought our first home and moved earlier this year, which was a pretty stressful time given I was 7.5 months pregnant. We got quotes from 3 local removalists and compared them with the cost of hiring a van and getting some mates to help over a weekend. After weighing it up, we hired a van for about $300 for 2 days and roped in a few friends, which worked well for us. My advice is to shop around and compare a few quotes, and check exactly what's included so you don't get hit with hidden costs on the day."
Expert insight: Why moving insurance really matters
"Moving home is both an exciting and stressful experience, and with so much to manage, it's easy to overlook insurance. Many people mistakenly believe that all removalists have insurance to cover their belongings during a move. However, this isn't always the case and can lead to a false sense of security. We strongly advise that anyone moving enquires about specific Goods in Transit Insurance (also known as Moving Insurance) so they're covered for all eventualities."