The ultimate Sydney removalists price guide
Sydney has typically had more people moving out of the city than in over the last two years as expenses get higher and higher to live and travel in the capital city. This may begin to change with an array of development happening in the suburbs outside of the city and improvements in access around the ring style network of hubs. With this in mind, it’s important to note the range of removalist services available in Sydney and surrounds and how to keep your costs down when booking your move.
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Everything you need to know about removalists in Sydney
It will be hard to get a set price for a local move in Sydney as there are a lot of variables like traffic, toll roads and tight parking in the inner city unless you are in outer suburbs. This is why it’s even more important if you are looking to save costs to understand what things can impact your pricing so you can limit any potential blowouts.
Let’s take a look at some of the key things to remember to save you time and money across the load, transit and unload moving processes:
- What you are moving makes a difference – Some of the trickier items to move like pot plants or things that can’t be easily stacked are important to note. It means they take up more vertical room in the moving truck that can’t be used for other items. Bulky items that need to be manoeuvred up or down stairs will also add an additional cost.
- Do you really need to move everything? – In most cases, the more you move, the more it costs. So, anything you can do to reduce the load will help, regardless of the type of items. If you’re considering getting rid of something, think about listing the item for sale before the move and get someone else to take it away for you versus having to pay for removalists to take items that you may end up selling in the new location anyway.
- Be upfront about the access to your home – This is one of the most important things, and any good removalist will double-check your property access via google maps to ensure they can get into the streets to complete your move. For local Sydney moves, there is a variety of different street and house types for which some removalists are specialists at tight access moves. Using a moving comparison site lets you quickly find out who the best removalists are for your access types either instantly online or over the phone.
- Stairs, elevators and steep driveways make a difference – Make sure you let your removalist know of any stairs or internal access issues (like small stairwells and the likes). You will find that this adds costs to your move and every removalist in some form will have pricing for these elements as part of your move.
- Hidden tricks to save you money in Sydney- When booking a local move, go for the early morning start if you can. You may find the removalists are fresher whereas, at the end of the day, things might take a little longer as physical exertion starts to set in. Lastly, consider using removalists who are as close to your pick up or drop off locations as possible. This will help to reduce travel time and potential costs for being stuck in traffic that you are paying for by the hour.
With a few insider tips as above, use the size, time and price guide below to get a feel for how long and how much it might cost you for a move.
Estimate price guide for your move in Sydney
| Residence size | Total items size | Average Sydney removalist price | Time needed for two people (loading and unloading) |
| Studio apartment | 8m3 | $298 | 2 hours |
| 1 bedroom apartment | 15m3 | $566 | 3.8 hours |
| 2 bedroom apartment | 23m3 | $865 | 5.8 hours |
| 3 bedroom apartment | 32m3 | $1193 | 8 hours |
| 4 bedroom apartment | 42m3 | $1566 | 10.5 hours |
| 2 bedroom house | 26m3 | $984 | 6.6 hours |
| 3 bedroom house | 35m3 | $1327 | 8.9 hours |
| 4 bedroom house | 48m3 | $1820 | 12.2 hours |
| 5 bedroom house | 55m3 | $2087 | 14 hours |
Source: Muval
When reviewing the prices available for your move, look for removalists that will give you pricing by the half-hour. When paying approximately $120 per hour, every minute makes a difference if you can help by saving 30 minutes here or there.
It’s also important to ask the removalist if they are happy to let you help both prepare and move items on the day of the job as it can really help you save money.
Here’s our guide to help you keep moving costs down:
- It may not be your favourite thing to do, but, if you can take the time to disassemble your furniture (and reassemble on delivery) before the removalists arrive you get a two-fold saving. You’ll save the time it takes for removalists to do it, and you’ll save space and be able to fit more items in the truck.
- One of the biggest time savers is getting as many items from upstairs or downstairs into a ground-level access area. This not only speeds up the day but, it also means the job won’t lag with removalists getting tired from continually going up or down stairs by the end of the job.
- It’s a good idea to pre-plan where things will go into your next home. I’ve heard of many times people have the removalists reposition items around in the house, and this can be quite expensive if it’s taking an extra 30 minutes across the day.
- Take note of those unbundled and unboxed items. Try and get them all into an easy to pick up pile or large bag so removalists can easily find spots for those odd items.
- Know which items are the most fragile and high risk. View this guide on fragile moving items and how to protect them.
Making a big interstate move in or out of Sydney
Interstate removalists in Sydney have the option to send your goods by rail and truck. Depending on how flexible you are with your timing you can really save quite a lot of money if you can allow for a longer delivery time, you may be able to utilise a rail service that only departs and delivers on certain days. This will mean your container of household items can go on a mass transit system that will allow for a lower overall price.
Interstate moves are calculated using the total size or volume of the items being moved (known as a cubic meter/m3), and how much space they take up in the truck or container, you’ll be able to get a set price for your move no matter how long the interstate move generally takes.
Know your cubic meters!
The question you’ll always get asked when enquiring about an interstate move is ‘How many cubic meters are you moving?’. Knowing this answer helps speed things up and helps to ensure you are comparing apples with apples. To work out how many m3 you are moving think about an object that is one metre in height, one metre in depth and one metre in width. It’s like a box that each edge is one metre long, and that will give you a good feeling for how big that is. Within a cubic metre, you’ll find you can fit around eight tea chest or medium-sized moving boxes.
Approximate volume of items depending on residence size
| Residence size | Space needed |
| Studio apartment | 12m3 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | 18m3 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | 28m3 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | 35m3 |
| 3 bedroom house | 40m3 |
| 4 bedroom house | 45m3 |
| 5 bedroom house | 60m3 |
How much do Sydney interstate removalists cost?
If you’re moving interstate to or from Sydney, the cost will depend on the route you’re travelling. We’ve broken down each route below and the associated average price ranges on each.
Moving between Sydney and Melbourne
The average cost of moving from Sydney to Melbourne is $100.21 per cubic metre. From Melbourne to Sydney, on average, is $108.61 per cubic metre.
Interstate removalist prices from Sydney to Melbourne
| Residence size | Price range |
| Studio apartment | $962 – $1,203 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | $1,443 – $1,804 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | $2,245 – $2,806 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | $2,806 – $3,507 |
| 3 bedroom house | $3,207 – $4,008 |
| 4 bedroom house | $3,608 – $4,509 |
| 5 bedroom house | $4,810 – $6,013 |
Source: Interstate removalists from Sydney to Melbourne on Muval
Interstate removalist prices from Melbourne to Sydney
| Residence size | Price range |
| Studio apartment | $1,043 – $1,303 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | $1,564 – $1,955 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | $2,433 – $3,041 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | $3,041 – $3,801 |
| 3 bedroom house | $3,476 – $4,344 |
| 4 bedroom house | $3,910 – $4,887 |
| 5 bedroom house | $5,213 – $6,517 |
Source: Interstate removalists from Melbourne to Sydney on Muval
Moving between Sydney and Brisbane
The average cost of moving from Sydney to Brisbane is $103.04 per cubic metre. From Brisbane to Sydney, on average, is $104.00 per cubic metre.
Interstate removalist prices from Sydney to Brisbane
| Residence size | Price range |
| Studio apartment | $989 – $1,236 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | $1,484 – $1,855 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | $2,308 – $2,885 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | $2,885 – $3,606 |
| 3 bedroom house | $3,297 – $4,122 |
| 4 bedroom house | $3,709 – $4,637 |
| 5 bedroom house | $4,946 – $6,182 |
Source: Interstate removalists from Sydney to Brisbane on Muval
Interstate removalist prices from Brisbane to Sydney
| Residence size | Price range |
| Studio apartment | $998 – $1,248 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | $1,498 – $1,872 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | $2,330 – $2,912 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | $2,912 – $3,640 |
| 3 bedroom house | $3,328 – $4,160 |
| 4 bedroom house | $3,744 – $4,680 |
| 5 bedroom house | $4,992 – $6,240 |
Source: Interstate removalists from Brisbane to Sydney on Muval
Moving between Sydney and Adelaide
The average cost of moving from Sydney to Adelaide is $138.67 per cubic metre. From Adelaide to Sydney, on average, is $125.00 per cubic metre.
Interstate removalist prices from Sydney to Adelaide
| Residence size | Price range |
| Studio apartment | $1,331 – $1,664 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | $1,997 – $2,496 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | $3,106 – $3,883 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | $3,883 – $4,853 |
| 3 bedroom house | $4,437 – $5,547 |
| 4 bedroom house | $4,992 – $6,240 |
| 5 bedroom house | $6,656 – $8,320 |
Source: Interstate removalists from Sydney to Adelaide on Muval
Interstate removalist prices from Adelaide to Sydney
| Residence size | Price range |
| Studio apartment | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | $1,800 – $2,250 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | $2,800 – $3,500 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | $3,500 – $4,375 |
| 3 bedroom house | $4,000 – $5,000 |
| 4 bedroom house | $4,500 – $5,625 |
| 5 bedroom house | $6,000 – $7,500 |
Source: Interstate removalists from Adelaide to Sydney on Muval
Moving between Sydney and Perth
The average cost of moving from Sydney to Perth is $215.55 per cubic metre. From Perth to Sydney, on average, is $179.65 per cubic metre.
Interstate removalist prices from Sydney to Perth
| Residence size | Price range |
| Studio apartment | $2,069 – $2,587 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | $3,104 – $3,880 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | $4,828 – $6,035 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | $6,035 – $7,544 |
| 3 bedroom house | $6,898 – $8,622 |
| 4 bedroom house | $7,760 – $9,700 |
| 5 bedroom house | $10,346 – $12,933 |
Source: Interstate removalists from Sydney to Perth on Muval
Interstate removalist prices from Perth to Sydney
| Residence size | Price range |
| Studio apartment | $1,725 – $2,156 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | $2,587 – $3,234 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | $4,024 – $5,030 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | $5,030 – $6,288 |
| 3 bedroom house | $5,749 – $7,186 |
| 4 bedroom house | $6,467 – $8,084 |
| 5 bedroom house | $8,623 – $10,779 |
Source: Interstate removalists from Perth to Sydney on Muval
Moving between Sydney and Canberra
The average cost of moving from Sydney to Canberra is $112.30 per cubic metre. From Canberra to Sydney, on average, is $100.84 per cubic metre.
Interstate removalist prices from Sydney to Canberra
| Residence size | Price range |
| Studio apartment | $1,078 – $1,348 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | $1,617 – $2,021 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | $2,516 – $3,144 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | $3,144 – $3,931 |
| 3 bedroom house | $3,594 – $4,492 |
| 4 bedroom house | $4,043 – $5,054 |
| 5 bedroom house | $5,390 – $6,738 |
Source: Interstate removalists from Sydney to Canberra on Muval
Interstate removalist prices from Canberra to Sydney
| Residence size | Price range |
| Studio apartment | $968 – $1,210 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | $1,452 – $1,815 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | $2,259 – $2,824 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | $2,824 – $3,529 |
| 3 bedroom house | $3,227 – $4,034 |
| 4 bedroom house | $3,630 – $4,538 |
| 5 bedroom house | $4,840 – $6,050 |
Source: Interstate removalists from Canberra to Sydney on Muval
Moving between Sydney and Darwin
The average cost of moving from Sydney to Darwin is $372.83 per cubic metre. From Darwin to Sydney, on average, is $250.06 per cubic metre.
Interstate removalist prices from Sydney to Darwin
| Residence size | Price range |
| Studio apartment | $3,579 – $4,474 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | $5,369 – $6,711 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | $8,351 – $10,439 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | $10,439 – $13,049 |
| 3 bedroom house | $11,931 – $14,913 |
| 4 bedroom house | $13,422 – $16,777 |
| 5 bedroom house | $17,896 – $22,370 |
Source: Interstate removalists from Sydney to Darwin on Muval
Interstate removalist prices from Darwin to Sydney
| Residence size | Price range |
| Studio apartment | $2,400 – $3,000 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | $3,600 – $4,501 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | $5,601 – $7,001 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | $7,001 – $8,752 |
| 3 bedroom house | $8,001 – $10,002 |
| 4 bedroom house | $9,002 – $11,252 |
| 5 bedroom house | $12,002 – $15,003 |
Source: Interstate removalists from Darwin to Sydney on Muval
Moving between Sydney and Tasmania
The average cost of moving from Sydney to Tasmania is $185.55 per cubic metre. From Tasmania to Sydney, on average, is $184.92 per cubic metre.
Interstate removalist prices from Sydney to Tasmania
| Residence size | Price range |
| Studio apartment | $1,781 – $2,227 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | $2,672 – $3,340 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | $4,156 – $5,195 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | $5,195 – $6,494 |
| 3 bedroom house | $5,938 – $7,422 |
| 4 bedroom house | $6,680 – $8,350 |
| 5 bedroom house | $8,906 – $11,133 |
Source: Interstate removalists from Sydney to Tasmania on Muval
Interstate removalist prices from Tasmania to Sydney
| Residence size | Price range |
| Studio apartment | $1,775 – $2,219 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | $2,663 – $3,329 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | $4,142 – $5,178 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | $5,178 – $6,472 |
| 3 bedroom house | $5,917 – $7,397 |
| 4 bedroom house | $6,657 – $8,321 |
| 5 bedroom house | $8,876 – $11,095 |
Source: Interstate removalists from Tasmania to Sydney on Muval
Moving between Sydney and Sunshine Coast
The average cost of moving from Sydney to Sunshine Coast is $131.37 per cubic metre. From Sunshine Coast to Sydney on average is $157.62 per cubic metre.
Interstate removalist prices from Sydney to Sunshine Coast
| Residence size | Price range |
| Studio apartment | $1,261 – $1,576 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | $1,892 – $2,365 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | $2,943 – $3,678 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | $3,678 – $4,598 |
| 3 bedroom house | $4,204 – $5,255 |
| 4 bedroom house | $4,729 – $5,912 |
| 5 bedroom house | $6,306 – $7,882 |
Source: Interstate removalists from Sydney to Sunshine Coast on Muval
Interstate removalist prices from Sunshine Coast to Sydney
| Residence size | Price range |
| Studio apartment | $1,513 – $1,891 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | $2,270 – $2,837 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | $3,531 – $4,413 |
| 3 bedroom apartment | $4,413 – $5,517 |
| 3 bedroom house | $5,044 – $6,305 |
| 4 bedroom house | $5,674 – $7,093 |
| 5 bedroom house | $7,566 – $9,457 |
Source: Interstate removalists from Sunshine Coast to Sydney on Muval
Don’t forget your packing supplies
Packing supplies like packing tape, tape guns, markers and wrapping paper can really add up when you have quite a lot of rooms to cover
A good way to save money is by getting moving boxes for free on Gumtree, but generally, it will take longer to try and find quality boxes for your needs.
When ordering boxes, you’ll find most places will have delivery fees for smaller amounts, but you can get free delivery on larger bundles. Bunnings is a popular spot for boxes as you can pick up or get delivery, but, suggest getting higher quality boxes to make sure there are no breakages on moving day. Check out Bunnings’ range here.
How much do boxes cost?
| Residence size | Estimated cost of boxes |
| Studio apartment | $60 – $80 |
| 1-2 bedroom apartment | $99 – $110 |
| 3-4 bedroom house | $150 – $200 |
Source: Muval’s ultimate moving box price guide
Save time, hassles and money using removalist comparison websites
There are hundreds of removalists in Sydney, and rather than trawling through countless listings in Google, you are better off using services like Muval (an Aussie startup started by two guys who wanted to take the stress out of moving) where you aren’t paying any extra to get vetted lists of the best removalists for your specific needs. This way it only takes a few minutes to add your move information, review matches, compare them, and book online.
Disclaimer: Please note, the prices and space estimates noted in this article should only be used as a guide and not a concrete indication of exactly how much your move will cost or how much space is required. All prices shown in this article do not factor in complexities that may arise in your personal situation like availability of your desired move dates, access constraints of your property, or heavy/difficult items like pianos or pizza ovens.
Looking for a home in Sydney? View properties in some of the most popular suburbs:
- Property for sale in Sydney (CBD), NSW 2000
- Property for sale in Surry Hills, NSW 2010
- Property for sale in Paddington, NSW 2021
- Property for sale in Parramatta, NSW 2151
- Property for sale in Newtown, NSW 2042
- Property for sale in Liverpool, NSW 2170
- Property for sale in Bondi, NSW 2026
Want to learn more about what it’s like to live in Sydney?
View Sydney’s top-rated suburbs as well as Sydney’s local forums and discussions to get all your questions answered. Here’s a helpful guide on how to find the best suburb for you.
Written by:
James Morrell, CEO and Co-founder of Muval
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Muval is an online price comparison and booking platform for the furniture removals industry. Muval believes that life’s big moves should be celebrated, not dreaded. The first step in that process is finding a quality, vetted removalist that you can trust. Head to muval.com.au to find out more.
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