Moving takes time, effort, and planning. And yes, a bit of money. But if you know where to spend and where to save, it doesn't have to wreck your budget.
The problem is most people get this backwards. They cut costs on things that end up costing them more later, and overspend on things that don't matter.
As one of Sydney's best removalist companies, we know exactly which costs are worth it and which aren't. Here are our 7 best tips to save money on your next house move.
Key takeaways
| Where you should spend | Where you can save |
|---|---|
| Reputable, insured removalist | Packing materials (source free) |
| Professional cleaning | Timing (weekdays, off-peak) |
| Quality boxes for heavy/fragile items | Decluttering (less volume) |
1. Avoid peak times
This is the single fastest way to reduce your removalist bill without changing anything else about your move.
Weekends are when everyone wants to move, and Sundays usually cost more since fewer removalists work that day. The high demand also means you might end up stuck with whoever's left (and they're usually the more expensive ones).
If your contract gives you any flexibility, aim for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Weekday moves are less common, which means they cost less and you're more likely to get a crew who haven't already done two jobs before yours.
Peak season is the other thing to watch. Demand is highest in summer (November through January). If you can shift your move to autumn or winter, you'll get better availability and better prices.
Better ask your property manager whether the move-in date has some flexibility.
The best times to move
2. Get three written quotes and ask the right questions
Most people get one or two quotes, pick the cheapest, and move on. That's not necessarily wrong, but a quote is only useful if you're comparing the same thing.
When choosing a removalist, ask each company the same base questions:
- Is wrapping and padding included?
- Does the price cover insurance for goods in transit, or just public liability?
- Are there extra charges for stairs, long carries, heavy items like gym equipment or a piano?
It’s common to get quoted a low base, only to be charges hidden extras later. One way to protect yourself is checking whether your removalist is a member of the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA). AFRA membership means the company has met industry standards for insurance, training, and equipment, which reduces the chance of surprise charges or shoddy service.
3. Declutter before you get a single box
Removalists charge by time, by volume, or both. Every item you don't move is money you don't spend — on transport, on packing materials, and on the time it takes to carry it in and out.
Work room by room a few weeks before the move. Sort through:
- Clothes you haven't worn in a year
- Furniture that won't work in the new space
- Appliances stuck at the back of a cupboard
Sell through Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree, donate to the Salvos or Vinnies, or book a council bulk waste pickup.
Don't skip the shed, the garage, or the pantry. Moving tinned food, half-empty condiments, and things you've been meaning to bin for three years is a waste of boxes and removalist time. Cook through what you have in the final weeks and donate sealed non-perishables to a local food bank.
4. Source free packing materials
When packing for a move, some packing materials can be used more than once, and many people post their used materials on neighbourhood social media pages for free. Things like bubble wrap and packing paper are perfect for reusing, but we're a bit more cautious when it comes to boxes.
Boxes can be used a second time, but we wouldn't recommend using them more than that. Their structure breaks down, making them more likely to tear during the move. Before taking used boxes, confirm they were newly purchased by the person giving them away. It'd be a shame if the money you tried to save with used boxes had to go to replacing all the items that broke when the box failed.
For padding, use what you already own:
- Socks can keep glasses from clinking together.
- Dish towels are great for wrapping dishes.
- T-shirts and pillows can fill empty spaces in boxes.
Don't be afraid to get creative while keeping costs low.
5. Do your own packing, but do it properly
Professional packing services save you a great deal of time and effort, especially if you have a big home to move. But they do come at a cost. Self-packing can help save on this, as long as you do it well enough that your belongings arrive safely.
Two rules cover most of it:
- Heavy items (books, crockery, appliances) go in small boxes.
- Light, bulky things like linen and pillows go in large ones.
A large box of heavy books is almost impossible to lift without getting injured or damaging the box.
Label every box with the destination room and a brief description: "Kitchen — pots and pans" instead of just "kitchen".
Number your boxes and keep a simple inventory on your phone. When you're looking for something specific the morning after the move, this saves a lot of time tearing through tape.
6. Budget for the other costs
The removalist bill is the visible cost. These are the ones that you might forget to budget for:
End-of-lease cleaning
This one's required under most Australian tenancy agreements. You're looking at around $300–$600 depending on how big the place is. And if you try to DIY it and don't get it quite right, you'll lose more in bond deductions than the cleaner would have cost anyway.
Bond timing
You need to pay the bond on your new place before you get the old one back. In some states that refund can take several weeks, so you're stuck covering two to four weeks rent at once. Not fun. Plan for this rather than getting caught by surprise.
Internet connection lead times
Getting connected can take anywhere from two days to three weeks, depending on where you're moving and who your provider is. If you work from home, you can't afford to mess around with this one. Call them as soon as you know your move-in date, not after you've already moved in and realised you've got no WiFi.
Storage
Move-in and move-out dates don't always line up, especially in a tight rental market. If you've got a gap between leases, short-term storage with your removalist is almost always cheaper than paying double rent or doing two separate moves. Ask about storage when you're getting removalist quotes.
7. Spend on the things that matter the most
We saved this for last because we think it is the most important. Hiring a professional removalist team is the best thing you could spend your money on during a move. They prevent injury, reduce stress, and save you money in the long run.
If you don’t hire a moving team, you have to account for a truck rental as well as renting all the necessary equipment (furniture dollies, straps, moving blankets, etc.). The charges for these can quickly add up.
If you’re moving with the help of friends and family, your move is going to take longer than it would with a professional team. You could end up renting that truck for an additional day and incurring extra costs.
That’s why we recommend saving money where you can and using your moving budget to hire a dependable removalist team.
How can you move house on a budget?
Moving on a budget isn't about being cheap everywhere. It's about knowing what's worth spending on, what isn't, and which shortcuts will come back to bite you.
If you’re planning for an upcoming move, contact us at Holloway Removals. Our team will offer you a reasonable rate and expert care. Get a free quote today.
