Like many other Sydney-siders, you may be dreaming of moving to Melbourne for it's eclectic cultural scene and generally lower cost of living. But, moving house can be a complicated process, particularly when it comes to relocating interstate.
You don’t have to go into the process with your head buried in the sand, hoping for the best. In this article we'll answer all your questions about the cost of moving from Sydney to Melbourne, including removalist costs, car transfer and personal transport. Whether you're heading to artsy Fitzroy, beachside St Kilda, or the leafy eastern suburbs, this article will help you budget for your future interstate relocation.
Key Takeaways: Sydney to Melbourne Moving Costs
- Professional Removalist (Backloading): Generally ranges from $1,800 to $3,500 for metro areas (can double in peak season).
- Driving: Costs approximately $150 in fuel for a single car.
- Car Transport (if flying): Ranges from $400 to $2,000, depending on the method (shipping, train, or vehicle transfer).
How much does an interstate removalist cost from Sydney to Melbourne?
A professional backloading removalist from Sydney to Melbourne typically costs between $1800 - $3500* for standard metro moves. Of course, these figures are only estimates and prices can fluctuate depending on demand and availability. These prices sometimes even double during peak seasons. For a more accurate price, contact Holloway Removals for a fixed-price quote.
When starting your interstate move, the first step is to reach out to professional interstate removalists. They have the resources and expertise to handle your relocation properly and efficiently.
Because every move is different, interstate removalist pricing is usually fixed price quotes based on the size of your house and the amount that needs moving. Getting a direct quote from a trusted removalist is the most reliable way to plan your budget.
Key factors affecting your Sydney to Melbourne removalist quote
While the $1,800 to $3,500 range is a baseline for backloading, the final price will depend on these key factors:
- Time of year (peak months are from November to February)
- Access to your road and/or home
- Location/proximity to metropolitan areas
- Moving specialised equipment, antiques or artwork
- The amount that needs to be relocated
- Standard consolidated run vs. VIP service for quick turnaround or large homes
- Additional services e.g. packing and unpacking
It’s best to contact the removals company directly for an accurate moving quote. This usually involves a phone call or in-person assessment, so the removalist can review your belongings and give you with a clear cost breakdown.
For larger or interstate moves, fixed quote pricing is better than hourly rates. You get transparent, fixed pricing that protects you from added costs caused by external factors, like traffic delays or longer travel times.
How do I choose the best removalist?
Whilst clear and honest pricing is important, a cheap removalist is not necessarily a great one. The best Sydney to Melbourne removalist offers a blend of reliable service, transparent pricing, and industry accreditation. Focus on hiring a reputable company with proven experience with Sydney-Melbourne routes.
Key qualities of a good Sydney interstate removalist
Knowing what to look for in an interstate removalist can help to narrow down your search when you’re gathering quotes:
- Industry accreditation: Such a AFRA (Australian Furniture Removers Association) accreditation. This means they stick to industry standards, proper insurance, and professional training.
- Transparent and fixed pricing: This eliminates unexpected costs that come from long drives and big jobs.
- Proof of insurance: Ask for clear information on their transit insurance and public liability to cover any damae to your goods on the long drive.
- Local experience: Opt for a team that regularly does Sydney to Melbourne jobs or understands the logistics for deliveries into Melbourne's diverse suburbs (e.g., Fitzroy, St Kilda, Eastern suburbs).
- Extra services: Companies that can pack, wrap and unpack will help you get a stress-free first night in your new home.
What are the best transport options when moving from Sydney to Melbourne?
Is it cheaper to drive or fly to Melbourne from Sydney?
It depends on your preference. Both options weighing up in pros and cons.
For those moving from Sydney to Melbourne, the distance to cover is a manageable 873km, meaning that driving is certainly not out of the question. Taking roughly 9 hours to get there, the drive could even potentially be completed in a day and would cost approximately $150 in fuel money per car load.
A major advantage for pet owners is that driving your own vehicle allows you to transport your furry friends along with you, eliminating both separate pet transport fees and the expense of car relocation services to Melbourne.
However, for those who do not feel comfortable driving long distances or for those who just simply don’t want to, flying is an alternative option that is quick and efficient but slightly more expensive.
Whilst the average cost of flying one way to Melbourne from Sydney is only around $100, the additional expense of relocating your car, pets and any other belongings that would otherwise be taken with you, makes it all that more expensive.
For extra services such as pet transportation, speak with your trusted Sydney removalists team as they will be able to organise the best options for you to take.
How much does it cost to transport a car from Sydney to Melbourne?
If you are opting to relocate via flying then you will still need to find a way to get your car to its new home in Melbourne with you. Cars can be relocated via Shipping, Train or Vehicle Transfer with each option offering different price ranges and time scales.
In general, pricing can range from anywhere between $400-$2000, so it’s important to get an upfront quote from a few different companies before committing to one.
As always, your removalists are the interstate moving gurus so use them while you can. If you call and inform them of your car move, most removal companies should either take care of the process for you or point you in the direction of those who can.
Moving forward
Taking the plunge and committing to an interstate move can be a daunting prospect, especially when it comes to the financial side of things. However, with a little organisation and the help of professional interstate removalists in Melbourne, your move should be well-informed with no cost booby-traps waiting to catch you out.
*The moving costs in this article are based on estimated moving costs from Sydney to Melbourne and does not constitute a fixed quote. The price of these services are based on good availability, moderately busy times of year and average inventory. These prices are subject to change at any time.
