If, like many other Sydney-siders, you have found yourself dreaming of Melbourne’s eclectic cultural scene and generally lower cost of living, then you may be considering relocating to the Victorian capital. However, moving house can be a complicated process, particularly when it comes to relocating interstate and that’s before you’ve even begun to consider the expenditure of it all. The uncertainty of juggling costs like interstate removalists, car transfer and personal transport can cause many people to hold off from venturing towards their dream life.
However, you don’t have to go into the process with your head buried in the sand, hoping for the best. Gathering a general understanding of the potential Sydney to Melbourne moving cost will actually help create a more positive and stress-free relocation experience, as you are not waiting for hidden costs to arise. That’s why in this article we will be exploring all the possible questions you may have about the cost of your future move from Sydney's bustling harbour streets to Melbourne’s diverse cultural precincts. 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.
How Much Does a Removalist Cost Sydney to Melbourne?
The first people you need to contact when beginning your relocation process are professional interstate removalists. An integral part of the process, professional removalists have the resources and expertise to handle your relocation properly and efficiently. For interstate moves, removalists should generally offer a fixed price quote based on the size of your house and the amount that needs moving, meaning that there is no “one size fits all” cost for such a service. With that being said, for those moving from Sydney to Melbourne, you should prepare for a removalist cost of roughly $1800 - $3500*, if moving within metro areas and depending on availability or the time of year this price can work up to double this amount. Of course, these figures are only a ballpark for those that are backloading Sydney to Melbourne and numerous factors can affect this price:
- Time of year for moving (peak months are from November to February)
- Access to your road/home
- Location/proximity to metropolitan areas
- Moving specialised equipment/ antiques/ 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
With so many variables affecting the price, rather than working off estimates, it’s best to contact the removals company directly for an accurate moving quote. They then can arrange an over the phone or in-person consultation to assess your belongings and provide you with a cost breakdown for your move. By working with fixed quote pricing rather than hourly rates for larger jobs, interstate removalists can offer transparent pricing that won’t incur unexpected charges down the road. This not only prepares you better for budgeting but also generally saves you money as you won’t be charged for external factors such as longer journeys due to traffic.
How do I choose a good removalist?
An integral part of your interstate moving journey, knowing how to spot a good removalist is essential. Whilst clear and honest pricing is important, a cheap removalist is not necessarily a great one. Knowing what to look for in an interstate removalist can help to narrow down your search when you’re gathering quotes. Make sure to always choose a reputable company that offers consistent communication and customer service as well as transparent pricing. Additionally, your Sydney removalists should be able to provide clear licensing and insurance such as AFRA accreditation. By taking these measures to ensure that you are hiring a professional and reliable team, you can relax knowing that your belongings will arrive at your new home safely and securely.
Transport Options
Is it cheaper to drive or fly to Melbourne from Sydney?
Flying vs. driving has become the age-old debate when it comes to travelling around Australia, with 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 removalists team as they will be able to organise the best options for you to take.
How much does it cost to move a car 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. Generally speaking, 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 utilise them whilst 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, your move should be well-informed with no cost booby-traps waiting to catch you out.
Call 1300 050 852 or get your interstate removalist quote today and begin your journey to a new life in Melbourne’s vibrant cityscape.
*The moving costs in this article are based on estimated moving costs from Sydney to Melbourne as of 2024 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.
