Are you planning a move in Sydney this year? You probably already know that Sydney has the highest cost of living in Australia, but how much does it cost to move house in Sydney?
Quick answer: In 2026, the average removalist cost in Sydney for a professional two-person team is $170–$200 per hour. For a standard 2–3 bedroom home with typical furnishings, good access, and no major packing services, a removalist quote can typically be around $1,500 to $3,500 in total.*
In reality, your final removalist cost will depend on factors like the size of your home, access at both properties, distance travelled, and whether you need packing or storage.
To help you plan, we’ve broken down the total moving cost, including packing, materials, and "hidden" Sydney surcharges, plus tips to keep your costs down.
Average removalist cost Sydney (2026)
This table below shows the removalist cost ranges, timeframes, and total costs for a local Sydney move. For interstate move costs, read our 2026 Cost Guide to Moving Interstate.
| Home size | Crew size | Average hourly rate | Est. time | Est. cost excluding call-out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed | 2 men + small truck | $170 – $200 | 3 – 5 hrs | $620 – $1,140 |
| 2-bed unit / house | 2 men + medium truck | $190 – $225 | 5 – 7 hrs | $1,080 – $1,735 |
| 3-bed unit / house | 3 men + large truck | $295 – $340 | 6 – 9 hrs | $1,920 – $3,250 |
| 4-bed unit / house | 4 men + large truck | $390 – $460 | 8 – 12+ hrs | $3,300 – $5,770+ |
*Pricing and timeframes in this article represent a general market range for AFRA-accredited removalists in Sydney, based on a move with good access (e.g. lifts or no stairs, parking close to the property) and typical home furnishings.
Actual costs and hours may vary depending on access, parking availability, carry distances, and services required. All figures are estimates only. For an accurate price, we recommend a personalised assessment from a professional removalist.
What drives the cost of moving in Sydney in 2026?
Moving in Sydney isn't like moving in other cities. There are unique "hidden costs". Here are the three main things that change the cost of moving in Sydney:
1. The "Toll Tax"
Sydney has more toll roads than almost anywhere else and many removalists include this in your quote to cover them.
In 2026, tolls on the WestConnex, M4 and M5 have gone up again. So, if you’re moving from one side of the city to the other, your move will probably be affected by toll roads.
2. Narrow streets and stairs
In suburbs like Surry Hills, Paddington, Newtown, or parts of the Sutherland Shire, streets can be tight and big trucks can’t park near the door. The extra labour and time will increase your removalist quote. Some companies also charge a fee for every flight of stairs if there is no lift.
3. Peak demand
Fridays and the end of the month are peak times. You can often secure the lower end of removalist costs by booking a midweek date.
Similarly, the weeks around Christmas and New Year are the busiest seasons so try to move mid-year (June–August) for the best rates and availability.
What else adds to removalist costs?
Removalist prices depend on a number of factors, including potential extra fees. Some removalists may offer a low upfront quote but charge extra for specialty items or logistics later, so it’s important to check the fine print in your quote.
Specialty items
Even with transparent pricing, specialty items can still increase your final cost due to the extra time, care, or equipment they take to move safely.
Certain items might increase your moving cost:
- Pianos: Heavy, delicate, and take longer to move.
- Pool tables: Might need to be dismantled and re-levelled at the new place.
- Double-door fridges: If they don’t fit through doorways, movers may spend time removing and reattaching the doors.
- Art and antiques: Need a “white-glove” service and custom packing.
Access and logistics fees
- Stair charge: Charged per flight (free of charge with Holloway Removals).
- Long-carry fee: Extra charge if the truck can't park close to your door.
- Fuel levy: Usually included in the quote, but you may be charge extra per-kilometre if your move goes beyond a set distance from the depot.
- Tolls: Trucks are charged by their class.
- Parking permit: Often needed for CBD or Eastern Suburbs.
Packing services and materials
In 2026, more Sydney residents are opting for "Full-Service" moves to save time.
- Professional packers: Around $160–$190 per hour for a two-person team. A 2-bedroom house usually takes two packers about 4–6 hours.
- Packing materials: A standard "Moving Pack" (30-40 boxes, tape, and bubble wrap) costs roughly $190 – $260.
- Box hire: Some Sydney companies now offer plastic box rental for a lower price ($2 – $5 per box) if you return them within 30 days.
How to save money on your Sydney move
Here are three simple ways to lower the cost of moving in Sydney.
1. Pick the right day
Try not to move on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. These are the busiest days, and many companies charge higher "peak" rates.
2. Avoid peak hour
Most Sydney removalists charge a call-out fee to cover their travel time from the depot to your door. If you book an 8:00 am or 8:30 am start, you’re paying them to sit in peak hour traffic! Schedule the mover’s call-out time earlier or later so the truck can reach you quicker.
3. Do the small stuff yourself
If you move your own clothes, pillows, and small bags in your car, the removalists can focus on the big furniture. This can save you an hour or two of labour costs.
Is it cheaper to rent a truck?
In 2026, renting a large truck in Sydney costs about $200 per day plus fuel and insurance. It looks cheap, but there are a few caveats:
- The insurance trap: Most Sydney rentals (Hertz, Budget, Sixt) have a damage excess of $5,000–$11,500. One minor scrape in a tight Sydney street is an instant out-of-pocket hit.
- The pro advantage: Professional removalists are experts at Sydney’s geography, and if anything happens, it’s on them, not you.
- Your time is money: A DIY move can last 12+ long hours or even days, including traffic, heavy lifting, and rushing to return the truck. A professional crew can do the job in half the time.
So, what is the total cost of moving in Sydney in 2026?
Removalists can cost anywhere from $170 to $400+ per hour, with total move costs landing between $600 and $5,000+. Ultimately, the removalist cost in Sydney for 2026 depends on a lot of factors, including your home size, moving date, and access to property.
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Holloway’s Sydney removalist quotes are all-inclusive and fully transparent. Your labour, equipment, and petrol (within a set distance from the depot) and are wrapped into one price. And unlike many removalists, we don’t charge extra for stairs, so you only pay for the time it takes to move your items safely.
With experienced Sydney movers who know the local streets inside and out, Holloway Removals makes moving simpler.
