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You have a lot to think about when you want to move house. There are logistics to take care of, things to pack, and arrangements to make. On top of it, you have to consider the overall costs of moving house. The cost factors in house removals can affect the success of your move. This article will consider what you should know about these factors.
You can also learn more about ways to reduce moving costs and the average cost of moving house in Australia. This guide contains tips for moving homes and describes the role of local real estate agents when moving houses. Read on to learn more!
Factors Affecting the Costs of Moving House
There are different reasons why you may need a house move. You may have landed a new job in a different location or need to leave your 3-bedroom home for a bigger family home in a new area. No matter the reason, you have to consider all the factors that affect the cost of your move.
The standard prices that are associated with moving house include the following:
Actual moving cost
This will most likely be your most significant expense when moving your belongings from your old house to the new one. You have to decide how you will transport your belongings.
Some options open to you include hiring a professional removalist, hiring a moving truck or van and driving it yourself, or using your own vehicle. Each of these methods of moving has its own associated costs.
Using a house removal service
One of the benefits of using a moving company is a more straightforward moving process. A removalist can help you to pack and move everything. However, the cost of house removal services is one of the more expensive factors affecting moving costs.
The cost of moving your house using a removalist company can vary depending on the following:
- The amount of belongings – moving a 3-bedroom house may cost less than moving a 5-bedroom house.
- The distance of the move. Interstate removalists charge higher compared to local moving companies.
- How easy it is to access your new house
- Specialty items that need to be moved
Making a DIY house move
If you're handling the significant aspects of your move yourself, you must consider the hourly rates of hiring a moving truck or car. On the other hand, if you are using your vehicle, you need to factor in the cost of petrol.
You should not only consider how much you will save while making a DIY move compared to hiring a house removal company. However, consider the time and effort you will spend.
Move-out cleaning costs
You will most likely need to deep clean your old home after moving. This is especially true if it is a rental property included in your rental agreement. Your best bet in recouping your security deposit is to hire an expert cleaner to take care of the cleaning. As such, you should be ready to bear some cleaning costs. However, you can still do a DIY cleaning if it meets your landlord's standards.
Cost of moving supplies
This might seem like a minor item in the costs of moving house, but it can be significant if you have a lot to pack. You'll likely need essential items such as moving boxes, cardboard boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap.
There is a tendency for removalists' charges to be higher if they provide all packing materials. Some ways to save on moving materials are to use in-house alternatives or get old supplies from friends. For example, you may cover some breakable items in bed linen or clothing instead of using bubble wrap.
Cost of moving new furniture and belongings
Your old furniture may not fit in well in your new home, and you may need new furniture. Or perhaps you need more furniture and belongings in the new home. The cost of laundry supplies, cleaning products, furniture, and belongings are some of the factors influencing the cost of moving house.
Cost of moving overseas or moving interstate
You must likely factor in temporary accommodation costs if you're moving interstate. This is especially true if the move takes time and you do not have a place to stay.
Temporary accommodation can be a significant item in the overall cost of your moving interstate. Depending on your budget, you may decide to use the services of a hotel, Airbnb, or serviced apartment.
Cost of food
Whether you're moving overseas or moving locally, you likely need to factor in the cost of food as a moving cost item. After all, you may need to spend reasonable time loading the moving vehicle and moving your belongings. You must consider getting takeaways or some other option until you can settle down. Therefore, you should include the food cost in your checklist as you move house.
The travelling terrain and geography
The amount of expected traffic, the travelling terrain, and the nature of the road can determine the average moving costs of moving companies. You can reasonably expect the average price of a move over a rough terrain to be higher than that for a smoother one. Likewise, removalist prices are higher if they expect difficult weather conditions.
Provision of storage services
If you're moving overseas or making an interstate move, you may need your removalist service to provide storage services. This will help you store some valuable items until you have settled down. Your removal company will naturally include this cost as an item in the total cost.
Ways to Reduce Moving Costs
The cost to move house can seem to be expensive, especially when you have so many cost items in your moving checklist. However, there are ways to reduce the cost of moving house. Read on for some ways to reduce removal costs.
Do a DIY move
You may move the belongings yourself if you or a friend owns a suitable vehicle. This is a great way to save money on removalist fees. However, note that this option may be more stressful, and you may have too many people or belongings to move.
Opt for a half-service package
Some house removal companies allow you to unpack and pack your belongings yourself. In addition, you have the freedom to source your own moving boxes and packing materials. Using these options can save you some money on moving costs.
You can get second-hand cardboard boxes from friends and stores and pack and unpack them yourself.
Another option to save on moving house costs is thoroughly decluttering your belongings before moving day. This can save some relocating costs for removalists who charge by the hour.
Compare several removalist prices
Choosing to use a good house removal service has its advantages. It can be less stressful and allows for a smooth relocation and a more successful house move. A significant way to reduce moving costs is to do all you can to get the best deal.
Compare quotes from several moving companies or international removalists and check their value offerings before choosing the best one. For instance, you may find out if your furniture removalist has precise hourly rates and if there are hidden fees in the quotes.
Still, regarding reducing moving costs, you can use a commission calculator to compare agents and their fees. After all, associated moving costs involve housing and real estate agent fees.
Average Cost of Moving House in Australia
Average house removal costs in Australia can depend on a variety of factors. For example, local moves have lower average removalist costs than interstate moves. Likewise, a house move with a bigger-sized truck will cost more than a medium-sized truck. Nonetheless, the average cost of a house move in Australia ranges from $300 to $8000. Meanwhile, the average hourly price typically ranges from $75 to $300.
Tips for Moving House
Even though good moving companies provide basic cover, getting third-party or content insurance for international moves may be worth it. Using a moving company that can quickly provide associated services such as house cleaning or rental property cleaning at little extra costs can be more manageable. You may also opt for white glove services to protect valuable items on moving days.
Other Roles of Local Agents When Moving House
Besides providing quick approximate costs, such as interstate moving costs, local removalists can link you with reputable real estate agents. These local agents can provide the cost of selling your home if you sell your property. When selling properties, you can get a good idea of current property market trends and cost guides.
Get Help from Professional Removalists
This post has provided a valuable guide on moving expenses and cost factors in house removals. Undoubtedly, it is better to be prepared and align your budget accordingly. Likewise, you can let an excellent professional removalist shoulder most of the burden for your move. You should, however, be sure to get a reliable moving service with excellent star ratings.
