Budgeting for your interstate move – Hidden costs and how to avoid them
By now, we are all very much aware of the phrase ‘cost of living crisis’, with inflation and interest rates giving every Aussie a good hammering for the last few years. Whether your funds are tight or you’re just frugal by nature, budgeting has become a crucial part of everyday life. And when we consider moving interstate, that is no exception.
However, if you’re trying to budget ahead for your interstate move, unless you’re a seasoned pro, you may overlook hidden or unexpected expenses that could really hit your pocket. Rather than let that happen, we’ve put together this blog to help you identify hidden costs, create a reliable checklist and implement some cost-saving tips along the way.
Common hidden costs in interstate moves
Packing supplies and materials
Whether you are utilising a removalist or trying to DIY, you will need packing materials and supplies to protect your possessions. The great advantage of using a removalist is that most reputable providers will offer this service. Providing you with an itemised cost based on what you want to move.
The challenge comes when people attempt to move everything themselves. The first problem is accurately guestimating how much packing you will need. The second is then knowing what materials are going to protect your fragile items. Finally, paying retail prices can also really hurt your pocket too.
Insurance coverage for your move
This one really depends on the details of your existing home insurance, but you will need to check to ensure your possessions are insured while in transit. Even if you are using professional removalists, you may still need to organise additional insurance to cover any potential damages.
Also, bear in mind that if you DIY your interstate move, without the right expertise and equipment, there is a higher risk of damage to your belongings.
Cleaning and Repairs
If you’re moving out of a rented property, the chances are you will have to pay for a bond clean. If you own your property, you’re not off the hook, as you would still want the new owners, or tenants, to walk into a clean and crisp home.
Ensure your budget includes the costs for a professional cleaner or at least budget for disinfectant, bleach, polish, window cleaner, toilet cleaner, mould spray, scourers, cloths, sponges…. the list goes on.
You’ll also come across a few surprises, too. The dent in the wall your kids have been hiding from you. A cracked tile, you’d forgotten about, suddenly appears when the fridge is removed. Prepare yourself for additional repairs and this won’t stress you or your budget.
Personal travel costs
If you’re stuck lugging your ute or van across the country, you will likely require more fuel for you and the vehicle than you originally accounted for. There are a couple of fuel cost calculators out there, that can help you make an educated guess on what you’d need to budget for.
The other thing you can be sure of, is toll roads. When travelling long distances, a toll road is irresistible. Who can say no to a 2-hour reduction in travel time?
If the move takes multiple days, accommodation is also going to be a factor. Pre-planning your stops and booking in advance is the best way to keep costs low. Be sure to plan ahead and include those overnight stays in your budget.
Finally, be sure to keep an eye on the speed limits, particularly on roads you’re unfamiliar with. The biggest dent in your pocket may come from an unexpected fine.
Seriously, though, if you can avoid driving over multiple days, flying to your destination will help keep your budget predictable and in check.
Storage fees
We see this frequently. A customer is about to move, but access to the new property is delayed. Or, sometimes things just don’t fit. Whether you can’t take everything with you or you have to hang tight for a few days, you may need to rely on temporary storage. A professional removalist with onsite storage may be the most efficient option here, but if you’re using a basic service provider or handling the move yourself, be prepared to fork out for storage.
Comprehensive interstate moving budget checklist
With the common hidden costs out in the open, here is our comprehensive list of items you may need to splurge out for. Make sure you consider these within your budget to avoid any blowouts.
Pre-move expenses
- Moving company quotes and deposits.
- Packing materials (boxes, bubble wrap, labels).
- Travel expenses (flights, fuel, accommodation if required).
- Utility disconnection fees.
Moving day costs
- Removalist fees and potential overtime charges.
- Additional transportation costs (fuel, tolls).
- Insurance coverage for belongings.
- Food/takeaways.
Post-move expenses
- Utility connection/setup fees.
- Storage rental if needed.
- Temporary accommodation or meals.
- House cleaning or minor repairs.
Ways to save costs without compromising quality
What’s the point of budgeting if you’re not going to save a few dollars? If you’re going to all this effort of itemising every cost, it makes sense to find ways to make your move a savvy one.
Ensure quotes are like-for-like
As with all things in life, some things can appear too good to be true. Be sure to check the standard inclusions and exclusions for any removalist quotes you receive. You can also read our top mistakes to avoid when hiring a removalist here, to ensure you pick a reputable removalist. 😉
Declutter your home
Reduce the load size and your moving costs will also go down too.
Read our tips on how to declutter your home before moving and you will not only save some money, but perhaps your sanity too.
Plan ahead to avoid premium charges
Like all services, there are peaks and troughs in demand. If you plan ahead, the chances of avoiding the busiest periods increases. The further in advance you can plan, the more options are available to you. This means you won’t get taken advantage of due to your urgency, and it will avoid any last-minute price hikes.
Make your interstate move a great one
All this adulting can be challenging, but if sticking to a budget is essential, heeding the tips and pitfalls is crucial to avoid unnecessary hidden costs.
If you need a professional interstate removalist to provide a tailored quote that helps you control your costs, call us – we can make your interstate move a great one.
