Relocation Cost Estimator
Estimate the cost of moving between cities or interstate, including transport, packing, and temporary housing.
Quick Use Samples
Your Move Details
Estimated Relocation Costs
Cost Breakdown
Recommended Relocation Budget
$1,811
This includes a 15% contingency for unexpected costs like insurance, utility connection fees, or temporary pet boarding.
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What is a Relocation Cost Estimator?
A relocation cost estimator is a tool that helps you budget for the significant expenses involved in moving to a new house, especially between cities or states. It goes beyond the cost of the moving truck to include other common expenses like packing services, temporary storage, and accommodation.
Behind the Formula
The calculator uses industry averages to estimate your costs. The moving cost is based on a combination of the distance of your move and the size of your home (number of bedrooms). Additional services like professional packing, storage, and temporary housing are added as separate line items based on typical weekly rates.
Expert Insights
- The biggest factor in your moving cost is volume. The more stuff you have, the more it costs to move. A ruthless declutter before you move is the single most effective way to save money.
- Mid-month and mid-week are the cheapest times to move. Avoid moving on a Friday or at the end of the month when demand is highest and prices are inflated.
- Don't forget the 'hidden' costs of relocating. This includes things like utility connection fees, mail redirection, new driver's licenses, and the cost of buying items that don't fit in your new home.
Actionable Tips
- Get at least three written quotes from different moving companies. This allows you to compare prices and services to get the best deal.
- If you're relocating for a job, ask your new employer if they offer a relocation allowance or assistance package. Many companies will contribute to your moving costs to attract the right talent.
- Check your home contents insurance policy. Some policies cover your goods during transit, while others do not. You may need to take out specific 'transit insurance' for peace of mind.
Real-World Examples
Moving from Sydney to Brisbane for a new job
A family moving the contents of a 3-bedroom house interstate uses the estimator to budget for removalists, packing services, and one week of temporary accommodation. The tool helps them negotiate a fair relocation package with their new employer.
A young person's first move out of home
Someone moving the contents of their bedroom to a new apartment in the same city uses the calculator to see that hiring a small truck and moving themselves is far more cost-effective than hiring a full-service moving company.
Downsizing in retirement
A retired couple is moving to a smaller home. They use the estimator to see how much they can save by decluttering and selling a large portion of their furniture before the move, reducing the size of the truck required.
Glossary of Terms
Backloading
A cheaper moving option where your belongings are used to fill empty space on a truck that is already returning from another job. It's less flexible on timing but can be much cheaper.
Transit Insurance
Specific insurance that covers your belongings against loss or damage while they are being moved by a removalist.
Relocation Allowance
A sum of money paid by an employer to an employee to help cover the costs of moving for a new job.