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The Hidden Cost of Moving House 2022
So, you have gone through the sometimes strenuous process of purchasing a new house, or even the stress of finding a new rental. You might have all the costs covered for the purchase including legal fees, conveyancing, house insurance, and all the fees that come with buying a house, but have you thought about the simple cost of moving house?
Do you have plans for the move? Can you list the costs of moving house?
Average costs for moving between homes can range between $300 and $4500 in Sydney. Interstate moving can cost up to $8,000. Rates depend on many variables. Although it sounds hefty, hiring professionals can be worthwhile – it ensures the smoothest transfer possible, whether for a local move or a regional one. We’re trying to relieve stress for you by doing moving-day maths for removalist costs. This might help you to decide what to hire out – and what you can DIY.
Can I insure my items while they are being moved?
Although removal companies tend to care for your belongings when relocating you, it is possible that something can happen along the way in the case of accidents. It would be best if you considered content insurance options to protect your possessions from loss in an emergency. A removal company does not cover you for any damage to any property (the location you’re moving from or the one you’re moving to). The company promises to take every care possible when inside your home and moving furniture, however.
Generally speaking, moving and storage companies provide transit or moving insurance. This price varies according to many factors, such as the items’ value and the circumstances you want to be covered. You can also choose to insure special items such as antiques and heirlooms at an additional fee which you will need to negotiate with the removalist.
Insurance costs are not the only thing to consider. Some removalist companies have additional fees for packing services or even cleaning services. You might come across a flat fee for a certain number of hours or hourly rates for smaller moves. Some removalists also offer to get rid of unwanted items at an additional cost. An hourly rate is more convenient when the service required is for a move to a new property in the same city.
Moving locally is often easier and might only require two movers or a maximum of four movers. If you have various pieces of heavy furniture, you might require more than one truck.
Most removalists will work with you to understand your needs and safely transfer all your belongings to the new location.
Tell me the cost of moving my belongings?
Move-in day is always a bit of a stress-producing day. Movers can assist in packing and removing all of your items and helping you move them between properties.
Services can include:
- Boxes – hire or purchase
- Packing materials
- Packing and unpacking service
- Wrapping furniture
- Disassembly and assembly of furniture
- Shrink wrapping of mattresses and whitegoods
- Transport
- Transfer to and from the truck
- Cleaning of previous home
- Short and Long term storage options
Prices are influenced by many variables. Your move cost will differ based on your location, the size of your house, the number of belongings you need to be moved, the value of those belongings, and the distance you are moving. We will discuss these factors in a bit more detail later on.
If you choose the DIY route the costs involved could include:
- Truck hire and petrol
- Packing Materials – Boxes, shrinkwrap, butchers paper, bubble wrap, packing tape
- Days off for packing, moving day, unpacking, cleaning
- Paying your buddies for their help on moving day
- Takeout for at least a week after moving
What factors influence the moving costs of a removalist?
The size of your home: The number of rooms in your home will affect the amount of time it takes to pack up and move everything. If you are a maximalist and have plenty of furniture and belongings, it will take longer, and therefore cost more.
The distance you are moving: If you are moving interstate, it will obviously cost more than if you are just moving across town. The further away you are moving, the more it will cost.
The value of your belongings: If you have a lot of valuable items, such as antiques or electronics, you may want to consider insuring them during the move. This will add to the overall cost.
The type of service you choose: The type of service you choose will also affect the cost. If you choose a full-service move, where the removalists do all the packing and unpacking for you, it will obviously be more expensive than if you do that aspect yourself.
These are just some of the factors that can influence the cost of moving house. It is important to get quotes from several companies to get an idea of how much it will cost. You should also ask about any hidden costs, such as insurance, that could add to the overall bill. Moving house is an entire job in itself. Be sure to compare prices for the removalist cost of different companies. Leaving your old house will become easier when you understand what removalists charge.
When you’re considering the cost of moving houses, also consider the upfront costs of buying a home
There are a number of upfront costs that you need to consider when buying a home. While you might have already considered these costs, a refresher always helps you plan for the move. These costs include the deposit, stamp duty, legal costs and loan application fees.
The Deposit: The deposit is usually 10% of the purchase price of the property. So, if you are buying a $500,000 home, you will need to have a deposit of $50,000.
Stamp Duty: Stamp duty is a tax that is payable on the purchase of a property. It is calculated based on the purchase price of the property. In most states, stamp duty is around 5% of the purchase price. So, on a $500,000 property, you would need to pay $25,000 in stamp duty.
Legal Fees: You will need to pay these fees for your conveyancer or solicitor. These fees can vary depending on the complexity of the transaction and the location of the property. However, as a general guide, you should budget for around $1,500 in legal costs.
Loan Application Fees: If you are taking out a loan to finance the purchase of your home, you will need to pay loan application fees. These fees can vary depending on the lender, but as a general guide, you should budget for around $500 in loan application fees.
Mortgage Registration Fee: If you are taking out a loan to finance the purchase of your home, you will also need to pay a mortgage registration fee. This fee is usually around $100.
These are just some of the upfront costs that you need to consider when buying a home. It is important to get quotes from different lenders and conveyancers to get an accurate idea of how much it will cost you.
Choosing the right removalist is an important decision
There are a few things you should consider when making your choice. The first thing you need to do is work out what type of service you need. Do you need a full-service move, where the removalists do all the packing and unpacking for you? Or would you prefer a more basic service, where you do the packing yourself? The second thing to consider is the cost. Get quotes from several companies to get an idea of how much it will cost. You should also ask about any hidden costs, such as insurance, that could add to the overall bill. The third thing to consider is the company’s reputation. Ask around for recommendations.
How much do removalists cost per hour in Australia?
The cost of hiring a removalist will vary depending on the company, the type of service you choose and your location. However, as a general guide, you can expect to pay around $100 per hour for a basic service. If you choose a full-service move, where the removalists do all the packing and unpacking for you, you can expect to pay around $200 per hour. These prices are just a guide, so it is important to get quotes from several companies to get an accurate idea of how much it will cost. Don’t forget about your insurance!
The average moving cost for companies who charge a flat fee is around $1,000 for a basic service. If you choose a full-service move, where the removalists do all the packing and unpacking for you, you can expect to pay around $2,000. Moving time includes the time spent driving to your new address as well as loading and unloading the moving truck. Many removalists follow a specific protocol to ensure both your safety and that of your belongings. Removalists offer the benefit of using trolleys, lifts, safety blankets, and other items to make the loading/unloading easier and safer.
When you consider the total cost of moving house, safety should be at the top of the list. While it’s nice to save money, it’s better to invest in excellent service. Moving costs can pile up quickly, especially when you’re moving overseas. You might consider a home loan to manage the expenses. Whatever it is you decide to do, considering the following factors will help you make a better decision.
| Size of house | Average cost of moving |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom house | $100 to $150 per hour (with two movers) |
| 2-bedroom house | $150 to $225 per hour (with three movers) |
| 3-bedroom house | $225 to $275 per hour (with four movers) |
| 4-bedroom house | $300+ per hour (with five movers) |
Packing Materials and Services
If you are moving house and looking for a removalist, consider the price of moving materials in your moving costs. Many removalists include full packing services in the total moving cost. Larger items such as mattresses, wardrobes, bed frames and shelves might need to be disassembled and reassembled at the new location. This step can incur extra costs. Packing materials are not always included in the price of moving services. If you choose to pack your own belongings, you will need to factor in this additional expense. These can include boxes, tape, bubble wrap and other protective materials. You can often buy these materials from the removalist company, or you may be able to find them cheaper elsewhere.
If you are hiring a full-service move, where the removalists do all the packing and unpacking for you, the cost of packing containers will be included in the overall price. If you purchase it on your own, the costs can increase anywhere from $300 to $1,000, depending on the size of your home. The cost of moving house can add up quickly, so it’s important to understand your needs before leaving the property.
Access to the Property
How easy is it to access your home? Removalists often look at the quality of access when quoting for a move. If you require stairs or lifts to access the property, the costs will likely increase as the difficulty to access the items is higher. Stairs and lifts often slow things down and sometimes require special equipment for transfer. Other factors such as a steep driveway or narrow entrances will determine the type of services you require. A narrow laneway might require a smaller truck or walking time, all of which can impact the cost. Of course, the best case scenario would be to move from a house on a flat road, but this is not always the case.
Moving house? Amanda Little can help with the legalities of buying and selling a house
Amanda Little & Associates Pty Limited is an award-winning family law firm based in Western Sydney servicing, Penrith, Parramatta, Sydney, Blue Mountains, Oran Park, Hawkesbury, Macarthur, Orange and Greater West regions and now Lismore and Blacktown. We hope this article was useful in helping you figure out the costs of moving houses. If you need assistance selling and buying your property, we have an expert team ready to help you with any legalities.
We are a dedicated team of Solicitors and Support Staff here to assist you with your legal issue, be it a divorce, property settlement, children’s matters, buying or selling a house, drafting a will or power of attorney or acting as an executor in your estate. Amanda Little, Bernadette Melhem and Rosemary Aloisio are Accredited Specialists in Family Law.
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