2025 Australia Cost of Moving House: Removalists, Cleaning, Bond, Connection Fees and How to Budget

With high rents, tight vacancy rates and shifting work arrangements, more Australians are relocating in 2025 — but the real cost of moving often surprises people. A move that seems simple on paper can quickly add hundreds of dollars in cleaning, service fees, packing materials and security-bond adjustments.

This guide breaks down the major expenses involved in moving house in Australia and provides a realistic budgeting framework so you know what to expect before moving day.

Typical Moving Costs in Australia (2025)

While every move is different, most households encounter the following categories:

• Removalists — truck + labour
• End-of-lease cleaning — a common reason bonds are withheld
• Rental bond top-ups — especially when moving to a more expensive property
• Utility disconnection and reconnection fees
• Packing materials — boxes, tape, protective wrap
• Storage (optional)
• Pet boarding (if needed during cleaning/move)

1. Removalist Costs (2025 Rates)

Removalists charge either by the hour or fixed price. Common 2025 ranges:

• Hourly rate: $130–$220 per hour for two movers + truck
• Small apartment local move: $350–$650
• 3-bedroom house local move: $900–$1,800
• Interstate moves: $2,000–$6,000 depending on distance and load size

Costs rise during peak periods — end of month, weekends and school holiday weeks.

2. End-of-Lease Cleaning Costs

Real estate agents commonly require a “bond-standard clean” including:

• oven & rangehood
• windows
• carpet steam cleaning (if required by lease)
• bathrooms/descaling
• skirting boards, fans, light fixtures

Typical prices in 2025:

• 1-bed unit: $220–$350
• 2-bed unit: $300–$450
• 3-bed house: $420–$700+

Carpet steam cleaning can add $80–$160. A poor clean is one of the top reasons bond refunds are delayed.

3. Bond Top-Ups When Moving

Rental bonds are capped at generally 4 weeks’ rent for most properties. If you're moving to a more expensive home, you may need an additional:

+$500–$1,200 depending on rent increase.

You usually can't transfer your old bond directly — it must be refunded first (after inspection), which creates short-term cash flow gaps.

4. Utility Disconnection & Reconnection Fees

Connection fees depend on state and provider. In 2025, typical ranges include:

• Electricity: $12–$70 depending on distributor
• Gas: $10–$45
• NBN internet setup: $0–$99 (depending on modem, technician visit)
• Water: usually no connection fee for renters

If a technician is required, expect higher charges or longer wait times during peak periods.

5. Packing and Materials

• Moving boxes: $3–$6 each
• Wardrobe boxes: $15–$25 each
• Bubble wrap & packing paper: $20–$60
• Specialty items: TV boxes, mattress protectors, fragile-item wrap

Many removalists offer package deals, but DIY box collections from Bunnings or Facebook Marketplace can reduce costs.

6. Optional Extras

• Storage units: $150–$450/month depending on size and city
• Pet boarding: $30–$65/day
• Key replacement or lock changes: varies by agent/landlord

How Much a Typical Move Actually Costs

For an average renter moving within the same city:

• Low-budget move: $600–$1,000
• Standard move: $1,200–$2,000
• High-complexity move: $2,500+

Costs vary by stairs, parking access, distance, amount of furniture and cleaning requirements.

How to Budget for a 2025 Move in Australia

• Get at least 3 removalist quotes — pricing varies widely.
• Read your lease-end obligations carefully — to avoid unexpected cleaning or repair charges.
• Schedule utility connections early — last-minute bookings may cost extra.
• Set aside a buffer — at least $200–$400 for unexpected items.
• Track all receipts if sharing costs with housemates.
• Ask for bond timelines so you know when refunds are expected.

Quick Q&A: Moving Costs in Australia 2025

• Q: How much should I budget for a local move?
  A: Most renters spend $900–$2,000 depending on cleaning and removalist time.
• Q: Can I avoid a bond top-up?
  A: Only if your new rent is equal or lower — otherwise a higher bond is required.
• Q: Are cleaning fees mandatory?
  A: Cleaning must match the condition at your move-in (fair wear and tear excluded). A professional clean is not legally required unless your lease states it.
• Q: Do utilities always charge connection fees?
  A: Not always — electricity and gas connection costs depend on distributor rules and timing.

Sources & Further Reading

• State Fair Trading/Tenancy Authorities (NSW Fair Trading, Consumer Affairs Victoria, QLD RTA)
• Energy provider fee schedules (connection/disconnection)
• Major removalist industry associations
• NBN provider setup and relocation guidelines

This article provides general information only and is not financial or legal advice. Moving costs vary by state, property type and service provider. Always read your lease and confirm fees before booking.