Interstate Moving Australia: Your 2026 Guide
Moving to a new state? This comprehensive guide covers everything from costs and timelines to packing tips and how to save up to 60% on your move.
What You Need to Know About Interstate Moving
Moving interstate is one of life's biggest logistical challenges. Whether you're relocating for work, family, or a fresh start, an interstate move involves hundreds of decisions—from choosing how to transport your belongings to navigating different state regulations.
The good news? With proper planning and the right moving partner, interstate moving doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. This guide covers everything you need to know.
📚 In This Guide You'll Learn
How Interstate Moving Works
Interstate moving in Australia typically follows one of three models, each with different costs, timelines, and flexibility:
Dedicated Move
You get the entire truck. Best for large homes or when you need a specific pickup/delivery date.
✓ Fixed dates
✓ Direct transit
✗ Higher cost
Backloading
Share truck space on a return journey. Perfect for flexible movers who want to save money.
✓ 40-60% savings
✓ Same professional service
~ Flexible dates (2-7 days)
Container/Self-Pack
A container is delivered to you, you pack it, and it's transported. Good for flexible timelines.
✓ Pack at your pace
✓ Storage flexibility
~ You do the packing
Interstate Moving Costs
Interstate moving costs are determined by three main factors: distance, volume (cubic meters), and access (stairs, long carries, narrow streets). Here's what you can expect to pay:
| Move Size | Volume | 800km Route | 2,000km Route | 4,000km Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/Few Items | 1-5 m³ | $400-$800 | $600-$1,200 | $900-$1,500 |
| 1 Bedroom | 5-10 m³ | $800-$1,500 | $1,200-$2,200 | $1,800-$3,000 |
| 2 Bedroom | 15-20 m³ | $1,500-$2,500 | $2,500-$4,000 | $3,500-$5,500 |
| 3 Bedroom | 25-35 m³ | $2,500-$4,000 | $4,000-$6,000 | $5,500-$8,000 |
| 4+ Bedroom | 40+ m³ | $4,000-$6,000 | $6,000-$9,000 | $8,000-$12,000+ |
Prices are indicative. Get a personalized quote for exact pricing.
💡 Save 40-60% with Backloading
The prices above are for dedicated moves. Choose backloading and pay only for your cubic meters—sharing the journey means sharing the cost.
Popular Interstate Routes
We run regular services between all major Australian cities and regional centers
| Route | Distance | Transit Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney ↔ Melbourne | 870km | 1-2 days | Daily |
| Sydney ↔ Brisbane | 920km | 2-3 days | Daily |
| Melbourne ↔ Brisbane | 1,670km | 3-4 days | 3x Weekly |
| Melbourne ↔ Adelaide | 730km | 1-2 days | Daily |
| Sydney ↔ Perth | 3,930km | 5-7 days | 2x Weekly |
| Melbourne ↔ Perth | 3,420km | 5-7 days | 2x Weekly |
| Brisbane ↔ Cairns | 1,700km | 2-3 days | 3x Weekly |
| Adelaide ↔ Perth | 2,700km | 3-5 days | 2x Weekly |
| Sydney ↔ Canberra | 290km | 1 days | Daily |
| Brisbane ↔ Gold Coast | 80km | Same day days | Daily |
Interstate Moving Timeline
A successful interstate move starts with planning. Here's your week-by-week guide to staying on track:
Research removalists, get quotes, book moving date, start decluttering
Notify landlord/utilities, change address, organize school transfers, sort valuables
Start packing non-essentials, arrange pet transport, book travel
Pack most items, confirm moving details, prepare appliances
Final packing, essentials bag, walkthrough, keys handover
Packing for an Interstate Move
📦 Packing Tips
- ✓ Use quality boxes (double-walled for heavy items)
- ✓ Wrap fragile items individually in paper/bubble wrap
- ✓ Fill empty box space to prevent shifting
- ✓ Label all boxes with room and contents
- ✓ Keep essentials (docs, valuables, meds) separate
- ✓ Disassemble furniture where possible
🚫 What Can't Be Transported
- ✗ Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, fuel)
- ✗ Gas bottles and aerosols
- ✗ Perishable food
- ✗ Live plants (quarantine restrictions)
- ✗ Firearms and ammunition
- ✗ Valuables (cash, jewelry) - keep with you
State-by-State Regulations
Australia takes biosecurity seriously. Each state has quarantine rules you need to be aware of when moving interstate:
🚨 Western Australia
STRICT - Most plants, fruit, vegetables, honey, and some used equipment require inspection or are prohibited. Soil is often restricted.
🚨 Tasmania
STRICT - Quarantine at ferry ports. Many fruit, vegetables, plants, and soil products are prohibited or require inspection.
⚠️ South Australia
MODERATE - Fruit fly restrictions on some produce. Most household goods are fine.
✅ NSW, VIC, QLD, ACT, NT
RELAXED - Most household goods move freely. Standard pest-free requirements apply.
Always check destination state's biosecurity website before moving plants, food, or soil.
Moving Insurance & Protection
Long-distance moves carry inherent risks—accidents happen, even with professional care. That's why insurance matters.
Understanding Moving Insurance
⚠️ Important: Transit Insurance Has Limitations
Transit insurance (included with all moves via our contractor partners) only covers fire, collision, and overturning of the truck. It does NOT cover breakage, scratches, or handling damage.
| Coverage Type | What It Covers | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| Transit Insurance | Fire, collision, truck overturning only | Included (limited) |
| Full Moving Insurance | Breakage, scratches, handling damage, loss | Highly Recommended ✓ |
Our Recommendation
We always recommend full moving insurance for every interstate move. It provides complete peace of mind and covers the things transit insurance doesn't.
Get a quote at movinginsurance.com.au →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does interstate moving cost in Australia? ▼
How long does an interstate move take? ▼
What's the difference between backloading and a dedicated move? ▼
Do I need insurance for an interstate move? ▼
What can't be transported interstate? ▼
How do I prepare for an interstate move? ▼
Can you move cars interstate? ▼
What size truck do I need? ▼
Browse Routes by City
Find all available backloading routes from any Australian city. Each city hub page shows routes, transit times, and service information.
Key Definitions
- Interstate moving
- Relocating household goods between different Australian states or territories. Requires professional logistics due to distance and regulations.
- Backloading
- Sharing truck space on vehicles returning from a delivery. Saves 40-60% compared to dedicated truck moves because the truck is already making the journey.
- Cubic meters (m³)
- The volume measurement used to quote interstate moves. Based on the space your items take up in the truck, not their weight.
- Transit insurance
- Basic coverage included with all moves, covering fire, collision, and overturning only. Does not cover breakage or handling damage.
- Quarantine restrictions
- Rules preventing certain items (plants, soil, produce) from entering states like Western Australia and Tasmania to protect local ecosystems.
Ready to Start Your Interstate Move?
Get a free quote in under 2 minutes. Save up to 60% with our backloading service.