Moving to a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to managing the logistics and costs. If you're planning a move to or around Toowoomba, understanding the costs involved and having a well-organised checklist can make all the difference.
This guide is your ultimate resource, providing a breakdown of what removalists in the area charge and offering tips to help you plan your move efficiently. From getting quotes to budgeting for your relocation, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
When it comes to hiring Toowoomba removalists, you can expect to pay around $150 to $164 per hour. Most companies have a minimum booking of two hours, so even if your move wraps up quickly, you'll still be charged for that initial time. While the hourly rate can vary a bit depending on factors like the size of your move or the services you need, it’s a good idea to ask for a quote upfront so there are no surprises.
The biggest factor that will influence your removalist costs is the size of your home. The more stuff you have, the more time and effort it will take to get everything from point A to point B.
To make budgeting easier, we've crunched the numbers from hundreds of movers in the region to give you a clearer idea of what you can expect to pay based on your home size. Have a look at the table below for a breakdown of removalist costs for different types of homes.
| Size of home | Cost |
| Studio/1-Bed Unit | $420 - $830 |
| 2-Bed Unit | $590 - $1,155 |
| 2-Bed House | $890 - $1,310 |
| 3-Bed House | $1,120 - $1,460 |
| 4-Bed House | $1,250 - $2,410+ |
Just keep in mind, if you need extra services—like packing, disassembling furniture, or special care for fragile items—these will add to the total cost. We’ll dive into these extra services in more detail soon, but if you’re in a hurry, feel free to skip ahead and see what’s typically included in your quote, as well as any potential extra charges to watch out for.
Interstate moves can be a bit trickier when it comes to budgeting—there's so much that can change depending on how far you're travelling. The kilometres make a huge difference in the final cost, so it's important to plan ahead and be ready for some fluctuations.
To give you a clearer idea, we've pulled together an example of an interstate move between Toowoomba and Darwin. The table below breaks down what it might cost for different sized homes to make that big journey.
| Size of Home | Average Cost |
| 2-Bed Unit | $3,800 |
| 2 bed House | $7,500 |
| 3-Bed House | $8,400 |
As you can see, the cost of an interstate move can vary quite a bit, ranging from around $3,000 to $15,000. This data is pulled from hundreds of our Toowoomba movers in 2025, so you can get a general sense of what to expect. But remember, these figures can shift depending on factors like timing, the exact route, and any extra services you might need along the way.
When you get a quote from a removalist, it’ll usually cover the essentials like the truck, the movers' time, and basic insurance for your belongings. You’ll also have access to equipment like trolleys, blankets, and straps to help keep everything safe and secure during the move.
Tricky access points (like narrow staircases or steep driveways) or moves during peak times (like weekends or holidays) can add extra costs.
Congestion and parking in Toowoomba can play a big role on moving day, so it’s important to be mindful of a few specific areas around town. In the CBD, particularly around Ruthven Street and the surrounding shopping areas, parking can get tight, especially during busy times of the day. If you’re moving out of or into a unit in places like the City Centre or along the Range, access might be trickier due to narrow streets and limited parking.
Also, keep in mind that some residential areas, like Newtown and West Toowoomba, can have heavy traffic during school drop-off and pick-up hours. By letting your removalists know about any potential parking or congestion issues ahead of time, you can avoid delays and keep the day running smoothly.
Beyond removalist fees, moving comes with a handful of other costs you’ll want to plan for. Stamp duty is a major one—expect to pay 1.5% to 5.75% depending on the property’s value. Real estate commissions typically fall between 1.5% and 2.5%, and conveyancing (the legal side of transferring ownership) will run you about $1,200 to $2,000.
If you’re selling, home styling may boost your final price—expect to pay $1,500 to $5,000. Don’t forget professional cleaning if you’re renting ($250–$500), as landlords expect a spotless handover. All these add up fast, so it’s worth budgeting carefully for the full picture.
Moving doesn’t have to drain your bank account—there are plenty of clever ways to keep costs down if you plan ahead. One of the most effective strategies is to declutter before you move.
Selling, donating, or tossing things you no longer need will lighten your load, potentially reducing the size of the truck you need or the number of hours your removalists are on the clock. It also means fewer boxes, which cuts down on packing materials too. Speaking of packing, sourcing free materials from local stores, Facebook Marketplace, or friends who’ve recently moved can save you a surprising amount. Even better, if you start packing early and do it gradually, you’ll avoid the stress (and cost) of hiring last-minute help.
Flexibility can also go a long way. Booking your move mid-week or during quieter periods—outside of school holidays or weekends—can score you better rates. If you’re open to it, backloading is another great way to save. This involves sharing truck space with another mover going in the same direction, which can slash your transport costs, though it may limit your scheduling options. And don’t underestimate the power of a good deal—ask your movers about discounts or package offers, especially if you’re bundling services like packing and storage.
For smaller loads, consider moving boxes yourself in your car to save space in the truck. With a bit of smart thinking and early preparation, you’ll keep your budget intact without cutting corners on the move.
| Service | Cost Range |
| Removalist (local move) | $300 - $1,309 (depending on home size) |
| Conveyancing fees | $1,200 - $2,000 |
| Stamp duty | Approx. $35,000 (for a $1M property) |
| Real estate agent fees | $15,000 - $25,000 (depending on sale price) |
| Marketing | $1,000 - $8,000 |
| Property valuation | $500 - $800 (standard residential) |
| Inspections (Building & Pest) | $400 - $800 |
| Home styling (optional) | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Professional cleaning | $250 - $500 |
| Packing materials | $100 - $300 |
| Utility connections | $50 - $200 |
| Estimated Total | $60,000 - $100,000+ |
| Service | Cost Range |
| Removalists (local move) | $300 - $1,309 (depending on home size) |
| End-of-lease cleaning | $250 - $600 |
| Bond (4 weeks’ rent) | $2,000 - $3,000+ |
| First month’s rent | $2,000 - $3,000+ |
| Packing materials | $100 - $300 |
| Utility connection fees | $50 - $200 |
| Pet bond (if applicable) | $200 - $500 |
| Renters’ insurance | $10 - $30/month |
| Application fees | $90 - $150 |
| Estimated Total | $4,100 - $10,000+ |
If you're moving to the area, a little bit of local knowledge can make the process a lot smoother. Understanding the local property market, weather patterns, and services available will help you settle in quicker and avoid any moving day hiccups. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate some of the local nuances.
Toowoomba enjoys a mild climate, but it's good to be prepared for the occasional afternoon shower, particularly in summer. While the days can get quite warm, evenings usually cool down, making the weather more manageable. Keep an eye on the forecast around your move to avoid any weather-related delays for your move.
The property market in Toowoomba offers a mix of affordable homes and rental properties, with steady demand across the region. Whether you're buying or renting, expect a good range of options. Keep in mind that some areas may experience higher demand than others, so it’s worth researching local trends to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your needs.
Local services, such as waste collection, generally follow a weekly schedule, but pick-up days can vary depending on your specific area. Be sure to check your collection day through the Toowoomba Regional Council website or the Waste App to avoid any mix-ups and ensure your bins are out on time.
Public transport is available, but the network isn’t as extensive as in larger cities. Toowoomba operates with a Go Card system for bus travel. The Go Card is a convenient and flexible way to pay for bus rides throughout the city, and you can load credit onto it online, via machines, or at selected retailers.
The system offers discounted fares for regular commuters and seniors, making it an affordable and efficient way to navigate the public transport network. If you plan to rely on buses or taxis, it’s helpful to familiarise yourself with routes in advance. Having a car can be particularly useful for getting around the region with ease.
Moving is much easier when you have a plan. Here’s a handy checklist to help you stay on track and make your move as smooth as possible.
Finish packing: Pack the essentials last—think bedding, daily kitchen items, and toiletries.
Keep this checklist in arm’s reach throughout your move for an easier, less stressful transition to your new home.
DIY moving offers more control and lower costs if you’ve got a small load and some strong mates to help. You’ll save on professional fees, but you’ll be doing all the heavy lifting yourself—not to mention organising the truck, timing, and materials. It’s manageable but exhausting.
Using a moving company, on the other hand, gives you peace of mind. Professionals bring experience, equipment, and efficiency. They’ll handle logistics, packing, and transport, reducing stress and risk of damage. It’ll cost more, but if time and convenience are priorities, it’s often worth it.
When it comes to moving, a few essential materials go a long way—but it’s the lesser-known extras that can really make the process smoother. You’ll need the basics, of course: sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap or paper, and definitely labels or permanent markers to keep everything sorted. These are your non-negotiables and can be picked up from places like Bunnings, Officeworks, or even sourced second-hand from local stores or online communities.
Beyond that, a few smart additions can make a huge difference. Furniture blankets or pads help prevent scuffs and damage during transit—especially handy for wooden tables, white goods, or anything with sharp corners. Plastic bins are a solid alternative to boxes for oddly shaped or heavy items like tools, toys, or paperwork.
Ziplock bags are perfect for keeping screws, bolts, and small parts together when disassembling furniture—just label and tape them to the item they belong to. Butcher’s paper or towels can be used instead of bubble wrap for wrapping glassware or dishes, and cling wrap works a treat for keeping drawers closed or bundling loose items together. Even coloured tape can help you colour-code by room, making unpacking way easier at the other end.
None of it needs to be fancy—just functional. The right mix of supplies will protect your gear, save time, and keep your move organised from start to finish.
Got your packing materials? Ready to get stuck in? Taking it one room at a time is the key to an organised and streamlined packing process. To help you along the way use our step by step, room by room packing guide.
Garden, shed & storage
Guest bedrooms
Office
Living & dining rooms
Main bedroom
Bathrooms
Kitchen
If there’s a gap between moving out of your current place and into your new home, storage might be a handy solution. Toowoomba has a few storage options, and prices can vary depending on how much space you need. For a small unit (about 2m x 2m), expect to pay around $150 to $250 per month. Need something bigger?
A larger unit (about 3m x 3m) will cost between $250 and $350 per month. If you're after something even more flexible, mobile storage containers are a great option and usually cost around $250 a month. It’s a simple way to keep your stuff safe and nearby while you get settled.
Whether you’re moving with kids, pets, an elderly family member, or someone with a disability, planning ahead makes a huge difference. For kids, involve them early—let them pack their own toys and settle their room first. Pets do best with routine; keep their space familiar and consider pet-sitting on move day.
Elderly family members might need help with mobility, so start early and prep their new space in advance. For those with disabilities, check accessibility in your new home and consider movers experienced in accommodating extra needs. A little prep goes a long way in making everyone’s move smoother.
Moving to Toowoomba can be a mix of excitement and stress, but Upmove is here to make it easier. We connect you with Toowoomba removalists who can handle all aspects of your move, from packing to heavy lifting.
With clear, upfront quotes and experts who know the area, you’ll have everything organised and stress-free in no time. Let Upmove take the weight off your shoulders so you can focus on settling into your new home.
Upmove helps Aussies find and book removalists and transport services across Australia. The easy-to-use platform allows customers to access reliable, cost-effective, and user-reviewed service providers in just a few clicks. Founded back in 2017, our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for both customers and the professionals they rely on.
It's free and easy to create a request on Upmove.
Describe, add photos and the dimensions of your shipment in your listing — anything that you think will make a difference, will make a difference.
Our platform will reach out to moving companies relevant to your delivery specification in your area.
Movers may ask you a few more details about your delivery before giving you a quote.
Compare prices and get to know movers before accepting their quote by reading previous customer feedback on our platform.
Pick your preferred moving company and arrange collection and delivery.
Prepare your package for collection or if you are moving home, get ready for moving day.
Meet and greet your chosen moving company on your collection day.
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