Moving home isn't just about packing boxes and booking removalists. It’s a whole process, and if you’re not prepared, the costs can easily sneak up on you.
From removalist fees to stamp duty, property valuations, and even things like home styling, moving in Brisbane can get expensive. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we’ll break it all down for you, including tips for saving money, removalists Brisbane costs by home size, and everything you need to know to keep your budget in check.
When you're hiring removalists in Brisbane, it’s important to know what to expect in terms of pricing so you’re not caught off guard. Most removalists charge by the hour, with a minimum of 2 hours for a local move.
In Brisbane, the hourly rates typically fall between $120 and $180. The exact price depends on things like the size of the truck, how many movers are needed, and which part of the city or surrounding suburbs you’re moving to. Keep in mind, weekends or the end of the month tend to be peak times, so you might see a slight bump in the cost then.
To make sure you’re getting a fair deal, it’s a good idea to reach out to a few different removalists Brisbane for quotes that are tailored to your specific move.
Brisbane removalist's hourly rates typically range between $120 and $180.
When you're moving within Brisbane, the cost of hiring removalists will mostly depend on the size of your home. To help you get a better sense of what to expect, we’ve crunched the numbers of average moving costs by home size in Brisbane.
| Size of home | Brisbane removalists costs |
| Studio or 1-bed unit | $360 - $750 |
| 2-bed unit | $585 - $850 |
| 2-bed house | $650 - $1,140 |
| 3-bed house | $924 - $1,230 |
| 4-bed house | $2,520 - $3,150 |
These prices typically cover truck hire, the movers’ time, and standard services. The bigger your home and the more items you have, the more movers you’ll need. Naturally, this increases the cost.
Other things can also affect the price—like parking, stairs, or large furniture that needs to be taken apart before it can be moved. We’ll talk more about those things later in the article, or you can click here to jump forward and read about inclusions and what could increase your costs.
Interstate moving costs can vary greatly depending on how far you are travelling. The below figures offer a rough idea of what you might pay.
According to our most recent data (2024), you can expect to pay between $1,600 and $6,200 for removalist costs between Brisbane and Perth.
| Size of home | Average cost |
| Average 2-bed unit | $2,800 |
| Average 3-bed house | $4,200 |
You can expect to pay between $1,600 and $6,200 for removalist costs between Brisbane and Perth.
Removalist rates for a Brisbane to Canberra move range between $880 and $5,500.
| Size of home | Average cost |
| Average 2-bed unit | $1,900 |
| Average 3-bed house | $3,320 |
Keep in mind, these are just ballpark figures, so it’s always a good idea to get a few quotes based on your exact needs.
When hiring removalists in Brisbane, the quoted price usually covers:
Labour: Movers who will load, transport, and unload your items.
Truck hire: The cost for the truck or van to move your belongings.
Insurance: Basic coverage for your items during the move (confirm details with your removalist).
Fuel: For the moving truck
Equipment: Items like trolleys, straps, and blankets to protect your furniture.
At first glance, the quote from a moving company in Brisbane might look pretty straightforward, but there are a few hidden costs that could sneak up on you if you’re not careful. Here are some extras to keep an eye out for:
Travel time: If your move is far, you might be charged for the extra distance.
Stairs or lift access: High floors or limited access may cost more.
Heavy items: Large or bulky items may require extra movers or time.
Parking issues: Hard-to-find parking can add to the cost.
Traffic delays: Brisbane’s traffic can slow things down, leading to extra charges.
Timing: Moving during weekends, public holidays, or peak periods can increase rates.
Pro Tip: Always ask for a clear breakdown of all fees to avoid surprise costs.
It's important to get a good feel for the city's layout before you jump in. Brisbane's roads and neighbourhoods can play a big role in how much your move will cost and how smoothly it will go.
For example, if you're moving from the city centre to the outer suburbs, you might face longer travel times, which can add to your removalist bill. Areas like New Farm or South Brisbane can be tricky for parking and traffic, so your removalists might need to factor in extra time for navigating these busy spots.
On the other hand, suburbs a little further out, like Chermside or Carindale, tend to have easier access and less traffic, but getting to your new home might mean covering longer distances, which could affect timing.
Getting to know these little details about the local areas can help you plan better and avoid any unexpected costs or delays. We’ve highlighted a few of Brisbane’s key spots, including things like parking availability and traffic hotspots, so you can be ready for whatever comes your way. Being aware of these factors ahead of time can save you time, money, and stress during your move.
When planning your move in Brisbane, it’s important to consider the traffic, as it can affect how long your removalists will take to get to and from your home, potentially adding to your costs.
Some of the busiest spots with traffic congestion in Brisbane include:
To help you navigate this, we’ve included a map showing key congestion areas around the city. You can also head to QLD Traffic to get live traffic details. If you're moving in or out of one of these neighborhoods, try to schedule your move during quieter times, like early mornings or weekdays, to avoid getting caught in traffic. Planning ahead this way could help reduce delays and save you money on extra moving charges.
Finding parking in Brisbane can be a bit tricky, especially in busier areas or places with limited space. If you're moving to a neighbourhood with tough parking or high fees, it could end up costing you more, as your removalists might have to park further away or waste time hunting for a spot.
Parking is usually more challenging in areas like:
If you're moving to one of these spots, it’s a good idea to grab a parking permit early or think about alternative parking options to avoid delays and those extra fees on the day. For detailed information, visit the Parking Permit Areas page on the Brisbane City Council website.
When you’re moving house, extra costs can very quickly add up. Things like stamp duty, property valuations, and conveyancing fees are all part of the process and can impact your moving budget.
Whether you're relocating within Brisbane or making a move to another state, it's helpful to know what you're getting into. Let's break down some of the key expenses and how you can save a little along the way.
When you buy a home in Brisbane, one of the big costs you’ll need to factor in is stamp duty. It’s a government tax that’s based on the price of the property. For example, if you're buying a $1 million home, you could be looking at around $30,000+ in stamp duty. The more expensive the property, the higher the tax, so it’s something to keep in mind when planning your budget. If you’re a first-time buyer, you might get some discounts, but it’s still a significant amount. It’s a good idea to work out your stamp duty early on so you’re not caught off guard later. To work out your potential stamp duty in QLD, use this stamp duty calculator.
Another cost to keep in mind when moving in or out of Brisbane is property valuation. If you're buying or selling, it's something that could come up. If you’re getting a mortgage, the bank will likely want a property valuation to make sure they’re lending you the right amount. Even if you're selling, it can be handy to have a professional valuation to help you price your property correctly.
Valuation fees in Brisbane average around $500, depending on the property’s size and complexity. While not every sale requires one, most lenders will insist on it to determine the property’s market value.
When buying or selling property in Brisbane, conveyancing is an essential part of the process. It's the legal work involved in transferring ownership, and it’s another cost you’ll need to factor in. Fees for conveyancing typically range from $500 to $1,300, depending on how complex the sale or purchase is.
You can choose between a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer—solicitors usually charge a bit more, but either option will take care of the legal paperwork, like contracts, title searches, and dealing with your lender or the seller’s agent.
While it’s technically possible to manage the conveyancing yourself, it’s highly recommended to leave it to the professionals. They'll ensure everything’s done properly, avoiding any potential legal headaches and making the process much smoother for you.
If you’re renting, most lease agreements will require a professional clean before you hand over the keys. The cost can depend on the size of your property and the type of cleaning required.
In Brisbane, you can expect to pay around $200 to $250 for end-of-lease cleaning in a one-bedroom, one-bathroom house. If you're moving out of a larger property, the cost can increase significantly, with prices climbing to $750 or more for bigger homes. It's a good idea to factor this into your moving budget so you're not caught by surprise.
If you're selling a property in Brisbane, one of the key costs to keep in mind is the real estate agent's commission. In Queensland, the average commission rate is around 2.57%, but it can range from as low as 1% to as high as 4.5%, depending on the area and the agent you choose.
For example, if you're selling a property for $1 million, the commission could range from $10,000 to $45,000. The good news is, this fee is often negotiable, so it’s worth shopping around to find an agent with a rate that works for your budget.
When you hire an agent, be sure to ask about what’s included in the commission—things like marketing costs, open house arrangements, and photography services. This will help you make sure you’re getting good value for the fee you’re paying.
When selling or renting out a property in Brisbane, home styling (or staging) can play a big role in making your space more appealing to potential buyers or tenants. It’s all about arranging furniture, decor, and other design elements to highlight the property’s best features and create a welcoming atmosphere.
In Brisbane, styling costs can vary quite a bit depending on the size of your property and how much work is involved. A basic home styling package for a couple of rooms might start at around $1,500 to $2,500, while more extensive packages for larger homes or luxury properties can range from $4,000 to $8,000 or even higher. The final price will depend on the stylist’s experience and the level of detail you want.
While it’s an upfront cost, home styling can help your property sell faster and for a higher price. In Brisbane’s competitive market, properties that are styled tend to stand out more and attract more buyers.
A local Brisbane-based study tracked 144 properties that all received the same staging package. Here’s what they found:
49% of staged homes sold within the first week, and 66% sold in under two weeks. A solid 87% sold within four weeks.
On average, homes saw a price boost of $69,017, with 30% selling for $100,000+ more.
The living room was deemed the most important room to stage, followed by the kitchen, master bedroom, dining room, and bathroom. These numbers show that staging really does pay off in both sale speed and price.
Backloading can be a smart way to cut costs, especially for long-distance relocations. Essentially, it's when you share a truck with other people who are moving along the same route, so you only pay for the space your items take up. It’s a great option for saving money, particularly if you're moving long distance such as Brisbane to Perth or even further afield.
That said, backloading does come with a few considerations.
Since you’re sharing the space, timing can be a bit unpredictable, and delays are possible.
Your belongings might also be loaded and unloaded multiple times as the truck picks up and drops off other people’s things, which could increase the risk of damage.
However, many Brisbane removalists offer insurance to protect your items, which can give you peace of mind. If you’re flexible on timing and want to keep costs down, backloading could be a solid choice.
Here are some quick ways to keep your Brisbane removalist costs as low as possible:
Book removalists Brisbane early and avoid busy times: The earlier you book, the better. Moving mid-week or avoiding weekends and month-end can save you money.
Try backloading: If you’re flexible, backloading is a great way to cut costs. You could save up to 50% on long-distance moves.
Declutter: The less stuff you move, the cheaper it is. If you're moving from a 1-bedroom unit, costs could be around $360 - $750, so get rid of anything you don’t need.
Watch the traffic: Brisbane traffic can add delays, especially during peak hours. Move early in the day or mid-week to avoid extra charges.
Compare quotes: Prices vary, so shop around. A local 3-bedroom move might cost $924 - $1,230, so make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Plan for parking: In busy areas like the CBD, parking can be tricky and costly. Check access beforehand to avoid extra fees.
With a little preparation, you can keep your Brisbane move affordable and stress-free
Here’s a quick and easy budgeting reference for a typical move within Brisbane (e.g., 3-bedroom home):
| Service | Cost |
| Removalists (local move) | $360 - $3,150 (based on home size) |
| Conveyancing Fees | $500 - $1,300 |
| Stamp Duty | Approx. $30,000 (for a $1M home) |
| Real Estate Agent Fees | $10,000 - $45,000 (varies based on sale price) |
| Marketing | $1,000 - $8,000 |
| Property Valuation | $300 - $600 |
| Inspections (building & pest) | $400 - $800 |
| Home Styling (optional) | $1,500 - $8,000 |
| Professional Cleaning | $200 - $750 |
| Packing Materials | $100 - $300 |
| Utility Connections | $50 - $200 |
| Estimated Total | $61,000 - $90,000+ |
| Service | Cost |
| Removalists (local move) | $360 - $3,150 (based on home size) |
| End-of-Lease Cleaning | $200 - $750 |
| Bond (typically 4 weeks' rent) | $2,000 - $3,000+ |
| First Month’s Rent | $2,000 - $3,000+ |
| Packing Materials | $100 - $300 |
| Cleaning for Your New Property | $150 - $400 |
| Utility Connection Fees | $50 - $200 |
| Pet Bond (if applicable) | $200 - $500 |
| Renters’ Insurance | $10 - $30 /month |
| Application Fees | $90 - $150 |
| Estimated Total | $4,100 - $9,000+ |
* Figures will vary depending on the location in Brisbane you are moving to.
Moving to, from, or within Brisbane can be an exciting adventure, but it’s also full of hidden costs that can sneak up on you. From removalist fees and stamp duty to home styling and those unexpected extras, it's important to understand all the expenses involved before you dive in.
At Upmove we get that moving can be overwhelming—that’s why we're here to make things easier. We connect you with trusted, affordable Brisbane removalists who know the local area and can offer you a fair price, plus you can book everything online.
With some thoughtful planning, expert help, and a clear budget, you can reduce stress and enjoy a smoother transition into your new home. Whether you're moving around Brisbane or anywhere else in Australia, Upmove has you covered every step of the way.
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