Moving to a new home in Canberra can be exciting, but let’s face it, the costs can quickly add up. Of course, there’s the fee to physically move your furniture and belongings, but then there’s also things like stamp duty, legal expenses, and cleaning charges - there’s more to budget for than you may realise.
In this guide, we’ll break down all the costs involved, so you can plan ahead and avoid any surprises when it’s time to make the big move.
Let’s dive in.
On average, you can expect removalist services to charge between $140 and $200 per hour, with a minimum booking of two hours. This pricing typically includes the cost of loading, transportation, and unloading of your belongings. But, keep in mind that the final cost can vary depending on factors such as the size of your home, the distance to your new place, and any additional services like furniture disassembly.
While the two-hour minimum may seem like a short time, it’s standard practice to ensure that the movers are fairly compensated for their time, even if your move doesn’t take long. It’s a good idea to get a few quotes from different removalists in Canberra to compare prices and ensure you're getting the best deal for your needs.
The size of your home plays a significant role in determining your moving costs. Removalist rates vary depending on how much you need to move, with larger homes requiring more time and effort to pack, load, and transport your belongings.
Below is a breakdown of typical moving costs based on home size, according to Upmove’s 2025 data:
| Size of home | Cost |
| Studio/1-Bed Unit | $360 - $600 |
| 2-Bed Unit | $480 - $960 |
| 2-Bed House | $590 - $1,150 |
| 3-Bed House | $720 - $2,280 |
| 4-Bed House | $1,410 - $3,200 |
These rates reflect typical moving costs in Canberra, with larger homes naturally costing more due to the increased amount of items that need to be moved.
Prices can fluctuate based on other factors such as the distance between your old and new home, any special moving requests, or if you need additional services like packing or furniture disassembly.
We’ll go into more detail on everything later, but if you’re short on time, you can skip ahead to find out what’s included in your quote and what extra charges might pop up along the way.
Interstate moves can really vary in cost depending on how far you're going. To help you get a better idea, we’ve put together some recent info from Canberra movers about what a move to Brisbane might cost. These figures are based on the latest data from 2025.
| Size of Home | Average Cost |
| 2-Bed Unit | $2,890 |
| 2-Bed House | $3,610 |
| 3-Bed House | $4,540 |
For a move between Canberra and Brisbane, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,650 and $4,950, depending on the size of your home. These estimates reflect the typical rates for long-distance moves, but prices can fluctuate depending on factors like the time of year, additional services you might need (such as packing or temporary storage), and any specific requirements for your move.
For a move between Canberra and Brisbane, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,650 and $4,950, depending on the size of your home.
Keep in mind, these are just ballpark figures.
When you receive moving quotes, they will typically cover the basics like the truck, the movers' time, and basic insurance for your belongings. You’ll also likely have access to moving equipment such as trolleys and furniture blankets.
However, there are a few factors that could add extra costs:
To avoid surprises, it’s always a good idea to check with your movers about these details before finalising your booking.
Tip: Be sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of your quote so you know exactly what’s included in the price.
Canberra’s layout and traffic can make a big difference to both your moving timeline and your wallet. A little local knowledge can go a long way—being aware of the areas with tricky traffic or limited parking can help avoid delays and make your move a whole lot easier.
Some parts of Canberra are more prone to traffic and congestion, which can slow down your moving day (and increase costs). If you’re moving in or out of these areas, a bit of extra planning will help:
By keeping these busy spots in mind, you can plan your route and timing to avoid unnecessary hiccups.
Tip: Aim to schedule your move for early mornings or weekdays when traffic is lighter.
Parking in Canberra can be just as tricky, especially when you’re dealing with a moving truck. Here are some areas where parking tends to be a bit more of a challenge:
Now that you have a clear understanding of the costs associated with removalists and some of the key considerations around price inclusions and extra costs it’s time to work out the rest of your moving budget.
If you’re selling your home you are probably already familiar with the term ‘stamp duty’ (also known as conveyance duty or transfer duty) but just in case, here’s a little run through and an idea of what you should be budgeting when making a move in Canberra or the surrounding area.
Stamp duty is basically a tax the government charges when you buy property, and how much you’ll pay depends on the price of the home. For instance, if you're buying a place for $1 million in Canberra, you can expect to pay around $40,000 in stamp duty. It’s a big chunk of change, so it’s definitely something you’ll want to factor into your moving budget. Just remember, stamp duty is usually due at settlement, so make sure you’ve got it covered when you’re planning all your costs.
Use the ACT conveyance duty calculator for a more accurate estimate of your stamp duty costs.
Another common buying / selling cost you may come across is property valuation. You may need one of these reports for a number of reasons but most commonly it’s when you are dealing with things like stamp duty or securing a loan.
A property valuation helps determine how much the property is worth, which is important for calculating the right amount of stamp duty you’ll need to pay.
You can expect to pay from $490 for a standard valuation for a residential property in Canberra. If you're in a more regional area, valuations could go up to $1,000. While not every sale needs a valuation, it’s definitely something to factor into your budget if you’re working with a lender.
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another, and it’s something you’ll need when buying or selling a home in Canberra. It’s important because a conveyancer handles all the legal paperwork and ensures the transfer is smooth and done correctly, saving you from any potential legal headaches down the line.
In Canberra, conveyancing fees can vary based on whether you’re buying, selling, or doing both, as well as the type of property involved. As a rough guide, expect to pay anywhere between $1,500 and $2,500, though it can sometimes be higher depending on the complexity of the transaction. It’s always worth shopping around to find a conveyancer who fits your needs and budget.
If you’re moving out of a rental in Canberra, one cost you’ll need to plan for is professional end-of-lease cleaning. Landlords typically require that the property is thoroughly cleaned before you hand back the keys. The cost of cleaning can vary based on the size of the property and how much work needs to be done.
To give you a clearer idea for your budget: cleaning for a 1-bedroom apartment might cost around $250, while a larger property with 5 or more bedrooms could set you back over $750.
Keep in mind, the condition of the place will impact the price—if there’s built-up grime, like oven grease or dirt in hard-to-reach places, you can expect to pay more. Additional services like carpet cleaning or window washing can also add to the bill. It’s a good idea to get a quote upfront so you’re not caught off guard.
Another important cost to consider when moving is the commission for your real estate agent, especially if you’re selling your home. In Canberra, real estate agent fees typically range from 1.5% to 3% of the sale price, depending on the agent and the location of your property. For example, if you’re selling a property for $1 million, the commission could range from $15,000 to $30,000.
While these fees can add up, the good news is that they’re often negotiable. Be sure to ask what’s included in the fee—some agents bundle marketing, professional photos, and open home costs into the commission, while others charge extra for these services. Knowing exactly what you’re paying for can help you determine if you’re getting good value for your money.
Home styling is all about making your home look its best, whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to refresh your space. It involves decorating and arranging furniture, artwork, and accessories to highlight your home’s features and appeal to potential buyers (or just to enjoy it yourself).
In Canberra, the cost of home styling can vary, but on average, you’re looking at around $1,500 to $3,000 for a basic styling package, with higher-end services running up to $5,000 or more for larger homes or full-house makeovers. While it’s an added expense, home styling can definitely be worth it—properties in Canberra that are styled tend to sell faster and for a higher price. In fact, styled homes often see up to a 10% increase in sale price compared to those that aren’t, making it a smart investment if you’re selling.
If you’re looking for a way to save some cash on your move, backloading could be an option worth considering. Essentially, backloading involves sharing a moving truck with other people who are moving along the same route. You only pay for the space your items take up, which can really help lower costs, especially for longer moves.
However, there are some trade-offs. Since the truck is shared, your move might take a little longer, and your belongings could be handled more than once, which could increase the risk of damage. That said, many removalists offer insurance to cover any potential issues, giving you peace of mind. If you’re flexible on timing and okay with a bit of extra handling, backloading can be a great way to keep your moving costs down.
Here’s a quick and easy budgeting reference for a typical move within Canberra (e.g., 3-bedroom home):
| Service | Cost Range |
| Removalist (Local move) | $360 - $3,200 (depending on home size) |
| Conveyancing fees | $1,500 - $2,500 (varies by property type) |
| Stamp Duty | Approx. $40,000 (for a $1M property) |
| Real Estate Agent Fees | $15,000 - $30,000 (depending on sale price) |
| Marketing | $1,000 - $8,000 |
| Property Valuation | $490 - $600 (standard residential) |
| Inspections (Building & Pest) | $400 - $800 |
| Home Styling (optional) | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Professional Cleaning | $250 - $750 |
| Packing Materials | $100 - $300 |
| Utility Connections | $50 - $200 |
| Estimated Total | $61,000 - $100,000+ |
| Service | Cost Range |
| Removalists (Local move) | $360 - $3,200 (depending on home size) |
| End-of-lease Cleaning | $250 - $750 |
| Bond (4 weeks’ rent) | $2,000 - $3,000+ |
| First month’s rent | $2,000 - $3,000+ |
| Packing Materials | $100 - $300 |
| Cleaning for 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 - $10,000+ |
* Note: Costs can vary depending on the specific location in Canberra, property size, and services you require.
Moving to, from, or within Canberra 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 Canberra removalists who know the local area and can offer you a fair, transparent quote.
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 Canberra or anywhere else in Australia, Upmove has you covered every step of the way.
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