Planning a move to or within the Sunshine Coast? You're in the right place. Knowing what moving costs you can expect is key to making the whole process a lot smoother—and less stressful. From removalists rates to things like stamp duty, legal fees, and even cleaning services, there are quite a few expenses that can add up.
In this article, we’ll walk you through all the costs involved, so you can budget better and avoid any unexpected surprises. Let’s dive in and make sure your move is as easy (and affordable) as possible.
When it comes to hiring Sunshine Coast removalists, you can generally expect a minimum charge of around two hours. On average, removalists charge between $100 and $192 per hour for a two-person team, meaning the minimum cost for most moves will fall between $200 and $400.
The total cost will depend on factors like the size of your move, how far you're relocating, and any special requirements, such as handling bulky or fragile items. To get the best value, it’s always a smart move to compare quotes from a few removalists and consider being flexible with your moving day to possibly secure a better rate.
The cost of hiring removalists can change depending on your home size and where you’re moving to.
If you’re heading from busy spots like Noosa or Maroochydore, expect to pay a little more because of tight streets and parking challenges. On the flip side, moving from suburbs like Buderim or Nambour might cost more due to longer distances between homes.
To make it all a bit easier, we’ve broken down what you can expect to pay based on your home size and location across the Sunshine Coast.
| Size of home | Removalists cost |
| Studio or 1-bed unit | $300 - $650 |
| 2-bed unit | $447 - $745 |
| 2-bed home | $596 - $894 |
| 3-bed home | $894 - $1,192 |
| 4-bed home | $1,192 - $1,490 |
Any quotes your receive should include; truck hire, the time it takes to move, and basic services like loading and unloading. If you’ve got a big house or some heavy furniture, expect the price to go up a bit.
We’ll dive into all the details soon, but if you're in a rush, feel free to skip ahead to see what’s usually included in your quote and any extra charges that might pop up along the way.
When it comes to moving interstate, the cost can change a lot depending on the distance. To give you an idea, we’ve gathered some recent info from Sunshine Coast movers about what it might cost to move to Sydney. These numbers are based on the most up-to-date details from 2025.
| Size of home | Average cost |
| Average 2-bed apartment | $3,200 |
| Average 2-bed house | $4,080 |
| Average 3-bed house | $5,015 |
Removalists on the Sunshine Coast charge between $1,450 and $6,525 for a big interstate move such as Sydney.
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 you get your removalist quote, it’ll usually cover the basics like the truck, the time the movers spend, and some insurance to keep your belongings safe. You might also get access to moving tools like trolleys and furniture blankets.
However, there are a few things that could bump up the cost:
It’s always a good idea to double-check with the movers on these details before locking in your booking.
Pro tip: Ask for a clear breakdown of the quote so you know exactly what’s covered.
Traffic, congestion, and parking - they might not seem relevant right now but knowing the ins and outs of the area and peak travel times will be crucial to a seamless moving day. Here’s a quick rundown on trouble spots and areas to be aware of as you plan and prepare.
Certain areas can experience heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. These include:
Planning your move around these busy times or avoiding these areas completely can help reduce delays and make the process more efficient. See our map below for a quick reference.
Parking can be tricky in some parts of the Sunny Coast, especially in densely populated areas like Mooloolaba and the central business districts such as Maroochydore. Beach suburbs also tend to come with limited parking capacity - particularly on weekends with good weather and throughout school holiday periods when crowds flock to the ocean to cool down.
Be prepared for tight spaces and limited options, and try to secure parking for the removalist truck ahead of time. If possible, look for designated loading zones or quieter streets to ensure your move goes smoothly. This Sunshine Coast parking maps information page is your best friend.
While removalist fees are a big part of your moving budget - there are many other costs to consider too. In this section, we’ll break down some of the biggies for you to plan and budget for ahead of time.
In Queensland, you'll pay stamp duty (also known as transfer duty) when you buy a property. The rate depends on the property’s value. For homes under $5 million, the rate is 1.5% of the property’s price. If the property costs more than $5 million, the rate increases to 2.25%.
First-time buyers might get a break with exemptions or discounts, depending on the value of the property.
You can check out more info on Queensland stamp duty costs here.
A property valuation helps determine the market value of a property, and it’s often required by lenders to approve your mortgage. On the Sunshine Coast, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $800 for a valuation, depending on the property but it’s definitely worth it to get an accurate picture of what the property is really worth.
Real estate agents typically charge between 2% and 3% of the sale price of the property. For a $1 million sale, this would mean fees ranging from $20,000 to $30,000, depending on the agent's commission rate. Keep in mind that the commission could vary based on the agent’s experience, the value of your home, and the services they provide, such as professional photos, marketing, or open houses.
Make sure to ask your agent what’s included in the fee—some may bundle those services into the commission, while others may charge extra. Knowing exactly what you're paying for helps ensure you're getting good value for your money.
Conveyancing is the legal work that helps make your property purchase official. These fees generally range from $600 to $1,300, depending on the complexity of the transaction. This covers everything from reviewing contracts to coordinating the settlement. There could be additional costs like property searches and registration fees.
While you could technically do the conveyancing yourself, it’s not worth the risk. A qualified professional will make sure everything’s in order and save you from any future legal headaches.
If you’re moving into a new home or preparing your property for sale, cleaning is a must. Cleaning services typically cost between $200 and $500 for a standard three-bedroom home.
Naturally, these prices can change depending on the condition of the place, any extras like carpet or window cleaning, or if there are tough spots to clean—like built-up oven grease or hard-to-reach corners.
If you're looking to make your home stand out to buyers, professional home styling could be a game changer. It involves bringing in furniture, decor, and artwork to highlight your home's best features and help it feel inviting. The goal? To attract more buyers and potentially secure a higher sale price.
The cost of styling depends on the size of your home and how much styling you want. For a standard three-bedroom home, you might be looking at anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000.
This usually includes furniture and decor rentals, as well as the stylist’s time to set everything up. Some companies even offer packages that include professional photos and marketing materials, which can add extra value.
While it’s an extra cost, home styling can really pay off, especially in a competitive market like the Sunshine Coast. Homes that are styled tend to sell faster and for more money. For example, a home valued at $880,000 that was styled could sell for up to $1.145 million—an extra $265,000.
So, is it worth it? If your home needs that extra touch to appeal to buyers, it could be a smart investment. It’s always a good idea to chat with a local stylist to see if it makes sense for your situation.
Backloading is a moving option where you share a truck with someone else who’s moving along the same route. Essentially, you're "backloading" your items into a truck that’s already on its way to another destination. This can be a cheaper alternative to hiring a truck just for yourself because you're splitting the cost with others.
But is it reliable? Well, it can be, but it does come with a bit of uncertainty. Since you’re sharing the truck, your move might not happen exactly when you want it to, and timing can be a bit flexible. If you’re on a tight schedule, backloading might not be the best fit.
As for cost, backloading is generally more affordable than booking a dedicated truck for your move. If you’re not in a rush and are looking to save some money, it can be a solid option. It’s worth getting quotes from a few different companies to see if the savings add up for you.
If you're looking to save some cash while moving on the Sunshine Coast, here are a few tips:
| Service | Cost |
| Removalists (local move) | $447 - $1,192 (for a 2-3 bedroom home) |
| Conveyancing fees | $600 - $1,300 |
| Stamp duty | Approx. $30,000 (for a $1M home) |
| Real estate agent fees | $20,000 - $30,000 (for a $1M home) |
| Marketing | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Property valuation | $300 - $800 (or up to $1,200 in rural areas) |
| Inspections (building & pest) | $400 - $800 |
| Home styling (optional) | $1,800 - $3,500 (for a 2-3 bedroom home) |
| Packing materials | $100 - $300 |
| Utility connections | $50 - $200 |
| Estimated total | $55,000 - $95,000+ |
| Service | Cost |
| Removalists (local move) | $300 - $650 (for a 1-bedroom unit) |
| End-of-lease cleaning | $200 - $750 (depending on property size) |
| Bond | $1,200 - $2,500+ (typically 4 weeks' rent) |
| First month’s rent | $1,200 - $2,500+ |
| 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 - $9,500+ |
Note: Prices may vary depending on your exact location.
Moving to, from, or within the Sunshine Coast 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 Sunshine Coast 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 the Sunshine Coast or anywhere else in Australia, Upmove has you covered every step of the way.
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