If you’re moving to Adelaide, then you’re in good company. With its relaxed lifestyle, stunning beaches, and charming suburbs, it’s no wonder Adelaide is a top pick for so many. Adelaide’s a city that has something for everyone - like the vibrant café culture in Norwood, the leafy parks of Burnside, or a spot by the seaside in Glenelg.
The city is known for its friendly, easy-going vibe—perfect for anyone wanting a balance between city life and peaceful living. And with Adelaide’s bustling markets, award-winning wineries in the nearby Barossa, and an artsy heart that comes alive during festival season this city doesn’t fall short.
Adelaide offers a unique blend of affordability, lifestyle, and community appeal, with each neighbourhood bringing its own character and benefits to the table for newcomers.
Cost of living and housing market insights: Adelaide’s cost of living is generally lower than that of Sydney or Melbourne, and housing is more affordable, especially for renters and buyers in suburban areas.
Family-friendly suburbs: If relocating with family, suburbs like Norwood and Unley offer excellent schools, parks, and a community atmosphere, making them attractive for family moves.
Student-friendly areas: Areas like North Adelaide and Mawson Lakes have proximity to universities and transport, appealing to students looking for affordability and access.
Suburb-specific lifestyle fit: For professionals, Norwood and Kent Town offer a blend of residential charm and proximity to corporate areas. Families might appreciate Stirling or Belair for their community-oriented vibe and school choices. Students and academics are drawn to Mawson Lakes and Magill, home to universities and budget-friendly accommodation.
Outdoor lifestyle and recreation: For those who enjoy the outdoors, Adelaide’s surrounding hills and coastline provide countless options. Residents can easily reach Henley Beach or Glenelg Beach for weekend relaxation, or venture into the Adelaide Hills for hiking and scenic drives. Suburbs near parks, such as Belair and Mitcham, attract those who appreciate nature but want easy city access.
To help with your move to or around Adelaide, we’ve laid out the essentials, including:
With these covered, you’ll be ready to move confidently and start enjoying everything Adelaide has to offer.
A local moving company understands Adelaide’s specific access issues, like the narrow roads in Burnside or parking restrictions in North Adelaide, which can streamline your move.
For interstate moves, choosing a team with experience in long distance is essential—they’ll handle the logistics, help with packing for the road, and keep everything on track. Interstate moves also require familiarity with regulations across states, including weight restrictions and interstate moving permits, which makes for a compliant and hassle-free journey.
Full-service options aren’t just about convenience; professional packing reduces breakage risk by using high-quality materials and other techniques like padded blankets for large items. Partial service means you pack personal or fragile items yourself while still having expert help with the heavy lifting.
Not every move is the same size, so having the right vehicle and enough helpers makes all the difference. Upmove helps you choose the right vehicle size and number of movers for your needs, whether it’s a small van for one-bedroom apartments or a large truck for family homes. Plus, Upmove provides fixed-price quotes based on your specific needs, so you’ll always know exactly what to expect.
Adelaide removalists offer everything from small vans for one-bedroom places to big trucks for large family homes. Getting the right number of people on board makes loading and unloading much quicker, especially if you’ve got tight corners or stairs to tackle.
| Home size | Vehicle & team | Est. time |
| Studio | Van 1-2 movers |
4-6 hours |
| 1-Bed | Small Truck (3-4 tonne) 2 movers |
5-7 hours |
| 2-Bed | Medium Truck (6 tonne) 2-3 movers |
6-8 hours |
| 3-Bed+ | Large Truck (8+ tonne) 3-4 movers |
8-10 hours |
Furniture removalists in Adelaide: These teams specialise in furniture-only moves, making them ideal if you’re shifting just a few bulky items.
Furniture-only movers come equipped with custom dollies and padding for heavy or fragile items, and they know techniques like disassembly for items that can’t fit through narrow doors or elevators.
Cheap removalists Adelaide: Affordable doesn’t have to mean low quality. Look for companies with transparent pricing and budget-friendly packages, sometimes even mates’ rates.
Trusted companies often offer ‘mates rates’ on bundled services, especially during off-peak periods. Checking reviews and finding recommendations can help you get a good deal without sacrificing service.
Moving interstate is a bigger adventure, and the stakes are a little higher. Seasoned removalists offer options like climate-controlled vehicles to protect delicate items, especially over long routes. Ask about the company’s tracking systems or customer support during transit, which are essential for long hauls.
Also consider factors like vehicle type (you may need a larger lorry), routes (timing can impact cost), and any additional services that might make your journey easier. It’s a good idea to get quotes from companies with plenty of interstate experience—this isn’t a job for the rookies.
| Destination | Distance from Adelaide | Estimated cost (3-bed) |
| Melbourne | ~726 km | $3,500 - $5,000 |
| Sydney | ~1,374 km | $4,500 - $6,500 |
| Perth | ~2,700 km | $6,000 - $9,000 |
| Brisbane | ~2,014 km | $5,000 - $7,000 |
If your schedule’s a bit flexible, backloading can be a real money-saver. Many Adelaide movers let you pay for just the space you need in a truck already heading your way—ideal for long-distance moves without breaking the bank. Keep in mind that availability can vary based on season. Book well in advance, especially during peak periods when trucks may be in higher demand.
When it comes to the cost of hiring removalists Adelaide, a few key things will impact the final bill.
| Type of home | Average cost |
| 1-bed unit | $400 - $800 |
| 2-bed unit | $800 - $1,200 |
| 2-bed house | $1,100 - $1,750 |
| 3-bed house | $1,200 - $1,800 |
| 4-bed house | $1,800 - $2,500 |
Volume and type of belongings: More belongings mean a bigger vehicle or extra trips. Other items like pianos or antiques require extra care and sometimes a surcharge because of the expertise involved.
Distance: It goes without saying that shorter moves are generally cheaper, while interstate moves come with higher costs due to fuel, time, and logistics.
Additional services: Extras like packing, unpacking, or furniture disassembly can add up, but they’re a lifesaver if you’re short on time.
Timing: Moving during peak seasons or weekends might be pricier. The silly season (December to February) often drives up demand and prices. Mid-week and off-peak moves are generally cheaper, so you can benefit from booking early or planning your move outside these high-demand periods.
| Service | Cost range |
| Local move (small load) | $95 - $130 /hr |
| Larger moves / interstate trips | $150 - $200 /hr |
| Packing services | $30 - $50 /hr |
| Long-distance moves | Mileage based |
| Additional services | $30 - $50 /hr |
Picking the best removalist is all about research. Grab quotes from a few companies, check reviews, and ask about insurance.
Look for removalists that offer:
Transparent, itemised quotes with no hidden fees.
Full insurance options, particularly transit insurance, for peace of mind on valuable or irreplaceable items.
Customer support and tracking systems, so you’re kept in the loop from start to finish.
Getting a detailed quote helps you avoid surprise fees down the line, and you can have peace of mind knowing your belongings are covered. Using platforms like Upmove, offering a one-stop solution, will definitely save you time.
On Upmove, you can get multiple quotes, read verified reviews, and view insurance options from multiple removalists. Plus, there’s a “no hidden fees” policy meaning the price quoted includes all costs, including fuel and GST, ensuring full transparency .
Here are a few quick tips to make your move as smooth as possible:
Confirm your schedule: Make sure both you and your removalist are clear on the date, time, and any specific requests. It’s worth double-checking everything a day before.
Pack an essentials box: Include things like toiletries, chargers, snacks, and a change of clothes. Moving day can be long, and you’ll appreciate having these close at hand.
Keep insurance in mind: Moving insurance can cover unexpected mishaps. Most removalists offer some level of cover, so make sure you know what’s included.
Neighbourhood-specific considerations: Adelaide has diverse neighbourhoods, each with unique moving-day needs:
North Adelaide & Unley: These bustling areas often have limited parking, so it’s worth reserving a spot for your removalist’s truck to avoid delays.
Burnside & surrounding Hills: Known for narrow, hilly roads, these suburbs might require a smaller vehicle or more careful planning to navigate tricky access points.
Handle utilities & permits: Ensure utilities are transferred and your new address is updated. Check if your neighbourhood requires a parking permit for the removalist, especially in busier areas like the CBD or North Adelaide.
Moving to or within Adelaide can be simple when you choose the right removalist services that fit your needs, budget, and location specifics. From deciding between full-service and partial moves to selecting the right vehicle size and manpower, there are many factors that can impact your experience.
Prioritise transparent quotes, insurance options, and a trustworthy team to ensure a smooth transition.
For efficiency and a no-nonsense moving process, Upmove provides a platform that connects you to removalists Adelaide. With multiple quotes, verified reviews, and a “no hidden fees” policy, We take the stress out of finding reliable and cost-effective movers. Whether you’re tackling a local move or planning an interstate relocation, Upmove offers the support and flexibility to make your move as straight forward as possible.
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