Many don’t realise just how big of a task moving interstate in Australia can be! Even if you’re only moving a small amount of stuff, there’s still so much to plan. We at Best Rated Transport can assist you with several aspects of your move, including inventory assistance and house move quote comparison.

We can also assist with self-pack and backload moves which tend to be the cheapest option when moving interstate in Australia. 

How do I move to a new state in Australia?

To assist you further, we’ve made a list of all the things you will need to organise when moving interstate - your how to move interstate in Australia checklist. Ready to go? Let’s move!

The Planning Process 

Decide on your moving date and create a timeline leading up to it. Estimate your moving costs, including transport, packing supplies, and any professional services you might need. We have a free moving guide available that can help you with the budgeting costs when moving interstate. 

Researching your New Area 

Look into potential suburbs or towns. Consider factors like amenities, schools, and transport.

What you’ll need to look into:

• Job opportunities 

• Schools for the kids

• Sporting options 

• Accommodation (whether buying or renting) 

• Doctors in the area 

Take a look at joining Facebook community groups in your new suburb or town choice. This is a great way to not only find out recommendations for safe suburbs, best schools, etc, but it can also provide you with insight on the community. 

Planning your Leave

You’ll need to share your big move news with several people including your employers, children’s schools and any clubs you or the kids are involved with. You will also need to update several companies about your change of address including: Australia Post, banks, insurance providers, and any subscription services of your new address.

You will also need to arrange to disconnect utilities at your old place and connect them at your new home (electricity, gas, internet, water).

If you own your house, selling it can be extra stressful, especially if you need your house to sell before you can buy. Make sure you work with a trusted real estate agent to assist you with this. 

Deciding How You’ll Get There

How will you move yourself and your family? Will you make a road trip out of it or will you fly down? Make sure you organise flights and accommodation! If driving, take a look at these fun ideas for roadtripping. 

Deciding How Your Stuff Will Get There

This is where it gets tricky and expensive when moving interstate in Australia. Many people are surprised at how expensive it can be especially if you are moving to a remote location. 

You have several house move options when moving interstate including full service moves and self-pack moves. Take a look at the difference between full service and self pack moves. 

Essentially, a full service move is a removalist company that will load and unload, plus transport your belongings. 

A self-pack move is a budget option that allows you to hire a container to pack yourself and then have a transport company deliver it to your new home.

Other options include hiring your own moving truck or looking into backloads. 

You may also need to consider how you will transport your car interstate as well as any boats or caravans.

Best Rated Transport can provide free quotes on all of these transport needs. Compare boat transport, car transport, caravan transport, self-pack container moves and full-service moves in one place, for free. Compare quotes now. 

The Packing Process

Start with decluttering and deciding what to bin, keep or sell. Sort through your belongings and get rid of what you no longer need. 

Then start the packing process! You will need boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. You can often find free boxes from local stores or through local buy, sell, swap pages. You may want to label each box clearly and create an inventory of each item to assist with unpacking. 

Pack a box of essentials for the first few days, including toiletries, clothes, and important documents.

Vehicle Swap Over 

Update your vehicle’s registration if moving to a different state, as requirements can vary. You may need to update your driver’s licence. Check your new state’s requirements.

Final Preparation

You will probably have to give your old house a good clean and yard cleanup. It might also be a fun idea to organise a little going away gathering to say goodbye to friends and family before your move interstate in Australia. 

Finally, confirm that everything is on track with your removalist or container transport company. They will keep you informed on how long it will take for your contents to arrive. If you arrive before your contents, you may need to organise a hotel or at least some mattresses. 

Settling in

Once you’ve arrived, take some time to explore the streets, local shops, parks, and services. Try not to get too overwhelmed by the unpacking process. 

We hope our guide on how to move interstate in Australia is helpful. Remember, if you need any assistance with the moving process, the team at Best Rated Transport is more than happy to help!