Looking to move on a budget? You’re in the right place. Many people wonder how much they need to spend when moving, and the truth is, the little things can pile up before you know it. But with some simple planning, you can stay on top of it and save a good amount.
In this guide, we’ll share our insider money-saving tips for your move that could easily save $4,000 or even more. These are the same tips we’ve used to help hundreds of people move smarter. They work, and they can work for you too.
Here’s what you’re going to learn:
- Identify real-world relocation expenses
- Create a relocation budget template that works
- Find practical ways to save without cutting corners
- Stay alert to sneaky costs that many people neglect
- And manage your money from start to finish
No need to stress. It doesn’t matter if you’re moving just around the corner or to a whole new place. These relocation budget tips will help you feel ready and in control.
Read on to find out how to move without the money stress.
First Things First: Relocation Expense Management
Start by knowing where your money might go during a move. There’s some obvious stuff, and then there are the extras people forget.
Missing just a couple of things can throw your whole moving budget off track. But if you take the time to make a rough plan at the start, you’ll save yourself from asking, “Where did all the money go?” later on.
From our experience assisting households across Australia, here’s a breakdown of real costs you should account for:
- Movers and transport: How much you’ll pay depends on a few things, like how far you’re moving, how easy the place is to access, and what kind of help you need. Local movers usually charge by the hour. Extra services can cost more, too. If you need help with packing, or getting things upstairs or through tight hallways, expect to pay more. These extras can add $200 to $500 or more to your total.
- Admin costs: Setting up things like electricity, gas, internet, and water isn’t free. Most providers charge setup or connection fees, usually between $50 and $120 each. Then there’s the cost of updating your address for your licence, insurance, and other services. And if you want mail redirected, Australia Post charges around $33 for a month.
- Bond or exit costs: Renting? You’ll likely need a proper bond clean, which can cost between $200 and $400. There might be some touch-ups or garden work too. Even little things can be flagged during an inspection. Take clear photos before leaving so you’ve got proof if needed.
- Holding/storage fees: If there’s a gap between moving out and moving in, storage might be your only option. A standard unit can cost anywhere from $150 to $400 per month. Some places charge more if you want to access your stuff often or require extra insurance.
- Temporary stays or double rent: When dates don’t match up, you might need a short stay somewhere. A few nights at an Airbnb or hotel add up fast ($150 a night is pretty standard). Or you might need to pay rent in two places at once. If you can, line things up early or stay with friends or family for a few nights.
- Fuel and food along the way: Moving often takes longer than planned. And when you’re on the road, it’s easy to blow money on snacks, fuel, or even an overnight stop. These extras can easily add $200 to $400. Try to bring food with you if you can.
- Lost wages: Taking time off work to move? It’s worth thinking about how that affects your budget. Even if you’ve got annual leave, it’s still money going out while you’re not earning more. And if you’re casual or self-employed, that time off can hit harder.
Our analysis has shown skipping just a few of these costs can mess up your whole moving budget. Don’t leave it to guesswork. Add them to your plan early, and always include a bit extra. Setting aside 10 to 15 per cent gives you room to breathe if something unexpected comes up.
Now that you know what to expect, let’s look at how to organise it all in one simple place.
Creating a Relocation Budget Template
One of the fastest ways to lose track of your moving budget is by trying to wing it. We get that a lot is going on for you, and spreadsheets aren’t exactly exciting. However, having a simple budget template (even just a Google Sheet) will help you control costs. It keeps things visible and manageable, which is exactly what you need during a busy move.
Here’s what your sheet should include:
- Main categories (transport, supplies, cleaning, and storage): These are the big-ticket items where most of your money usually goes. Listing them out helps you see what’s ahead and ensures nothing gets missed. If you’re splitting costs with someone else, this also clears up who’s paying for what. No awkward “Wait, I thought you had that” moments later.
- Two columns for estimated and actual costs: Start with your best guesses, then update them as the bills come in. Seeing both sides by side makes it easy to spot where you’re going over or under, so you can make changes before things spiral.
- A notes section to record surprises or savings: Maybe your mate drops off some spare boxes, or your internet provider skips the connection fee. It all counts. Jotting these down helps you stay accurate and gives you a little win to celebrate.
- A running total to see where you stand: This is your budget’s heartbeat. If that number starts climbing faster than expected, it’s your cue to slow down and check where your money’s going. It takes the guesswork out of the process.
To get the most out of it, update your sheet as you go. Don’t wait until the move is done. By then, half the receipts are gone, and you’re too tired to care. Just keep it open and give it a quick check each day (like you would your bank app).
We’ve seen this approach work again and again. One family realised they were spending $90 a day on takeaway while packing. After tracking things properly, they started prepping meals instead and saved $240 the very next week.
Your budget might not unpack the boxes for you, but it’ll make the whole move feel a lot less overwhelming. Once your templates are in place, you’re in the driver’s seat. Now let’s look at how to bring those numbers down with practical, real-world ways to save.
Budget Tips for Relocating That Truly Work
Do you think you have to spend a lot to move smoothly? You don’t. In our experience, most people can cut 20–30% off their moving costs by tweaking their plans. Smart prep beats last-minute scrambling. And a little effort early on saves money fast.
Here’s how:
Sort and sell early
The fewer things you move, the less you spend. Start a “donate or dump” pile a month before your move. You’ll cut clutter and maybe pocket some cash.
You can also try selling items on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree. It clears space and boosts your moving fund. One couple earned over $500 this way and used it to cover moving supplies.
Don’t book the first mover you call
Ask detailed questions. Know what’s included? Are there after-hours charges? Will they charge extra for stairs or delays? Also, ask about insurance and cancellation policies. One of our clients saved $180 just by checking these before signing.
Avoid peak moving days
Moving on a Tuesday or Wednesday could cost less than on Friday or Saturday. That’s because weekends are in high demand, and rates reflect it.
Booking mid-week means better availability, less rush, and often more flexible service. Mid-week rates can be 10–25% cheaper. On a $1,200 move, that’s $120–$300 back in your pocket. Ask your mover for their quietest days.
Use what you already own
Towels, laundry baskets, and old shoeboxes can be used before buying bubble wrap or crates. It’s cost-effective and practical. Soft items like clothing can double as padding for breakables. Pack smart to save on both materials and effort.
Borrow, don’t buy
Friends may have trolleys, ropes, or tools you can use. Always ask. It could save you a trip to Bunnings. Even things like gloves, tape dispensers, or moving blankets can be borrowed for a weekend.
Pro Tip: Ask your removalist if they offer free or discounted boxes. Some do, especially if you’ve booked with them already.
Using even two or three of these strategies can make a noticeable reduction in your total spend. They’re practical and quick to action. Think of it as buying yourself peace of mind for free.
Let’s talk next about how to keep your spending in check once your move begins.
How to Budget and Save While You Move
Start tracking from the moment your move begins. It might feel like a hassle at first, but it’s how you stay in control when the chaos hits. Every transaction, no matter how small, creates financial stress.
Here’s how to keep the budget during relocation under control:
- Set alerts on your bank app: Most apps let you set spending limits, get push notifications for each transaction, or flag when you go over a set amount. It’s a small setup step that pays off and helps you avoid overspending without realising it. Use spending limits or real-time notifications for hassle-free management.
- Review spending every evening: Spend 10 minutes maximum on this, and try to continue it as a routine work. One couple told us they caught $150 in double charges by checking nightly. It also helps you reset for the next day. You’ll spot trends early and adjust before things get out of hand.
- Use an “in-transit” tab in your budget: Add a section just for costs during the move. Track meals, petrol, tolls, and last-minute supplies all in one place. This separates moving-day spending from other categories, so you don’t miss what’s draining your wallet. Once you start labelling these clearly, you’re almost safe from surprise costs.
Over time, we found that the movers who checked their budgets daily were the ones who finished without any financial crisis. They made fewer impulse decisions, stayed under budget, and felt more confident the whole way through.
Plan Well and Move Better with Goofer Man
Don’t think too much about budget maintenance when you’ve got a clear plan, a flexible budget, and practical strategies to stay on track. You’ve seen how to break down costs, prepare for surprise expenses, and control the budget of your relocation journey.
You can save dollars, avoid stress, and keep your relocation on your terms with just a few hours of planning. So, no more unwanted heartbeats, no more stressful nights.
Head over to Goofer Man and grab your free relocation budget template. It’s an easy way to apply everything you’ve learned today and take the first real step toward a smoother, more affordable move.