Rent a Truck or Hire Movers? The Real Cost of Moving House in Australia
The big move is locked in. You’ve got a new place, a moving date, and a mountain of boxes. Now comes the million-dollar question every Aussie asks: is it cheaper to hire a truck and do it yourself, or pay for professional removalists?
The simple answer is that renting a truck is almost always cheaper on paper. But the real answer is much more complex. The “cheaper” option depends entirely on the value you place on your time, your physical well-being, your friendships, and your sanity.
This guide will break down the true costs of both options, helping you decide which path is right for your move, your budget, and your back.
The DIY Move: Breaking Down the Cost of Renting a Truck
On the surface, renting a truck or a ute from a place like Bunnings or Budget seems like a clear financial win. You’re just paying for the vehicle, right? Not quite. A DIY move has plenty of its own expenses, both obvious and hidden.
The Upfront Costs:
- Truck Rental Fee: This can range from an hourly rate (around $25-$40/hour for a ute) to a daily rate ($100-$200+ for a larger truck).
- Kilometre Charge: Most rentals include a limited number of free kilometres (e.g., 100km). If you go over, you’ll pay per kilometre, which can add up quickly for a cross-town move with multiple trips.
- Fuel: You almost always have to return the truck with a full tank of petrol or diesel. For a large truck, this can easily be an extra $100-$150.
- Insurance: Basic insurance is usually included, but the excess can be thousands of dollars. Reducing this excess to a more manageable amount will cost you an extra fee.
The Hidden (and Often Forgotten) Costs:
- Equipment Hire: You’ll need a trolley or dolly for heavy items like fridges and washing machines. You’ll also need moving blankets to protect furniture and ropes or straps to secure everything. These are often extra hire costs.
- Packing Materials: While you need boxes either way, a DIY move often requires more robust packing to compensate for less experienced handling.
- Your Time: This is the biggest hidden cost. A DIY move can consume an entire weekend or more. How much is a full day of your time worth? You might even need to take a day off work.
- The “Friend” Cost: Roping in mates is a classic Aussie move, but it’s not free. The traditional payment is a case of beer and pizza, which can cost $50-$100. More importantly, you’re calling in a favour that you’ll one day have to repay.
- The Physical Toll: Moving heavy furniture is back-breaking work. You risk scratches on your furniture, dings in the walls, and, most importantly, personal injury. One wrong lift could cost you far more than hiring professionals.
Hiring the Pros: Understanding the Cost of Removalists
Hiring professional removalists is the “set and forget” option. You hand over the keys, and they handle the heavy lifting. The upfront cost is higher, but it’s far more inclusive.
What’s Included in the Price?
Professional removalists typically charge an hourly rate that includes:
- The Manpower: Usually two or three trained and experienced movers.
- The Truck: A purpose-built moving truck of the appropriate size.
- Equipment: Dollies, blankets, straps, and ramps are all included.
- Basic Insurance: Most companies include transit insurance, which covers your goods while they are in their care (be sure to check the policy details and excess).
- Fuel and Travel Time: Often, a “depot to depot” fee is charged, which covers the time it takes for the team to get from their base to your home and back again.
Factors That Affect the Cost:
- Size of Your Home: A one-bedroom apartment will be significantly cheaper than a four-bedroom house.
- Amount of Stuff: More furniture and boxes mean more time is needed.
- Access: Are there lots of stairs? Is the driveway steep? Is there a long walk from the truck to your front door? Poor access will increase the time and, therefore, the cost.
- Distance: The distance between your old and new home impacts travel time and fuel costs.
- Time and Day: Moving on a weekday is often cheaper than on a weekend.
Head-to-Head Comparison: A Quick Look
| Feature | Renting a Truck (DIY) | Hiring Removalists |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Lower ($200 – $500 for a local move) | Higher ($600 – $2000+ for a local move) |
| Hidden Costs | High (fuel, equipment, time, favours) | Low (potential for overtime if move is complex) |
| Time Investment | Very High (1-2 full days) | Low (a few hours of your supervision) |
| Physical Effort | Extreme | Minimal |
| Stress Level | High | Low |
| Risk of Damage | High (to items, property, and yourself) | Low (professionals are insured and experienced) |
The Deciding Factor: Which Option is Right for YOU?
To make the final call, ask yourself these crucial questions.
1. How Much Stuff Do You Actually Have?
If you’re moving out of a small studio or a one-bedroom apartment with minimal furniture, a DIY move is very achievable. For a larger family home, the sheer volume of items makes hiring professionals a much more logical choice.
2. How Far Are You Moving?
For a move just a few suburbs away, multiple trips in a smaller rental truck might be feasible. For a move across the city or interstate, the time, fuel, and complexity make removalists a far superior and often more cost-effective option in the long run.
3. What is Your Budget vs. Your Time Worth?
If your budget is extremely tight and you have plenty of time and willing helpers, a DIY move is the clear winner on price. However, if you have a demanding job or a young family, the time and energy you save by hiring movers can be priceless. The convenience is what you’re paying for.
4. Are You Physically Able and Willing?
Be honest with yourself. Are you and your helpers capable of safely lifting a washing machine, a heavy mattress, or a solid wood bookshelf up and down stairs? The risk of injury is real and can have long-lasting consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really cheaper to rent a truck and move yourself?
Yes, the initial out-of-pocket expense is almost always lower. However, when you factor in hidden costs like fuel, insurance, equipment hire, and the value of your own time and physical labour, the gap narrows significantly, especially for larger moves.
Do I need a special license to drive a moving truck in Australia?
Most standard moving trucks (up to 4.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Mass) can be driven on a standard car license. Always check with the rental company to ensure the vehicle you’re hiring doesn’t require a special class of license.
How much do removalists cost in Australia?
For a local move, you can expect to pay anywhere from $120 to $220+ per hour for a team of two movers and a truck. The final cost will depend on the size of your move and the factors mentioned above.
What’s the best way to save money on professional movers?
Declutter ruthlessly before you get a quote. Be completely packed and ready when they arrive to minimise their time. Move during the week if possible and book well in advance.