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Cost of Moving in Melbourne (2025 Price Guide)

Local moves in Melbourne cost $130–$200 per hour for a 2-person crew with a truck. A standard 3-bedroom home averages $700–$2,000 for a local move. Interstate moves are priced by cubic metre or backloading rates.

Moving costs in Melbourne depend on size of move, day of week, and time of year. Month-end Saturdays in summer are peak demand — rates rise and trucks book out fast. Mid-week mid-month moves are usually cheaper. Always get a written, itemised quote that specifies what's included — fuel levy, stair charges, and packing materials are common add-ons.

Moving Costs in Melbourne

ServiceLowHigh
2-person crew + truck (per hour)$130$200
3-person crew + truck (per hour)$170$260
2-bedroom local move$500$1,200
3-bedroom local move$700$2,000
Piano (upright)$250$650
Packing service (full home)$500$1,500
Storage (per month)$120$350

All prices are approximate estimates in Australian dollars (AUD) for the Melbourne metropolitan area. Always get written quotes before committing.

Licensing & Insurance in Victoria

Removalists in Victoria are not licensed by trade. Look for AFRA (Australian Furniture Removers Association) accredited companies — AFRA membership requires public liability insurance, training, and code of conduct compliance. Confirm the company carries goods-in-transit insurance covering your belongings — standard cover is often limited per item, so ask about full replacement value insurance for high-value items. WorkCover is mandatory for any employees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a local move cost in Melbourne?
Local moves in Melbourne average $130–$200 per hour for a 2-person crew with a truck. A 2-bedroom move typically takes 4–6 hours ($500–$1,200); a 3-bedroom move 5–10 hours ($700–$2,000). Most companies have a minimum charge of 2–3 hours plus a depot-to-depot travel fee.
When is the cheapest time to move in Melbourne?
Move mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) and mid-month for the best rates and availability. Avoid month-end weekends in October–March — peak demand drives prices up and trucks book out weeks ahead. Winter is cheaper but plan for rain delays.
What's AFRA and does it matter?
The Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) is the industry body for Australian removalists. AFRA-accredited members must hold appropriate insurance, train staff to industry standards, and comply with a code of conduct. Hiring an AFRA member is one of the strongest quality signals for a removalist.
What hidden fees should I watch for?
Watch for fuel levy, stair fees per flight, long-carry charges if the truck can't park close, and disassembly/reassembly charges for furniture. Get a written quote that itemises any potential add-ons. AFRA members will typically use the standard removal contract.

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