Want to move house on a budget without the move turning into a nightmare? After years on the trucks around Wollongong and the Illawarra, here’s the honest truth: most people don’t overpay because removalists are expensive — they overpay because of things they could easily have controlled. Moving cheap isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about being smart. So here are the real ways to move house on a budget, the same tips I’d give my own family.
Do these and you’ll spend less, stress less, and still have a smooth move.
Where the money actually goes on a move
A removalist job is priced mostly on time and space — how long it takes to load and carry, and how much room your gear takes on the truck. That’s the key to a cheap move: the less you move and the more prepared you are, the less it costs. According to MoneySmart, moving is one of the most commonly underestimated household expenses — so a little planning goes a long way.
9 ways to move house on a budget in the Illawarra
1. Declutter and sell the bulky stuff
This is the biggest saving of all. Why pay to move an old lounge or spare fridge that’s worth less than the cost of moving it? Sell it on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree, pocket the cash, and travel light. We go deeper on this in our guide to moving without overpaying.
2. Consider backloading for long-distance moves
If you’re moving interstate or a long way and your dates are flexible, backloading shares truck space on a run that’s already heading your way — so you only pay for the room you use. It can cut a long-distance move dramatically.
3. Move at the cheaper time
Removalists are busiest at the end of the month, on weekends and over summer. If you can move mid-week, mid-month or in the quieter winter season, you’ll often get a better rate and more choice of times.
4. Pack yourself — but pack well
Doing your own packing saves on labour, as long as you do it properly. Badly packed boxes break and slow the load, which costs more than it saves. Follow our room-by-room packing guide to do it the smart way.
5. Get your boxes for free
Don’t buy every box new. Ask at local supermarkets, bottle shops and on community Facebook groups — plenty of people give away sturdy moving boxes for nothing right after they’ve moved.
6. Get a few written quotes
Always get your quote in writing so there are no surprises on the day. Compare a few local removalists on what’s actually included — see our Wollongong cost guide for realistic price ranges.
7. Do the easy disassembly yourself
Take apart the bed frames and flat-pack furniture before moving day and keep the screws taped to each piece. Every minute the crew doesn’t spend with an Allen key is money saved.
8. Only move what you’ll actually use
Be honest about what’s coming with you. If you haven’t used it in a year, you’re probably not going to start in the new place — donate it, sell it or bin it before you pack.
9. Book early and be ready
Last-minute moves cost more and leave you fewer options. Lock in your date early, have everything packed and ready before the truck arrives, and the whole job goes faster and cheaper.
How a local removalist keeps your move cheap
Here’s the honest truth from our side of the truck: a good local crew saves you money because we know the Illawarra — the streets, the parking, the quickest way in and out — so we’re not wasting time you’re paying for. Add a well-packed, decluttered home and you’ve got the cheapest kind of move there is: a quick one. If you want a hand with the heavy lifting, our house removals team gives honest, upfront quotes with no hidden fees.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the cheapest way to move house?
Move less. Because you pay by time and truck space, decluttering and selling bulky, low-value items before you move is the single biggest saving — followed by packing yourself and moving at a quieter time.
Is it cheaper to move mid-week?
Usually, yes. Mid-week and mid-month dates are quieter than weekends and end-of-month, so you’ll often get a better rate and more availability.
How can I save on a long-distance move?
Ask about backloading — sharing truck space on a trip already heading your way means you only pay for the room your goods take up, which is much cheaper for smaller loads.
Are cheap removalists worth it?
A low quote isn’t a bargain if it doesn’t include wrapping, insurance or careful handling. Get everything in writing and compare what’s actually included — the cheapest quote and the best value aren’t always the same thing.
Get an honest quote for your move
Planning a budget-friendly move around Wollongong or the Illawarra? Tell us about your place and your moving date and we’ll send an honest, no-obligation quote. Fill in the form below or call our team on 1300 015 050.
