Guide to Keep in Mind for Moving on a Budget – Cheapest Packing & Moving Cost

• December 26, 2019
• Bill Chen

Last updated on October 30, 2023

Moving house soon? This is can be a very expensive experience! From paying a deposit/ mortgage to paying a bond, moving isn’t cheap. You can find cheap removals in Sydney, such as Balmain removals, however, if you’re unsure, the following guide will help you in sticking to a budget. 

Using a Removalist such as Balmain Removals

Whilst it’s true that removalists are often expensive, not all are. You should try to find a company that does cheap removals in Sydney like your budget-friendly Baulkham Hills removalists if you still want to use a removalist. This can be a massive time saver – but it can also be a saver when it comes to time off work – everything can be done in one day rather than two or three.

Hiring a Van

If you enjoy rolling your sleeves up and getting stuck in, you can look into the cost of hiring a van of your own. This can be a very freeing experience too, as it means you can do everything to your own schedule and on your own terms. 

Cutting Down On Unnecessary Possessions

Something that anyone who has moved interstate or overseas would definitely understand. The more you own, the more time and money it costs to move it. Therefore, the opposite will also be true. Take the move as an opportunity to “spring clean” your possessions and give to charity or sell/ chuck out any that are surplus to requirements. 

Convincing your mates to Help out

It doesn’t have to be in the form of carrying boxes or heavy furniture. This could be as simple as lending you a trailer or a car or helping you with keys or babysitting etc. We’ve found that usually good mates require payment only in the of a good 6-pack! Remember to be responsible.

Don’t Move Far

The further your move is away, the more expensive it will be.  You might not be able to help this of course, but naturally the longer a removalist has to work or drive the more it costs. This might be true even if you don’t use a removalist – petrol cost, annual leave cost, road tolls, especially if you have to drive back and forth often. 

Be Prepared, Organised and Have a Plan of what is moving in what trip, and How everything will fit in

This can be basically translated as don’t go in blind like a headless chook! It will cost you much more in time and energy and maybe even dollars if you do. Planning and organisation is the way to manage your time and costs more effectively. It will help you not overshoot your van rental time, your removalists’ time, or even your own annual leave!

Research Cost of Things Like your Packing Boxes First

Like most things in life, there are many options for packing boxes, bubble wrap, etc. Some will cost more than others. It’s important to remember that getting packing boxes doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg! And if you’re good with what you put in each, there’s no need to use too many as well. 

To Round Up

If there’s anything to take away here, it’s to be organised, conserve space well, and don’t rule out removalists without doing your research first! A quick bonus tip for you is to pick your day to move. It might seem like moving on a Saturday will be cost-effective for leave etc, but you may find many other things cost more, such as toll rates, removalists, and babysitters. I usually attempt a move on a Tuesday, get as much unpacked as possible on the day, and then use the weekend once you’re already in to unpack all.