Best Way to Move Home Interstate or Locally

Best Way to Move Home – Local or Interstate

Whether you are moving across town or relocating interstate, the best way to move home is to combine good planning with the right professional support. A home move involves furniture, appliances, personal items and all the little details that make your place feel like home. Choosing experienced furniture removalists and following a clear plan will help you avoid last-minute stress, damage and unnecessary costs.

DLM Removals & Storage provide local and interstate removals for homes and offices across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania. With decades of experience behind us, we know what works best when moving home – whether it is a local Brisbane move or a long-distance relocation between states.

DIY Move vs Professional Movers – What Is Best?

One of the first decisions to make is whether you will try to move everything yourself or hire professional movers. A full DIY move might seem cheaper at first, but once you factor in truck hire, fuel, tolls, time off work, packing materials and the risk of injury or damage, it can quickly become more expensive and stressful than expected.

Professional interstate removalists and local movers bring the right equipment, trained staff and purpose-built vehicles. They understand how to protect furniture, pack trucks correctly and navigate both local streets and long-distance routes. For most households, especially on an interstate move, using a removalist is the safest and most efficient way to move home.

Planning Your Move Timeline

The best home moves start with a simple timeline. Working backwards from your move-out date, list what needs to be done each week. Our guide on how to move is a helpful place to start if you have not moved for a while.

• 6–8 weeks out: Confirm your new address, research removal companies, and request quotes.
• 4–6 weeks out: Sort belongings, decide what to keep or donate, and start packing non-essential items.
• 2–3 weeks out: Finalise bookings, arrange utilities, organise access and parking for moving day.
• Last week: Pack everyday items, clean, confirm times with your movers and prepare an essentials box.

Leaving everything to the last minute is one of the most common moving mistakes. A basic timeline makes the whole process calmer and gives your removalists a clear idea of what they are working with.

Preparing Your Home – Declutter First

One of the easiest ways to reduce moving costs is to move less. Before you start packing, walk through each room and be honest about what you actually use. Items you no longer need can be sold, donated or recycled instead of being loaded on the truck.

By decluttering early, you:

• Save space on the truck, which can reduce the overall cost of your removal.
• Spend less time packing and unpacking items you do not really want.
• Start fresh in your new home with less clutter and more usable space.

Our team at DLM Removals can advise on how much truck space you are likely to need and how decluttering could help you choose the most suitable long distance moving option.

Smart Packing Strategies

Good packing is one of the biggest differences between a stressful move and a smooth one. Using the right cartons, packing materials and labelling system keeps your items safe and makes unpacking much easier at the other end.

DLM Removals provide practical packing tips and moving advice to help you prepare. Some key suggestions include:

• Use strong cartons – standard boxes for light items and book cartons for heavy or dense items.
• Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or paper and pack them tightly so they cannot move inside the box.
• Label each box with the room and a brief description of the contents.
• Keep important documents and valuables in a clearly marked box you keep with you on moving day.

If you prefer not to pack yourself, ask about including professional packing in your move. Our team can supply cartons, tape, bubble wrap and other materials, pack everything securely and have it ready for transport on moving day.

Choosing the Right Furniture Removalists

Not all removal companies operate the same way, so it pays to spend a little time choosing the right mover. Look for a company with a clear history of local and interstate removals, positive customer feedback and transparent communication.

When comparing removalists, consider:

• How long they have been operating in local and interstate markets.
• Whether they offer in-home or detailed inventory-based quotes.
• What is included in the price (labour, travel, fuel, stairs, difficult access, etc.).
• Options for packing, storage and unpacking at the new address.
• Transit insurance options and how claims are handled if something is damaged.

DLM Removals & Storage aim to make this simple by offering clear advice, written quotes and helpful support from your first enquiry through to the final delivery.

Local vs Interstate Moves – What Changes?

A local move within the same city is usually completed in one day with a single truck and crew. Interstate and long-distance moves introduce extra factors such as travel time, route planning, overnight stops and delivery schedules. That is why interstate removals are best handled by a company that manages these moves every day.

For interstate moves, you may also have the option of backloading, where your furniture is loaded on a truck shared with other customers heading in the same direction. This is often a more cost-effective choice for flexible customers or smaller loads.

Local moves can sometimes be combined with storage, especially if settlement dates do not line up. Our Brisbane moving and storage options and broader storage solutions are useful when you need short- or long-term storage between homes.

Saving Money Without Cutting Corners

Everyone wants to move home without overspending. While it is important not to compromise on safety or professionalism, there are smart ways to keep costs under control:

• Move outside peak dates if possible – mid-week and non-holiday periods can offer better availability.
• Be flexible with delivery dates to take advantage of backloading services on interstate routes.
• Do your own decluttering and some basic packing before the movers arrive.
• Ensure good access and parking at both addresses to reduce delays.

Talk with our team about the best mix of services for your budget. We can tailor a local or interstate move that gives you good value without cutting corners where it matters.

On Moving Day – Making Everything Run Smoothly

Moving day is easier when everyone knows what is happening. A simple checklist keeps things on track:

• Have boxes packed, sealed and labelled before the truck arrives.
• Clear driveways and pathways so the crew can move safely.
• Keep pets and young children safely out of the way.
• Walk through the property with the team leader and point out fragile or high-value items.
• Do a final walkthrough before you leave to ensure nothing has been left behind.

Our crews are used to working in all types of homes, from apartments and townhouses to multi-storey houses and rural properties. Clear communication on the day helps us complete your move efficiently and carefully.

After the Move – Settling into Your New Home

Once your furniture is delivered, start by placing large items like beds, lounges and appliances where you want them. Then unpack room by room, beginning with essentials such as kitchenware, bathroom items and basic clothing. Using the labelling system you set up when packing will make this much easier.

If you find you have more items than you want to keep in the new home, consider using storage for a while until you decide. Our team can help with storage options or with future moves as your situation changes. Many customers return to DLM Removals for their next move because of the positive experience they had the first time.

Get Personalised Advice and a Moving Quote

The best way to move home – local or interstate – will always depend on your property, your budget and your timing. What stays the same is the value of having experienced removalists on your side. DLM Removals & Storage can talk you through the options, suggest the most suitable service and provide a clear written quote.

You can request a free moving quote online or call our team on 0417 918 451 to discuss the best way to move your home, whether it is just around the corner or across Australia.