Moving interstate from Melbourne is a big journey. Between packing up your home, organising transport and getting everything ready at your new home, there's plenty to think about before moving day actually arrives. And while we'd all love for moving dates to line up perfectly, that isn't always the case.
Maybe you've sold your Melbourne home but can't move into your new property for another few weeks. Perhaps you're relocating for work and staying in temporary accommodation, or you're building a new home interstate that isn't quite ready yet. Whatever the situation may be, figuring out what to do with your belongings in the meantime can be one of the trickier parts of any move!
The good news is that there are several moving and storage options available to you when moving interstate. Rather than organising transport and storage as two completely separate services, you may be able to combine them into one smoother process.
What Are Your Options When Moving Interstate from Melbourne?
There are a few different ways to organise an interstate move, and the right option will depend on a number of things that include your budget, how much you're moving and whether you need storage along the way.
Interstate Removalists
Traditional interstate removalists are a popular choice, particularly for households moving directly from one property into another. Generally, a removalist team will load your belongings onto a truck, they will transport them interstate and then unload everything at your new home.
This can work well when your moving dates are confirmed and your new property is ready for you to move straight in. However, if there's a gap between leaving your Melbourne property and getting the keys to your new home, things can become a little more complicated. If this is the case, you may need to arrange temporary storage separately and could mean additional loading, unloading and transport.
Self Storage + Removalists
Another option is to hire a self storage unit in Melbourne and arrange removalists to transport your belongings. This can be useful if you need somewhere to keep your furniture and household items while waiting for your new property.
One of the main things to consider is how many times your belongings will need to be handled. Depending on your arrangements, you might need to move everything from your home into a storage unit, then load it all again when you're ready to move interstate. It can work, but it's worth factoring in the additional time, transport and effort involved.
Mobile Storage Containers
Mobile storage offers a different approach by bringing the storage container directly to your property. Instead of transporting your belongings to a separate storage facility, a container is delivered to your Melbourne home, where you can pack your furniture, boxes and household items. Once packed, the container is collected and can be stored until you're ready for the next stage of your move.
Where interstate transport is available, the same container can then be transported towards your new destination. For people who need temporary storage when moving interstate, this can be a convenient alternative to organising multiple separate services.
Why Might You Need Storage When Moving Interstate?
Even with careful planning, interstate moves don't always happen in one straightforward trip. There are plenty of situations where having access to temporary storage can make the process easier.
You might need interstate moving storage if:
- Your Melbourne home sells before your new property is ready: You need to move out, but there's nowhere to move your furniture into just yet.
- Settlement dates don't line up: Even a gap of a few weeks can leave you needing somewhere to keep your belongings.
- You're staying in temporary accommodation: A short-term rental or staying with family might not have enough room for all your furniture.
- You're building a new home interstate: Construction delays or changing handover dates can make it difficult to lock in a moving date.
- You're relocating for work: You may need to move quickly while you organise permanent accommodation.
- Family members are moving at different times: One person might relocate first while the rest of the household follows later.
- You're downsizing: You may not have room for everything immediately and need some extra time to decide what to keep.
- You're preparing your home for sale: Moving excess furniture and belongings into storage can help create more space for inspections.
- Your new home needs renovations: You might prefer to keep furniture in storage until the work is complete.
Having a storage option organised in advance means you don't have to rush into moving everything into a home that isn't ready yet.
How Does Interstate Moving Storage Work?
Depending on the type of service you choose, interstate moving storage will work differently. With a traditional removalist and separate storage arrangement, your belongings may go through several stages:
Home → Removalist truck → Storage facility → Another truck → Destination
This can involve loading and unloading your furniture multiple times, particularly if you're using a separate storage provider.
With mobile storage, the process can be more straightforward:
Home → Storage container → Storage if required → Destination
Your belongings are packed directly into the container at your property. Once collected, the container can be stored and later transported, depending on the service and destination. One of the main advantages is that you may not need to unpack everything into a separate storage unit and then load it all again when you're ready to move.
Fewer handling stages can mean less time spent moving boxes and furniture between locations, which is particularly helpful when you're managing a big interstate relocation.
Mobile Storage for Interstate Moves
If you're looking for a way to combine moving and storage in Melbourne, mobile storage containers are worth considering.
With gobox, the idea is simple: pack your belongings once, store them if necessary and arrange the next stage of your move when you're ready.
Here's how the process works.
- Your gobox container is delivered. A storage container is delivered to your Melbourne property, giving you a convenient place to pack your belongings.
- Pack at your own pace. Rather than trying to pack your entire home in one day, you can organise your furniture, boxes and household items during the agreed packing period.
- gobox collects your container. Once everything is packed and secured, your loaded container is collected.
- Store your belongings if needed. If your new property isn't ready, your container can be placed into storage until it's time to move.
- Arrange interstate transport. Where gobox services your destination, transport can be organised around your moving requirements.
- Unload at your new home. Once the container arrives at your destination, you can unpack your belongings and start settling in.
The biggest benefit of gobox is being able to organise storage as part of the moving process, rather than having to move everything into a separate storage units along the way.
It is important to take note of interstate availability - delivery arrangements and packing periods should be confirmed with gobox when booking.
Moving Interstate When Your Dates Don't Line Up
One of the most common challenges when moving interstate is dealing with different settlement or move-in dates. For example, imagine you're selling your Melbourne home and relocating interstate - Your moving dates look like this:
Melbourne property settlement: 10 January
New property available: 1 February
That leaves you with roughly three weeks between moving out of your existing home and being able to move into the new one. With a traditional moving arrangement, you might need to organise removalists, hire a temporary storage unit and then arrange another transport service once your new property becomes available.
With mobile storage, you can pack your belongings into a container before leaving your Melbourne home and the container can then be collected and stored during the gap between properties. Once your new home is ready, you can arrange the next stage of transport and delivery, subject to availability. This means you don't necessarily need to unpack your furniture into a storage unit, only to pack it all up again a few weeks later.
For families managing settlement dates, work commitments and temporary accommodation, having one less thing to coordinate can make a real difference.
What Size Storage Container Do You Need for an Interstate Move?
Choosing the right container size is an important part of planning your move. You'll want enough space for your furniture, appliances and boxes without paying for significantly more storage than you need.
Gobox offers different container sizes to suit a range of household requirements that include:
Medium Container – 17.4m³
A medium container may be suitable for the contents of approximately a one- to two-bedroom home, depending on the amount and size of furniture being moved. This could be an option for apartment residents, couples or smaller households.
Large Container – 23.2m³
A large container may suit the contents of approximately a two- to three-bedroom home. It provides additional room for larger furniture, household appliances and moving boxes.
Keep in mind that these are general guides - A heavily furnished home may require more space than a property with minimal belongings. Larger families or households with substantial furniture may also need multiple containers.
If you're unsure, it's worth checking the gobox storage sizes guide to get a better idea of how much space you'll need.
What Should You Pack for Interstate Storage?
When packing for an interstate move, it's worth thinking about what you'll need immediately and what can stay in storage until you reach your new home.
Common household items suitable for storage may include:
- Beds, mattresses and bedroom furniture
- Lounges, dining tables and chairs
- Refrigerators, washing machines and other appliances
- Clothing and personal belongings
- Kitchenware and household items
- Books, decorations and packed moving boxes
- Office furniture and equipment
Try to pack heavier items securely and protect furniture with appropriate covers or padding. It's also a good idea to keep important documents, medication, valuables and everyday essentials with you rather than placing them into storage.
Certain items shouldn't be packed into storage containers, including flammable materials, hazardous chemicals, perishable food and other restricted goods.
Before packing, check gobox's packing and storage guidelines so you know which items are permitted and how to prepare your belongings for transport.
How Much Does Interstate Moving and Storage Cost?
The cost of moving interstate from Melbourne can vary quite a bit depending on where you're going and how much you need to move. Rather than relying on a general estimate, it's worth getting a quote based on your individual circumstances.
Some of the main factors that can affect the cost may include:
- The size of the storage container
- Your Melbourne pickup location
- Your interstate destination
- How long you need storage
- Delivery and collection requirements
- Whether you need multiple containers
- The distance your belongings need to travel
If your moving dates aren't confirmed, let your storage provider know early so you can discuss available options. You should also check what's included in your quote, such as storage duration, transport and any additional services.
For a clearer idea of the cost, contact gobox for an interstate moving and storage quote based on your requirements.
Planning Your Interstate Move from Melbourne
The earlier you start organising your interstate move, the more time you'll have to sort through your belongings, book services and prepare for moving day.
Here's a simple timeline to help you get started.
6-8 Weeks Before Moving
Start researching your interstate moving options and work out whether you'll need temporary storage between properties. If you have a destination and approximate moving dates, now is a good time to request quotes.
4-6 Weeks Before Moving
Confirm your container requirements and preferred booking dates. Start decluttering and deciding what you'll take, donate, sell or dispose of before the move.
2-4 Weeks Before Moving
Begin packing items you don't use regularly, such as seasonal clothing, books, decorations and spare household items. Label boxes clearly so they're easier to find when you unpack.
Final Week
Pack the remaining household items, keeping essential belongings separate. Make sure furniture is protected and boxes are packed securely for transport.
Moving Day
Once your container is packed and ready, gobox can collect it according to your booking arrangements. If you need temporary storage, this can be organised as part of the process.
At Your Destination
When your new property is ready, arranging delivery where the service is available and begin to unpack your belongings. Having things organised and labelled beforehand can make settling into your new home much easier.
Make Your Interstate Move Simpler with gobox
Moving interstate is a big task, especially when you're juggling property settlements, work commitments and everything else that comes with relocating.
At gobox, we understand that moving dates don't always line up, and sometimes you need a little extra flexibility. Our mobile storage approach allows you to pack your belongings at your Melbourne property, arrange storage if needed and organise transport when you're ready, subject to your destination and booking requirements.
It's all about keeping the process straightforward. Whether you're relocating for work, moving your family or waiting for your new home to be ready, having a flexible moving and storage option can help take some of the pressure off.
Moving interstate from Melbourne? Get a gobox quote and organise your moving and storage in one place!
