The moving costs sellers forget to plan for

Build the budget around the move you may actually make

Start with access dates. If you leave one property before gaining access to the next, you may need temporary accommodation and storage. Selling first may still be the safer financial route, but those practical costs belong in the comparison. The Settled guide to planning a sale recommends working through your finances and moving plan before the campaign begins.

Write down when packing can begin, when the mover can enter, when keys must be released and when the next home becomes available. Even a short gap can require two moves instead of one, changing labour, vehicle, storage and accommodation costs.

Keep a separate allowance for costs that depend on the property. Stairs, narrow access, long carries, oversized items and delayed settlement can all change the quote. Give the mover accurate information before accepting a price.

Get comparable written quotes

Give each moving company the same inventory, addresses, access details, dates and packing requirements. Ask what is excluded, how delays are charged, how damage is handled and whether subcontractors are used. Read the written terms before agreeing. Consumer Protection explains that a consumer contract records what each side has agreed to, and recommends keeping a copy.

Compare the service as well as the total. Check whether the quote includes packing, dismantling furniture, protective materials, waiting time and GST. Confirm who is responsible if a building lift, loading bay or storage booking is unavailable.

Storage changes the insurance question

Putting belongings into storage changes where they are kept and who handles them. Ask both the storage provider and your insurer what is covered during collection, storage and redelivery. Consumer Protection advises checking the policy wording and exclusions, and telling the insurer when your circumstances change. Do not assume the moving company's liability is the same as replacement insurance. The next guide explains how to compare carrier liability and contents-in-transit cover.

Ask about limits for jewellery, artwork, electronics, tools and documents. Photograph valuable items before packing and keep proof of ownership. If you pack boxes yourself, check whether that changes cover for breakage or damage.

Reduce double handling

Separate items into move now, store, donate, sell and dispose. Photograph valuable items, keep essential documents and medicines with you, and label boxes by room and priority. If storage is likely, put the things you may need near the front rather than creating an expensive cardboard archaeology expedition.

Pack a first-night box with bedding, chargers, basic kitchen gear, toiletries, pet supplies and clothes. Keep keys, medicines, identification, sale documents and valuables with you rather than sending them in the truck.

Photograph meter readings and the condition of both properties. Confirm cleaning, rubbish removal and key handover with your agent and lawyer so the moving plan supports the settlement agreement.

Confirm all utility dates rather than cancelling everything on moving morning. Insurance may need to overlap, broadband installation can take time, and the old home remains your responsibility until settlement is complete. Settled's seller settlement checklist includes confirming the moving company, final meter readings, keys and insurance. Keep a small contingency for changes that cannot be confirmed when the first quote is accepted. If your dates leave a night or two between homes, price that gap using the temporary accommodation guide rather than hiding it in the contingency.