Perth is a beautiful city where people enjoy great weather, stunning beaches, and a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle.
It’s no wonder that thousands of tourists end up moving to Western Australia’s capital from elsewhere in the country or overseas.
The thing about Perth, though, is that it is one of the most isolated cities in the world.
Adelaide, its nearest city neighbour, is some 2100 km away.
So, moving all your possessions here requires quite a bit of logistical planning.
It can also be quite expensive depending on where you are coming from.
Surprisingly so, indeed, for many people who are not fully aware of what costs are involved.
We know times are tough, and you’ll want to not overspend on your relocation. That is why we have put together this post highlighting five potential expenses to factor into your budget.
Relocation Expenses
The first cost you need to think about is getting your possessions to Perth.
Shipping furniture or boxes across the country isn’t cheap, and the costs increase in line with how much you intend to bring over. That’s why it is important to get a full quote before hiring a company.
Many people choose to book affordable removalists in Perth who can coordinate the entire process for them.
This can save you a lot of time and stress during what is bound to be a disruptive period in your life.
That said, some people opt for a DIY move to save money.
This usually involves hiring a truck from a nationwide company with an office where they used to live and then dropping it off at a Perth office once they have finished with it.
Again, you will need to obtain a complete quote for this, which will include a daily charge for the vehicle and, most likely, additional fuel and per-kilometre charges.
However, your possessions are to be transferred to Perth it is worth taking out insurance to protect them.
While it will increase the cost of your relocation, you will not be glad you did so if something doesn’t go to plan in transit. Here is how to fully prepare for a long-distance move.
Transport and Travel Costs
As well as your worldly goods, you’ll also need to get yourself to Perth.
Depending on where you are coming from, this could involve flying, taking a train, or driving.
All of which will involve different costs that you will need to account for.
If you are driving, you might need to budget for tolls, overnight accommodation, and fuel.
These costs are easy to overlook in your planning. But they can make a noticeable dent in your budget.
Some people who fly or take the train to Perth choose to have their car shipped across the country.
Should you choose to do this, then it is another cost you will have to cover.
Property and Accommodation Costs
When you get to Perth, you’ll need somewhere to stay.
Some people organise a rental property in advance of their move, while others stay in a hotel or Airbnb until they get settled.
Either way, both will involve immediate costs.
For instance, for a rental property, you’ll need to pay a rental bond (usually four weeks of rent) and a week’s rent in advance.
Likewise, if you are staying in short-term holiday or hotel accommodation, you’ll have to fund those charges.
If you have rented, you might need to buy additional items such as furniture pieces, kitchen items, bedding, and general household essentials.
You’ll also have to set up utility connections, such as gas, water, and electricity, and arrange for internet services. And you might even want to fund a deep cleaning of the property.
Again, these costs can quickly add up and surprise people who didn’t factor them in.
Storage Fees
You might not be able to use all your possessions when you first move to Perth.
Especially if you are looking to purchase a home.
For this reason, you may need to pay for a storage unit if you don’t have space to keep them in your rental property.
It is worth budgeting for this for at least six months, if not twelve.
This will give you time to buy somewhere in a suburb you like, and take the pressure off you a little.
Miscellaneous Costs
There are always a few extra costs when moving, especially when it’s from overseas or out of state.
Pet transport is a good example.
If you plan to bring your dog, cat, or even a pet snake with you, professional pet transportation services can be a significant expense, depending on the distance and transit requirements.
Other costs you’ll have to cover are changing your driver’s licence and registering your vehicle in your new state.
Depending on where you live, you might even have to pay for body corporate (if you have purchased a place) or parking permits.
How To Reduce the Cost of Moving To Perth
While it can be expensive to relocate to Perth, there are some things you can do to reduce the cost of doing so.
One of the first things to do is to do a complete declutter of your old property.
This should involve selling, donating to charity, recycling, and responsibly disposing of everything you no longer want, use, or need.
The less you take with you to Perth, the cheaper it will be.
You should also try to book your mode of transportation (if flying or taking the train), your overnight accommodation, and a removalist firm as early as possible to secure the best prices.
Other things you can do are to take packed lunches for the journey to avoid paying for more expensive meals while on the road, and to research who offers the cheapest petrol if you are driving.
