11 Moving Homes Statistics Worth Knowing in 2026

11 important moving home statistics that underscore the way that Australians move and how it is affecting us. 

As the cost of living continues to rise and housing pressures continue to mount, these moving home statistics shine a light on everything from how often we relocate, to the reasons behind every move, and the toll it takes on our wallets and wellbeing.

 

1. 85.3% of Australians report moving homes to be a stressful process

A recent study found that more than 8 in 10 Australians found moving home to be a stressful experience – and that number is rising. The same survey two years earlier found that 79% of Australians found moving homes stressful, which means that moving homes is only getting more stressful. Almost 2 out of 3 of those that responded said that the stress that they felt when moving homes was akin to losing their job – which speaks volumes. 

 

2. 1.14 million Australians have moved in the last 12-months

The latest data shows that Aussies are constantly on the move. In the last 12-months more than 1-million Australians have moved home. It doesn’t matter whether you’re moving a few streets over or you’re moving interstate, the data shows that Australians are in a perennial state of relocation.

 

3. 350,000 Australians move interstate each year

Over the last year some 350,000 Australians moved interstate. Whether they were chasing new job opportunities, a change of scenery, or a softer housing market, Australians aren’t shy when it comes to pulling up stumps and moving interstate for greener pastures. 

 

 

4. More than 60% of Australians say that they have too many belongings

Nothing highlights having too many clothes, too much furniture, or too many belongings quite like a move. Moving home is the great equaliser when it comes to doing an audit of your existing belongings. The latest data shows that almost ⅔ Australians said that they have too many belongings.

 

5. 43% of Australians aged 15 and over have moved in the past five years

Whether it’s chasing a new job, upsizing for a growing family, or finally escaping that share house, moving homes is something nearly half of all Australians have gone through over the last five years. According to the latest data, 43% of Australians aged 15 and over have packed up their lives and relocated within the past five years.

 

6. There are approximately 14,000 removalist companies in Australia

There is no shortage of removal companies in Australia with the latest data revealing that there are some 14,000 removal companies currently operating in Australia. From man and a van operators to large interstate moving companies, Australians are not short on choice when it comes to choosing a moving company for their next move. 

 

7. 66% of Australians own the home that they live in

The latest data shows that 2/3 of Australians own the home that they live in. Remarkably, this statistics has remained relatively consistent since the early 1970s. Over the last 50+ years, the % of owners has hovered between 67-70%. Of those 66% of Australian’s that own their house, 52% of them report having a mortgage, while 48% of them report having paid off the home. 

 

8. 81% of individuals gave away unwanted items to charity when moving

According to the latest data, more than 8 in 10 Aussies report donating items to charity when moving home. Of that number, a further 53% report sharing/gifting their unwanted or no longer needed household items to friends or family when moving. If you’re looking to clear space in your home – the data is pretty clear – it might be time to move!

 

 

9. The average cost of moving home in Australia is $3,000

According to the latest data, the average cost of moving home in Australia is around $3,000 with costs ranging from as little as $300 all the way up to $10,000+. The key contributing factors to the cost of moving in Australia include the quantity of belongings, distance moved, and complexity of the move. 

 

10. The average cost for removalists ranges from $75 – $300 per hour

Just like with most industries, the average cost of moving services ranges dramatically. At the lower end of the scale, some moving companies report charging as little as $75 per hour, while others report charging $300+ per hour. It’s important to remember that not all moving companies are equal. The quality of service, speed of moving, and level or protection (insurance) all play a key role in determining costs. It is entirely possible that the $75 an hour movers take 5x longer to move and therefore end up costing more than the $300 per hour company. 

 

11. Migration to regional cities has increased by 125% over the last 5 years

According to the latest data from the ABS, the number of Australians moving from capital cities to regional centres has increased by more than 125% over the last five years. Australia’s competitive housing market and the rising costs of living coupled with increased remote work opportunities means that more Aussies are seeking greener pastures outside of established capital cities. 

 

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References

• “Moving Home Survey and Statistics 2023” – Budget Direct
• “Mover Statistics Data” – Aus Post
• “Moving and Migration Statistics Australia” – Muval
• “Housing Mobility and Conditions” – Australian Bureau of Statistics
• “Housing Occupancy and Costs” – Australian Bureau of Statistics
• “Population movement in Australia” – Australian Bureau of Statistics
• “Muval Index 2023 – Rates Rents & Relocation” – Muval
• “Regional internal migration estimates, provisional” – Australian Bureau of Statistics