10 Things You Should Never Move Long Distance (and Why)

You should not move anything that costs more to transport than to replace and that mistakes alone can add $300–$1,500 to a long distance move.

Why this matters

When you’re moving interstate, every extra cubic metre costs you. Every extra hour adds labour.
We see it every week good people paying to move items they throw out three months later.

If you get ruthless early, your move is faster, cheaper, and far less stressful.

What you should never move long distance

1. Bulky, low-value furniture

If it’s cheap, flat-pack, or already wobbling don’t take it.

Real numbers:

• > Moving a small bookcase Brisbane → Sydney: $120–$180

• > Replacement cost from IKEA: $49–$99

You’re paying more to move it than it’s worth.

Do this instead:

• > Sell on Facebook Marketplace

• > Donate locally

• > Replace after the move

2. Old electronics and appliances

Anything older than 5–7 years is risky.

They’re fragile. They don’t travel well. And they fail right after the move more often than you’d think.

Common offenders:

• > Old TVs

• > Microwaves

• > Printers

• > Fridges near end-of-life

Rule of thumb: If it’s worth under $200 or near replacement age leave it.

3. Perishable or open food

No removalist wants your half-used fridge.

And for good reason it leaks, smells, and attracts pests in transit.

Movers won’t take:

• > Frozen food

• > Open pantry goods

• > Anything perishable

Quick fix:

• > Plan meals 1–2 weeks out

• > Donate unopened food

• > Toss the rest

4. Hazardous or flammable items

This is non-negotiable.

We legally cannot move these items.

Includes:

• > Petrol

• > Paint

• > Gas bottles

• > Bleach and chemicals

• > Fireworks

Aside from the safety risk, these void insurance if hidden in your boxes.

Take them to your local waste facility. It’s not worth the risk.

6. Old mattresses and bedding

One of the most common “why did we move this?” items.

Costs:

• > Moving a mattress interstate: $150–$250

• > New mattress: from $400–$800

Old mattresses carry dust, allergens, and wear you don’t notice until you unwrap them again.

Start fresh instead.

7. Expired toiletries and medications

Leaking shampoo and melted creams ruin boxes. Heat in trucks makes it worse.

Checklist:

• > Toss expired medication

• > Use up half-open toiletries

• > Keep only essentials in a small bag

Pharmacies will safely dispose of old meds.

8. Heavy gym equipment

Treadmills and weights are expensive to move.

They’re bulky, awkward, and add serious weight charges.

Example:

• > Moving a treadmill interstate: $200–$400

• > Buying second-hand near your new home: often cheaper

Unless you use it daily and it’s high-end sell it.

9. Excess glassware and fragile items

You don’t need 30 wine glasses in a moving truck.

Fragile items:

• > Take longer to pack

• > Cost more to protect

• > Still break sometimes

Keep:

• > Sentimental pieces

• > Essentials

Leave the rest.

10. Outgrown kids’ items

Cots, clothes, toys — they pile up fast.

And by the time you unpack, your kids have outgrown half of it.

Smarter move:

• > Donate

• > Sell bundles online

• > Let kids choose what stays

It saves space and makes unpacking easier.

Why moving less saves you money

Interstate removalists charge based on:

• > Volume (cubic metres)

• > Distance

• > Time

More stuff = bigger truck + more labour = higher cost.

Simple example:

• > 20m³ move: ~$2,500–$3,500

• > 30m³ move: ~$3,800–$5,000

That extra clutter can cost you over $1,000.

Professional movers see this daily. The cheapest move is the one with less stuff.

What to do with the items you don’t take

You’ve got a few practical options:

Sell

• > Facebook Marketplace

• > Gumtree

Donate

• > Vinnies

• > Salvos

• > Lifeline

Dispose

• > Council clean-up

• > Local recycling centres

Start this 6–8 weeks before moving interstate. Not the week before.

Simple decluttering plan that works

Don’t overthink it. Just follow this:

Step 1: One room at a time
Start with the garage or laundry (easy wins)

Step 2: Use 3 piles

• > Keep

• > Donate

• > Bin

Step 3: Apply the 12-month rule
If you haven’t used it in a year, it probably goes

This alone can cut your moving volume by 20–40%.

What you should always keep with you

Some things should never go on the truck.

Keep these in your car or carry-on:

• > Passports and documents

• > Jewellery and valuables

• > Laptops and hard drives

• > Medications

• > Kids’ essentials

• > One change of clothes

• > Chargers and toiletries

We call this your “essentials box”. You’ll thank yourself on night one.

Make the move easier on yourself

You don’t need to move everything. You just need to move the right things.

If you’re planning on moving furniture interstate, work with experienced interstate furniture movers who will tell you what’s worth taking and what’s not.

Or if you're starting locally before heading out, our Brisbane removalists team can walk you through it properly without sales talk or pressure.

FAQs

What items will interstate removalists not move?

Hazardous materials, flammable goods, perishables, and restricted items like certain plants. Each company has a clear prohibited list always check before packing.

How can I save money when moving long distance?

Cut volume early. Sell cheap furniture, avoid moving outdated items, and reduce your total cubic metres. That’s where the real savings are.

Can I take plants when moving interstate?

Sometimes, but many states have strict biosecurity rules. WA, SA, and Tasmania are especially strict. It’s safer to leave them behind.

Is it cheaper to replace furniture instead of moving it?

Often, yes. If the item costs under $200–$300 and is bulky, it’s usually cheaper to replace it at your destination.

When should I start decluttering before moving?

At least 6–8 weeks before your move. Start early so you’re not making rushed decisions in the final week.