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According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the monthly Consumer Price Index rose 2.5% in the 12 months leading up to January 2025. Four years ago, the annual change for CPI was sitting at 0.4%, and then it drastically peaked in December of 2022 at 8.4%. Was the cost of living getting out of control? Well, we were seeing the impact of rising inflation, rising energy costs, and thirteen consecutive interest rate hikes announced by the Reserve Bank of Australia from May 2022 to December 2023. Landlords with no choice but to pass on the costs by raising the rent. This put many Australians in dire situations, and stress-testing household budgets to breaking point. For many families, change had to occur, and relocating to more affordable areas has become not just an option but a necessity to combat these financial pressures.
However, the moving process itself can add significant financial strain at an already challenging time. This is where Find a Mover Australia’s national removalist comparison booking platform, is making a meaningful difference in the lives of everyday Australians.
The Growing Cost of Living Crisis
The cost of living crisis has become a harsh reality for millions of Australians. CoreLogic rental growth data shows combined capitals rising 9.6% and a 6.4% growth for combined regionals in the 12 months to April 2024. Many families are making the difficult decision to relocate to areas where their dollars can stretch that bit further. Whether it’s a move from Sydney to regional New South Wales, Melbourne to country Victoria, or Brisbane to rural Queensland, Australians are increasingly looking beyond metropolitan areas for financial relief.
The moving process in itself though, presents its own financial hurdles. Traditional moving services often come with eye-watering price tags with a move from Melbourne to Perth costing $7630.00. Then there are hidden fees, and the stress of calling around multiple companies to find the best deal. For families already under conscious financial pressure, these additional costs can be detrimental.
How Find a Mover is making a difference
Find a Mover, founded by RMIT university graduates Howe Tran and Bradley Johnston in 2014, has become a vital service in helping Australians during the current cost of living crisis. Their online national moving platform connects customers with reliable, affordable movers through a transparent comparison process that puts power back in the hands of consumers.
“When we started Find a Mover, we couldn’t have predicted the economic challenges that Australians would be facing 10 years later,” says Tran. “But we’re proud that our service has evolved to help families make cost-effective moves during these difficult times.”
The platform’s unique approach offers several benefits that directly address cost of living pressures:
Price transparency and comparison
With multiple quotes direct from different moving companies, Find a Mover allows customers to compare prices side by side, read their review reputation and make an informed decision. This transparency helps families find options within their budget and avoid price gouging that can occur when dealing with a single moving company.
“People need to know there are choices out there, we’ve had customers save thousands of dollars on their moves. Just because they had 5-minutes effort and the ability to compare different moving companies and prices,” explains Johnston. “In today’s economy, that’s money that can go toward essential items like groceries, utilities, or school expenses.”
Reducing hidden costs
One of the most stressful aspects of moving is unexpected costs that pop up along the way. Find a Mover’s vetted providers offer clear pricing structures, reducing the likelihood of surprise fees that can derail already tight budgets.
Access to affordable regional moves
As more Australians look to regional areas for affordability, Find a Mover’s extensive network of removalists in regional relocations has become increasingly valuable. These companies understand the unique challenges of regional moves and can offer competitive pricing for these services.
Real stories of financial relief
The impact of Find a Mover’s cost-saving approach is best illustrated through the experiences of everyday Australians.
Case Study: The Mason Family – Sydney to Orange, NSW
Sarah and Michael Mason, along with their two children, were feeling the squeeze of Sydney’s housing market. With both working full-time jobs, they still struggled to keep up with their increasing rent. The decision to relocate to Orange in regional NSW wasn’t easy, but it offered the promise of affordable housing and a better quality of life.
When researching moving companies, the Masons were shocked by initial quotes ranging from $4,840 to $6,500. “Those prices would have eaten up nearly all of our relocation savings,” recalls Sarah. “We were starting to wonder if the move was even financially viable.”
After discovering Find a Mover through an online search, the Masons received seven quotes ranging from $2,900 to $5,800. “The difference was staggering,” says Michael. “We ended up choosing a company that charged $3,200 – nearly half of what we might have paid otherwise.”
The savings allowed the Masons to put money toward setting up their new home and building an emergency fund for their fresh start in Orange. “That extra money gave us breathing room during a really stressful transition,” Sarah notes. “It meant we could actually enjoy our new beginning rather than starting on the back foot.”
Case Study: Elderly Couple – Melbourne to Ballarat, VIC
Retirees Alan and Dorothy Jenkins were facing rapidly increasing living costs in Melbourne on their fixed pension income. After careful consideration, they decided to sell their Melbourne home and move to Ballarat where housing was more affordable, allowing them to free up some equity for retirement.
“At our age, moving is physically and emotionally draining,” explains Alan, 72. “And on a pension, we had to be extremely careful with our expenses.”
Through Find a Mover, the Jenkins received quotes from five companies specializing in seniors’ relocations. They selected a service that not only offered competitive pricing but also provided packing and unpacking services tailored to seniors – all still coming in below their initial budget.
“The company we found through the platform saved us nearly $1,800 compared to the first quote we received elsewhere,” says Dorothy. “That’s several months of utility bills for us.”
Beyond the financial benefits
While cost savings are crucial, Find a Mover’s impact extends beyond just financial relief. By streamlining the moving process, the platform reduces stress during what is already one of life’s most challenging transitions.
“When you’re moving because of financial pressure, the last thing you need is additional stress about the move itself,” says Tran. “Our service aims to simplify the entire experience so families can focus on settling into their new communities and rebuilding their financial stability.”
Community building in regional areas
An unexpected benefit of facilitating more affordable regional moves has been the contribution to community building in regional Australia. As more families relocate from major cities, they bring skills, experience, and economic activity to smaller communities.
“We’re seeing a real revitalization of some regional areas,” notes Johnston. “It’s rewarding to know that by making these moves more affordable, we’re playing a small part in the growth of these communities.”
Insightful advice from the founders
For Australians considering a move to manage living costs, Tran and Johnston offer these valuable tips:
- Plan well ahead of time, the more time you have, the more options you’ll have for finding affordable moving dates. Last-minute moves almost always cost more.
- Consider off-peak timing, moving midweek or during non-holiday periods can significantly reduce costs, sometimes by up to 30%.
- Declutter before moving, every cubic meter counts when moving. Selling or donating items you no longer need not only reduces moving costs but can generate extra funds.
- Get multiple quotes, before you book removalists don’t settle for the first price you’re offered. Using a comparison service like Find a Mover allows you to see the full range of options available.
- Ask about bundled services, some movers offer package deals that include packing materials or storage options which can be more economical than purchasing these separately.
Looking forward
As Australia continues to face tough economic times, services like Find a Mover are stepping up to help families make smarter, more affordable decisions. The company is working on new features designed to support Australians feeling the pinch.
“We’re developing tools to give customers a clearer picture of the costs involved in relocating,” says Johnston. “This won’t just cover moving expenses but also things like housing, utilities, and general living costs in different areas, and I think this will be of great help.”
“At the end of the day, our mission is to help Australian families find their feet in challenging economic times, ” says Tran. “We are unable to dictate the cost of groceries but if we can make a difference in the moving process and make it more affordable and less stressful, that’s one less burden for families to carry as they work toward greater financial stability. Then we’re happy with that outcome.”
In a climate where every dollar counts, Find a Mover is proving that innovation and consumer advocacy can make a meaningful difference in helping Australians tackle the cost of living crisis – one move at a time.
