Moving as a student can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re relocating to Melbourne for university or shifting between share houses, one thing is certain — moving in Melbourne can be expensive if you don’t plan properly. Thankfully, with a few smart strategies, you can cut your moving costs dramatically without sacrificing comfort or safety.

This guide covers the best budget-friendly moving tips for students in Melbourne, helping you save money, time, and stress during your next move.

1. Start Planning Early — It Saves Money

The earlier you begin preparing, the more you save.

Why early planning helps:
 

  • Movers charge more for last-minute bookings
     
  • You can compare quotes and choose cheaper options
     
  • More time to collect free packing materials
     
  • You avoid weekend or peak-season price surges

Tip: Start planning 3–4 weeks before your move.

2. Declutter Before Packing

Students often accumulate a lot of extra items — old clothes, unused gadgets, and textbooks you’ll never read again.

To declutter effectively:
 

  • Sell items on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or uni groups
     
  • Donate clothes and books
     
  • Recycle broken items
     
  • Give away items to friends

Every item you remove means one less thing to pack and pay for.

3. Use Free or Cheap Packing Supplies

There’s no need to buy expensive moving boxes.

Best places in Melbourne for free boxes:
 

  • Coles, Woolworths & Aldi
     
  • Dan Murphy’s
     
  • Bunnings
     
  • Local shopping centres
     
  • University common areas
     

You can also pack with:
 

  • Suitcases
     
  • Laundry baskets
     
  • Backpacks
     
  • Reusable bags

These alternatives save money and space.

4. Choose Budget Transport Options

You don’t always need a full moving truck — especially if you’re moving light.

Affordable options include:
 

  • Hiring a ute or van for a few hours
     
  • Using GoGet or Car Next Door vehicle-share
     
  • Asking a friend with a car
     
  • Booking student-friendly moving services

Moving light? A small car with a few trips may be enough.

5. Move on Weekdays

Most students try to move on weekends, causing movers to charge higher rates.

To save money:
 

  • Move on a weekday, ideally Tuesday–Thursday
     
  • Avoid public holidays
     
  • Avoid February–March when uni intake peaks

Weekday moves can save you 10–30%.

6. Pack Everything Yourself

Professional packing services are convenient but costly.

Pack smart:
 

  • Pack early
     
  • Label all boxes
     
  • Wrap fragile items with towels or clothes
     
  • Disassemble simple furniture

Doing this yourself can save hundreds of dollars.

7. Share a Moving Truck

If you don’t have a lot to move, consider:

  • Backloading services
     
  • Shared-truck moving
     
  • Splitting truck space with another student

This is extremely cost-effective for small moves.

8. Buy or Borrow Second-Hand Furniture

Students move often — there’s no need to buy expensive new furniture.

Affordable furniture options:
 

  • Facebook Marketplace
     
  • IKEA
     
  • Kmart & Target
     
  • Op-shops (Vinnies, Salvos)
     
  • University trading groups

Better yet — borrow furniture from friends or family until you settle in.

9. Prepare Food in Advance

Moving day is tiring, leading to expensive takeaway orders.

To save:
 

  • Cook simple meals ahead of time
     
  • Pack snacks and water
     
  • Use leftover groceries before moving

This alone can save you $30–$60 on moving day.

10. Ask Friends for Help

Friends can help with:
 

  • Lifting furniture
     
  • Driving
     
  • Packing
     
  • Borrowing tools

Just thank them with something simple like pizza or snacks.

11. Use Temporary Storage (If Needed)

If your lease dates don’t align, consider:
 

  • Sharing a small storage unit
     
  • Short-term storage from your university
     
  • Keeping items at a friend’s place

Shared storage reduces costs drastically.

12. Compare Moving Quotes and Ask for Student Discounts

Before booking a mover, compare:
 

  • Hourly rates
     
  • Call-out fees
     
  • Minimum hours
     
  • Weekend rates
     
  • Extra service charges

Many Melbourne moving companies offer student discounts, but you must ask.

Conclusion

Moving as a student doesn’t have to drain your savings. By planning ahead, decluttering, finding free packing supplies, choosing cheap transport, and taking advantage of student-friendly options, you can move smoothly and affordably.

With the right preparation, you’ll enjoy a stress-free, budget-friendly move — and start your new chapter in Melbourne without blowing your budget.