Could It Be Cheaper to Start Again? The Real Cost of Furnishing a Home with IKEA
- Written by: The Times
Moving house has long been associated with removal trucks, heavy lifting and the challenge of fitting old furniture into a new space. But as furniture prices, transport costs and removalist fees have increased, some Australians are asking a different question.
Would it actually be cheaper to start from scratch?
For people relocating interstate, downsizing, buying an investment property or furnishing a first home, the idea is no longer as far-fetched as it once seemed.
What would it cost?
A typical three-bedroom, two-bathroom home furnished almost entirely with IKEA products could generally be equipped for around $12,000 to $20,000, depending on the quality and style selected.
A practical estimate might look like this:
| Room | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Living room | $2,000–$3,500 |
| Dining room | $800–$1,500 |
| Main bedroom | $2,000–$3,000 |
| Two additional bedrooms | $2,500–$4,000 |
| Two bathrooms | $300–$700 |
| Kitchen equipment | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Laundry | $300–$600 |
| Home office | $500–$1,000 |
| Lamps, rugs, storage and accessories | $2,000–$3,500 |
Estimated total: $12,000–$20,000
The result would be a fully functional home, complete with furniture, cookware, storage, lighting and many everyday essentials.
Compare that with moving
Removalists are excellent value when transporting treasured possessions or high-quality furniture.
However, long-distance moves can become expensive.
A large interstate move may cost several thousand dollars, while additional expenses can include:
- Packing materials
- Temporary storage
- Insurance
- Cleaning
- Damage during transport
- Time away from work
If much of the existing furniture is older or inexpensive, replacing it rather than transporting it may deserve consideration.
A fresh beginning
There are other advantages beyond cost.
A newly furnished home provides:
- Matching furniture throughout the house
- Modern storage solutions
- Better use of available space
- Energy-efficient lighting
- An opportunity to remove clutter accumulated over many years
Many people discover they own considerably more furniture than they actually use.
Starting again forces careful choices about what is genuinely needed.
Not for everyone
Of course, replacing everything is not always sensible.
Quality hardwood furniture, antiques, family heirlooms and premium appliances may have significant financial or sentimental value.
Many households would instead choose a hybrid approach—moving important pieces while replacing lower-value items such as bookshelves, entertainment units, desks, dining chairs or storage cabinets.
Furnishing investment properties
The idea can also appeal to investors.
A newly purchased rental, holiday accommodation or serviced apartment can often be furnished quickly using one supplier with coordinated designs and predictable pricing.
Replacement items can also be obtained later if individual pieces become damaged.
The Times House & Garden View
Moving house is one of life's largest expenses, but it is worth questioning long-held assumptions. Transporting furniture is not automatically the cheapest option.
Before booking a removal truck, prepare two budgets: one for moving everything you own, and another for replacing selected items with new furniture. The comparison may produce a surprising result—and a new home that feels exactly that: new.
