Planning an interstate move comes with a long to-do list—packing, sorting, paperwork, new living arrangements. It’s a lot. And if you’re thinking about selling your car before the move, you’re not alone. Plenty of Aussies decide it’s easier (and often cheaper) to sell their car rather than deal with transporting it to a new state.
If you’re in the same boat, this guide will help you tick that task off your list without added stress. Let’s break it down step by step.
Why Sell Before You Move?
Before we dive into how to sell, it’s worth asking: Should you sell your car before the move?
Here are a few good reasons why people do:
- Your car’s not worth transporting. Driving it to the new state or paying for vehicle transport may cost more than the car is worth.
- Registration headaches. Every state has different vehicle registration rules. Re-registering a car interstate can involve inspections, fees, and paperwork.
- You want a fresh start. New job, new home, new car—some people prefer to start clean.
- Your current car doesn’t suit the new location. Moving from a city to a rural area (or vice versa)? Your car might not be the right fit anymore.
Step 1: Decide How You Want to Sell It
There are a few different ways to go about selling your car:
1. Private Sale
If your car is still in good condition, you might get more money selling it privately. You’ll need to:
- Clean the car inside and out
- Take good photos
- Write a clear, honest ad
- Be ready for test drives and negotiations
Downside: It can take time, which you may not have if the move is happening soon.
2. Sell to a Dealer
Dealers offer fast sales, especially if you’re upgrading to a new car. They may offer less than a private buyer, but the process is quicker.
3. Cash for Cars or Car Removal Services
If your car is old, damaged, or not roadworthy, a removal company is often your best bet. Many offer same-day pickup, free towing, and instant cash—even for scrap cars.
Real example:
We recently helped a customer in St Kilda sell her old Subaru Outback before relocating to Queensland. It had over 300,000 km, was leaking oil, and she didn’t want to deal with a roadworthy certificate. We towed it the next morning, and she had cash in hand for the move.
Step 2: Get Your Paperwork Ready
Before you sell, make sure you’ve got:
- Proof of ownership (rego papers)
- Your driver’s licence (to confirm identity)
- A signed transfer of ownership form
- Any roadworthy certificate (if required for your sale method)
Tip: Some states require a roadworthy certificate even for private sales. Others don’t if you’re selling to a wrecker. Check your local laws or ask the buyer what’s needed.
Step 3: Cancel Your Registration and Insurance
Once the car is sold and picked up:
- Cancel the rego: You can usually do this online or by visiting your state’s transport office. Don’t forget to hand in the plates (if required).
- Cancel or transfer your car insurance: You don’t want to keep paying for a car you no longer own.
Bonus: In some states, you’ll get a refund on any unused registration.
Step 4: Timing It Right
If you’re flying out or loading up the moving truck, you don’t want to be stuck arranging a car sale at the last minute. Try to plan your car sale a few days before your move. This gives you time to finalise paperwork, get paid, and avoid a last-minute scramble.
If you’re relying on the car for transport until the move day, speak to the buyer about scheduling the pickup at a convenient time.
A Few Things to Watch Out For
- Scams: If selling privately, avoid buyers who ask for odd payment methods or don’t want to meet in person.
- Unroadworthy vehicles: If your car isn’t roadworthy, don’t waste time trying to sell it privately. Go straight to a car removal service—they’ll take it as-is.
- Lowball offers: Don’t feel pressured to accept the first offer. Shop around, especially if you have a few weeks to spare.
Selling Before Moving Makes Life Easier
Let’s be honest—moving interstate is stressful enough without worrying about transporting or re-registering a car you don’t really want to keep. Selling it beforehand not only lightens your load but might give your moving budget a nice little boost.
Whether it’s an old car you no longer need or just a matter of convenience, there are fast, easy ways to get it sorted without the usual hassle. You might even be surprised how simple it is.
So if you’re staring at your car thinking, “Should I take this with me?”—maybe the better question is, “How quickly can I sell this and cross it off my list?”
We’re here to help with that.
If you are in Vermont, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
20A Station St, Bayswater VIC 3153