Work out the cash you need before the first night, then save it by a date.
Written by Alex BPublished 13 November 2026
Money Detective is built around practical household money tools for Australians.
Before the first night in a rental you usually need cash for the bond, rent in advance, connection fees and moving costs. At $450 a week, a four week bond is $1,800 and two weeks of rent in advance is $900, so $2,700 is gone before you buy a plate or hire a van. Add setup costs and the example below comes to $3,920.
Bond and rent in advance rules differ by state. In Queensland the maximum bond for most tenancies is four weeks' rent. Check your state's rental authority for the rules where you live.
Moneysmart lists these one-off costs of moving out:
The bond is held for you and, if the home is left in good condition, it is generally returned at the end of the tenancy. Plan as though it is spent, because it is not available for anything else while you rent.
Rent is the biggest regular cost, followed by electricity and gas, internet, phone, groceries, transport and contents insurance. The rent guide shows how to test a weekly rent against your pay, and the grocery guide helps set a food budget.
A renter is looking at a place at $450 a week and wants to know the cash needed to move in.
| Upfront cost | Example amount |
|---|---|
| Rental bond (4 weeks) | $1,800 |
| Rent in advance (2 weeks) | $900 |
| Utility and internet connection fees | $120 |
| Van hire and fuel | $150 |
| Basic furniture and bedding | $600 |
| Kitchen and cleaning basics | $200 |
| Pantry stock-up | $150 |
| Total cash needed | $3,920 |
Saved over 26 fortnights, $3,920 is $150.77 a fortnight. Buying second-hand furniture, borrowing a van or moving fewer things would lower the total. The connection, van and furniture figures are examples, not quotes.
The Household Bill Tracker keeps due dates, renewals and true monthly costs in one place. It is $9.95 once and runs in Excel. The Payday Buffer workbook gives a Safe to Spend estimate for the days between paydays, which helps when you are paying a new rent for the first time.
Saving for the move: Fortnightly Budget Plus has a Savings Goals tab. Type the goal, target, date and what you have already saved, and it shows how much to set aside each fortnight and each week. It is an Excel workbook and nothing connects to your bank.
Start with the bond, rent in advance and moving costs for the rent you are aiming for, then add setup costs. Your own figures will differ from the example.
That is the Queensland maximum for most tenancies. Other states and some higher rents are different, so check your state authority.
This article provides general information only. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs, and it is not financial advice. Examples use invented figures. Money Detective's tools provide estimates and planning information. Consider your own circumstances, and seek independent advice if you need it, before making financial decisions.