Moving your home or office in Melbourne needs good planning and research. Picking the right removalist company can make your move easy instead of a stressful experience. With over 150 removalist companies in Melbourne, it’s important to understand removalists Melbourne costs and what to check before you hire them. In this article, we share some practical insights to help you make informed decisions and avoid common problems.
Most Melbourne removalists usually charge between $140 – $170 per hour for the standard team of 2 movers with a truck. Cheaper companies could start their pricing from $110 per hour, while prime services go as much as $200 per hour.
Sometimes, moving on weekends costs extra. Saturday moves can add $10-$40 per hour to the usual rates. Sunday and public holiday rates can even go up to $331 per hour.
Most removalist companies require a minimum booking of 2-3 hours. Moving on weekdays during off-peak times gives you the best value. Some companies offer rates starting from $280 for weekdays, compared to $640 for Saturday moves.
How big your property is directly affects the total cost of your move:
These prices are for typical moves within the suburbs. Things like stairs, narrow doorways, or difficult parking can make the move take longer and cost more.
Hidden fees can increase your final bill by 30-50%. Here are some common extra charges:
Weekend and holiday surcharges are standard in the industry. A fuel levy of 5% might apply for moves over 15km. Credit card fees (up to 2%) and parking fines are often passed on to customers.
Professional packing services cost between $75-$92 per hour per packer. A full home packed can be as low as $560 for a 1 bedroom or as high as $1,440 for a 4 bedroom.
Storage costs vary a lot across Melbourne. Container storage starts at $55 per week, plus transport fees at the start and end. Self-storage units can range from $79 per month in outer suburbs to $600 per month in popular city areas.
Good removalists should have different types of insurance. Basic public liability insurance covers $5-20 million for property damage. Transit insurance covers your items for up to $10,000-$30,000, typically with a $500 deductible (the initial amount you contribute).
Full value protection insurance means damaged items will be replaced. Premiums for this start from $10 per month for basic cover. More complete policies can cost $100-$300, depending on how much your belongings are worth. Always check what insurance is included in your quote. Make sure to ask for written proof of their insurance details.
The Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) is the official group that sets standards for the removals industry. AFRA-approved companies have to meet exacting standards for their equipment, staff training, vehicle safety, and insurance.
AFRA members must have public liability insurance of at least $10 million and are checked regularly. Only about 350 furniture removal companies in Australia have AFRA accreditation, which shows they are reliable and high-quality. Look for companies that show the AFRA logo and check their membership on the AFRA website.
Here are some warning signs that a removalist company might not be trustworthy or could be a scam:
A poor online presence or no local address are also warning signs. Avoid companies that answer the phone generally as “Movers” instead of their company name.
Before hiring, thoroughly check the company’s details. You can get help from booking platforms. Look for their business registration, licenses, and insurance documents. Check for many positive reviews across different websites.
Confirm their AFRA membership on the official AFRA website. Ask for references from recent customers and call them directly. Legitimate companies will happily provide documents and answer your questions clearly.
Check the company’s physical address and visit their office if you can. Local companies that have been around for a long time usually offer more reliable service.
Getting quotes from several companies is key to comparing prices. Moving quotes can differ by up to 40%. Try to get at least three detailed written quotes from different companies. Make sure the quotes include all services and any possible extra charges.
Good companies will visit your home to see your belongings and give you an accurate estimate. Be careful of quotes given over the phone without them seeing your items. Written estimates should clearly state if the price is fixed, an estimate, or a “not-to-exceed” price.
Online booking platforms, such as Connect Market, are designed to make finding and comparing suitable removalists much simpler. These platforms often feature companies that have already been checked, provide many customer reviews, and show clear pricing.
This lets you easily compare services and book your move. Their experts assist you in getting your ideal movers, securing the best price, and saving you both time and hassle in your search.
Choosing the right time can save you a lot of money. Monday to Thursday moves are the best, with some companies charging $280 compared to $640 for Saturday moves.
Avoid moving during peak season, like December-January and school holidays when demand is highest. Moving outside these busy times can save you 20-30% on standard rates. Book your removalists 3-5 weeks in advance to get your preferred dates and rates.
Packing yourself can save you $350-$1,500 in packing fees. Start packing infrequently used items early and save daily things for last. Household items like towels and blankets are great padding and you don’t need to purchase pricier packing material.
Decluttering before you move can minimise your cost and effort. Sell, donate or throw away items you don’t need to reduce your moving expenses. Dismantling furniture yourself can save labor time and charges.
Make sure the removalists have clear access to your property on moving day. Arrange parking passes if necessary and shovel walks to prevent additional charges. Keep your item ready and packed removalists arrive to prevent delays because they charge by the hour.
Hiring the right removalist in Melbourne requires research, planning, and knowledge of how the industry operates.. Prefer only reputable removalist companies that have upfront pricing and proper insurance coverage. Take multiple written quotes, beware hidden fees and select the optimal time for your move.
The lowest price isn’t necessarily the right option; being a smart consumer means getting the right service at reasonable prices. Don’t rush into settling for any old Melbourne removalist – take your time to check their credentials and read contracts carefully before you commit.
