Moving house is exciting, but let’s be honest—it can also be a real headache. Once you’ve sorted out your mortgage and finally secured your dream home, the next big step is moving in. But hiring the right removalist can make or break your moving day experience.
If you’re already juggling boxes and paperwork, the last thing you need is to worry about whether your movers will turn up on time or whether your stuff will arrive in one piece. So, here are a few things to think about before you pick your removalist. Let’s keep it practical, so your moving day’s as smooth as it can be.
1. How Much Is It Going to Cost?
We all know moving is expensive. You’ve just forked out for a new home, so keeping an eye on the costs is important. What a lot of people don’t realize is that removalist prices can vary—sometimes a lot. Some will charge you an hourly rate, while others might give you a fixed price based on the number of items or the distance travelled. That’s why getting quotes is so important.
A quick tip: Removalist costs in Australia usually range from about $75 to $300 per hour. The price depends on how many items you’ve got, the size of the truck, and whether they’re moving everything up flights of stairs. And let’s not forget, some companies throw in extra charges for things like fuel, so ask about those when you’re getting quotes.
If you want to skip the hassle (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?), try using an online platform like Upmove where you can easily get multiple quotes from trusted movers, compare options, and book everything in one convenient place.
2. Can You Trust Them With Your Belongings?
Here’s a big one—trust. We’re talking about your personal items, and some of it might be valuable or fragile. The last thing you want is for your antique lamp or expensive TV to arrive in bits because the movers didn’t handle it properly. So, how do you find someone you can trust?
What the numbers say: Up to 30% of people moving in Australia report damage to their items. That’s why reading reviews is so important. Head to review sites or even ask friends and family if they’ve got recommendations. Look for removalists who have glowing reviews for their care and professionalism.
What to ask: When you chat with potential removalists, ask if they’ve got any references or past clients you can speak to. Also, check if they have insurance (more on that below). If a company is reluctant to give you details or they’re vague about their process, that’s a red flag.
3. Do They Offer Insurance?
Now, not all removalists offer the same level of insurance. Some might give you basic coverage that won’t cover the full value of your belongings, and others might not offer any at all. It’s a bit of a gamble to go without insurance, especially if you’re moving expensive furniture or sentimental items.
A fact to keep in mind: Only about 40% of removalists offer comprehensive insurance in Australia. Make sure you ask what’s covered before you book.
What’s the solution? If the removalist doesn’t offer the level of coverage you’re after, it’s worth checking out separate insurance options for peace of mind. You can find this information when browsing individual moving companies profiles on Upmove, where removalists’ insurance details are often mentioned as part of the services they offer.
4. When’s the Best Time to Move?
Timing is everything when it comes to moving. The date you choose can affect everything from how much you pay to whether you can even find an available removalist. In Australia, peak moving times are during the summer months (December to February) when everyone’s trying to move, which can make it harder (and pricier) to find a good removalist.
Data-backed tip: Prices can jump by up to 25% during peak seasons. If you can be a bit flexible with your moving date, aim for an off-peak time, like winter. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have more choice when it comes to booking.
Pro tip: If you’re stuck with moving in summer, book your removalist at least 4–6 weeks ahead to avoid missing out on the good ones.
5. What’s Their Experience Like?
It might seem obvious, but experience counts. You don’t want to hire a removalist who’s new to the game, especially if you’re moving awkward furniture or live in a tricky building with narrow doorways or lots of stairs.
Why it matters: Removalists with more experience reduce the chances of damage by around 20%. They’ve likely seen it all and will know how to deal with any curveballs your move might throw at them, whether that’s squeezing your massive sofa through a small hallway or navigating tricky roads to your new place.
What to ask: When you’re doing your research, check how long they’ve been in business and whether they’ve handled moves similar to yours. You can also ask if they’ve done any local moves in your area—they’ll probably have a better idea of any challenges your specific location might present.
6. What Services Do They Offer?
Not all removalists offer the same services. Some are just about moving your stuff from A to B, while others can help with packing and unpacking. If you’ve got a lot on your plate (and let’s be honest, moving is stressful), it might be worth considering a removalist who offers the full package.
A useful stat: Studies show that customers who used packing services reported a 20% reduction in stress during their move. If you’ve got fragile items or you’re short on time, it’s a no-brainer to get some help.
Extra services to ask about: Do they offer packing materials, unpacking, or even storage if you’re not ready to move all your stuff into the new place yet? Removalists on platforms like Upmove often offer these extras, so it’s worth checking to see what’s included in their quote.
7. How Available Are They?
You’ve finally settled on a date for moving, but is your removalist available when you need them? It can be tricky to coordinate dates, especially if you’re moving during a busy time or your settlement date keeps shifting.
What to consider: Peak moving times can mean your favourite removalist is already booked up, and you don’t want to be left scrambling for a last-minute option. If your schedule is flexible, try to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
If you’re not sure where to start, Upmove lets you quickly check the availability of a range of removalists, saving you the hassle of ringing around.
8. Do They Have Transparent Pricing?
We’ve all heard horror stories about people being hit with hidden costs on moving day—whether that’s extra charges for stairs, fuel, or parking permits. To avoid this, you want to make sure the removalist you hire is upfront about what’s included in the price.
Customer feedback: Movers who offer transparent, itemized pricing receive 15% higher customer satisfaction ratings. It’s important to ask for a detailed quote that breaks down all the costs, including extras like packing materials, insurance, or any additional fees for challenging access (like stairs or narrow driveways).
How to stay on top of costs: Always request a detailed, written quote and make sure you know exactly what’s included. Removalists on Upmove are known for their clear, upfront pricing, so you won’t need to worry about hidden fees. Plus, the platform lets them compete for your job, helping you find the best deal.
Final Thoughts
Moving house is a big job, but hiring the right removalist can make all the difference. From getting the best price to ensuring your belongings are safe and sound, there’s a lot to think about. But with a bit of planning, you’ll be in your new home and putting your feet up before you know it.
If you’re looking to save time and avoid stress, Upmove makes it easy to compare quotes, read reviews, and book a reliable Melbourne removalist all in one place. With over 1,200 reviews and a high customer satisfaction rating, you can trust their service to help you find the right removalist for your move.