What to expect when you’re expecting… a removalist

Last updated on May 23rd, 2022

Most Australians consider moving house as one of the most stressful times of their life. With almost half of us having moved home in the past five years, chances are you’ve had a recent experience. There are over 5,500 individual removalist operators available to help us make the move. Almost half of us use a removalist service when moving interstate and over one quarter when moving locally.

However engaging a removalist isn’t something we do frequently leaving many of us uncertain of what to expect from the service and what is expected of us.

Here are our top 5 tips to avoid the moving blues:

1. Ask for the whole quote and contract

Quotes are usually based on m² of a home or by the hour and charged for depot-to-depot time. Any access issues including stairs, steep driveways and restricted access will impact the cost so be sure to mention them during the quote process.

A contract outlining the costs, pick-up time and how to resolve a dispute should be provided. The pick-up time is part of the contract. Delays of a few hours are permitted, however your removalists should provide compensation for out-of-pocket expenses for extended delays.

2. Insurance is a dirty word

Your home and contents insurance policy will not apply during moves. Instead the removalist should have cover under the Freight Carriers Liability insurance if their vehicle is involved in a roll over, flood, fire or collision accident. Without insurance you’ll need to prove the removalists were negligent to have them cover the cost of any damage or loss.

3. Removalists cant and wont pack everything

Items such as computers, TV, washing machines and dryers should be packed or prepared for packing by you according to manufacturers’ instructions to avoid invalidating any warranties. Pack these items in original boxes where possible.

In addition to this, you shouldn't expected removalists to:

• • Disassemble and reassemble water beds
  • Disassemble and reassemble cots
  • Disassemble and reassemble allen key furniture
  • Prepare electrical or electronic equipment for transportation

4. Pay attention to the things that matter

You should be present or have a representative present to allow the removalists to ask any questions or to notify of any hidden damage.

For Interstate and/or into storage moves, an inventory of items should be taken. All existing and ‘hidden’ damage should be noted on the removalist’s paperwork. Property should be delivered in the same condition it was before the uplift. Unpack immediately and report damage asap (within a few days). Reporting damage 1-2 weeks following the move is too late. If you pack items into boxes, removalists aren’t liable for damage to these items.

5. Rely on their super human lifting skills

Request heavy items be place in their final location. Ask removalists to put boxed items in their room according to labels. Once all items have been delivered and placed, sign to acknowledge job completion.

If you have a complaint with a removalist, whether company or individual, you can lodge a complaint with us and we’ll make sure you follow the correct process.

We’re here to help you handle it, just let us know the details of your complaint here.