Move ahead with the right removalist

Last updated on March 28th, 2023

Moving house is never fun. In fact, it’s up there with divorce and death in the family as one of the most stressful times in our lives.

With almost 40 percent of Australians changing address every five years, there’s a good chance if you haven’t moved recently, a move is on the cards.

The good news is you don’t have to do it all yourself. There are more than 7200 removalist businesses in Australia to choose from, with 45 percent of Australians moving interstate electing to use a professional mover compared with 29 percent moving locally.

Of course, that amount of choice comes with its own dilemmas. How do you decide which mover to hire? Does it just come down to price? And what does that amount entail? Will they pack everything for you? And are you insured for anything they break?

So many questions, so little time. Don’t worry, we’ve done some digging for you and come up with some top tips for booking a removalist. Don’t make a move without reading them!

Shop around

The average cost of a move in the same city is anything between $130 and $160 per hour during the week, and up to $200 per hour on the weekend (more if you decide to move on a public holiday).

 

 

If you’re moving interstate, it’s going to cost you big bucks. The final price will depend on how far you’re moving, the amount you’re taking with you, the services you need, and the timing. A move from Melbourne to Brisbane, for example, could cost you anything between $5500 and $10,500, excluding insurance.

So with such a big outlay, don’t settle for the first quote you’re given. Get at least three quotes and make sure you weigh up the differences. A mover that costs you $500 more might be worth it if their services are more comprehensive. Ask each removalist:

• • To give you details of what’s included in the quote
  • If the quote is based on time or quantity of goods
  • What they deem the start and end of the journey
  • If there’s storage costs for any unexpected delays on moving day
  • If there’s a surcharge for using a credit or debit card
  • Whether you need to pay a deposit or entire payment upfront

Get the whole quote and contract from movers

Movers will give you a quote based on either the m² of your home or by the hour. If it's an hourly rate, it's generally charged from the moment they depart the depot to the moment they return.

If your current address or new home presents any extra difficulties, such as awkward stairs, steep driveways or restricted access, this will likely add to the overall cost. Make sure you mention them when you are asking for quotes, or you could get stung at the other end.

Ask for a contract outlining the costs, pick-up time and how to resolve a dispute. You want it all in writing before you sign off on securing their services. This is the time you should be ensuring they tick all the boxes you want covered.

The pick-up time is part of the contract. Delays of a few hours are permitted; however, your mover should provide compensation for out-of-pocket expenses for extended delays.

Ensure you have the right insurance

Don’t make the mistake of thinking your home and contents insurance will cover your move. Your belongings are generally only covered when they are in your house. Once you start taking them out, you need separate cover.

The removalist should have cover through Freight Carriers Liability insurance if their vehicle is involved in a rollover, flood, fire or collision. Double check that is the case.

If something happens that is outside the mover’s control, however, they won’t be liable for your belongings. For example, if they are in an accident enroute to your home that was not of their making, it will be up to you to chase the driver of the other vehicle to get reimbursement for any damaged belongings.

Whilst getting quotes, check with movers to see what insurance they offer, as it may be worth taking out separate comprehensive transit insurance for peace of mind.

Work out what to pack yourself and what to leave for the movers

Packing is a pain at the best of times. But never more so than when you’re boxing up an entire house. So, we totally understand why you might be prepared to fork out the extra dollars to have someone professional do it for you.

But with it costing up to $200 an hour to have the removalist’s team pack for you, it’s probably best to pack the smaller items yourself if you have the time and leave bigger items such as furniture to them. You can buy suitable packing supplies from your mover.

If you’re worried about invalidating any warranties on electronic equipment such as computers, TVs and washing machines, ensure they are packed to manufacturer’s instructions either by yourself, or with your supervision. Pack them in original boxes where possible (though we appreciate most people wouldn’t bother to hang on to them).

You should also be aware that movers are unlikely to take responsibility for anything that gets broken that they haven’t packed, as they do not know how you have protected it. Again, this is why it’s important you determine what is and isn’t covered under the contract and any insurance before you move.

Some removalists may offer a full service (at a cost) but you shouldn't expect them to:

• • Disassemble and reassemble water beds
  • Disassemble and reassemble cots
  • Disassemble and reassemble allen key furniture

Pay attention to the things that matter

Whether the removalists are packing up your belongings, or just moving them from your old house to the new one, you should be there — or have a trusted family member or friend there — so that the movers can ask any questions.

 

 

They can also alert you to any existing damage on items that you may not have noticed — who looks behind the back of the couch or fridge in the normal course of living, for instance — and it can be recorded in the paperwork on the day.

For interstate or storage moves, an inventory of items should be taken, but we recommend it in all cases so that you know exactly what is being moved and in what condition. Take photos on your phone, too, as this is an easy reference.

Property should be delivered in the same condition it was in before the uplift. Unpack immediately and report any new damage ASAP (within a few days). Reporting one to two weeks after the move is too late.

Make it easier to unpack after the movers have left

Request heavy items be placed in their final location – for example, the couch in the lounge room, the table and chairs in the dining room, the fridge in position in the kitchen.

Label the boxes you pack yourself according to the relevant room (as the movers will also do with anything they pack). And ask them to put the boxes in the corresponding room at the other end. 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. We’re here to help you handle it.