Congratulations on buying your first home in Sydney! Now comes the even harder task: packing everything up and moving. As a first home buyer, you might not know how stressful moving homes can be. Getting help from the best moving companies in Sydney can save you from the headaches.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top moving companies in Sydney for 2026, including full-service movers, budget-friendly options, and long-distance specialists. You’ll also learn why hiring professionals is worth it, and tips to make your first home move smoother.
Top removalists in Sydney: Quick summary
| Moving Company | Best for | Pros | Cons | AFRA member? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holloway Removals and Storage | Full moving services | Packing, protection, assembly, unpacking, storage | In high demand, can be hard to book last-minute | Yes |
| A1 Removalists | Budget | Cheap half-hourly options | Mixed reviews on furniture wrapping; not AFRA-backed | No |
| Grace Removals | Long distance moves | Transit protection, utility connection, and exit cleaning | Customer service can be slow | Yes |
| Optimove Removals | Fast moves | No hidden fees and high efficiency | Weekend and credit card surcharges | Yes |
| Kent Removals | Storage | Secure storage solutions and door-to-door coordination | Inventory checks can make the move feel slower | Yes |
| Source: Based on 2026 analysis of public customer feedback and Google reviews. | ||||
Top 5 moving companies in Sydney for first home buyers
As a first home buyer, whether through the Help to Buy scheme or not, you'll have specific needs that not all Sydney removalists can handle. This includes protecting new furniture, helping with assembly, and sticking to settlement times. Here is our 2026 review of the top five moving companies that fit the bill.
1. Holloway Removals (Best overall for first home buyers)
Holloway Removals consistently ranks as the top choice for Sydney buyers who value the safety of their new home. They specialist in full-service moves, handling the packing, wrapping, transporting and even reassembling in your new home (everything a first home buyer needs).
- AFRA-accredited: Trained to industry standard in careful packing and moving of furniture, so you don't scuff your fresh paint on day one.
- Trusted: As the 2025 Product Review Award winner, they are widely considered the most reliable moving company Sydney has for stress-free relocations.
2. A1 Removalists (Best for cheap removalists)
If you’re moving to a smaller apartment or are on a strict moving budget, A1 is a solid choice.
- Affordable: They offer competitive half-hourly rates for furniture movers in Sydney, focusing on speed and efficiency.
- Note for buyers: A1 Removalists are not AFRA accredited like premium movers, so they are best for straightforward moves with fewer fragile items.
3. Grace Removals (Great for long-distance moves)
Grace is one of Australia’s oldest national movers. This makes them great if you’re moving interstate or want a removalist with legacy and reputation.
- Extra services: They offer unique "extra" services like professional house cleaning and utility connections, which helps busy first-time owners.
4. Optimove Removals (Great for quick moves)
Optimove are known for their "Red Carpet" service and extremely fast turnaround times.
- No hidden fees: They give transparent pricing that is easy for first home buyers to calculate their final moving costs.
5. Kent Removals (Great for long moves and storage)
If your settlement date is uncertain or you are renovating before moving in, Kent has an integrated storage network you can use.
- Secure storage: Their "box-to-depot" system ensures your furniture stays in a climate-controlled environment until your new home is ready for you.
Why should first home buyers hire Sydney furniture movers?
Hiring professional furniture movers in Sydney is less risky and stressful than a DIY move, especially for first home buyers. Here are five advantages.
1. Avoid hidden costs of DIY moves
To see if going solo is actually worth it, compare your DIY moving budget against the 2026 removalist costs in Sydney. Often, the price of professional movers costs the same as:
- Truck hire and fuel: 4.5-tonne trucks often cost $200+ per day
- Equipment hire: Trolleys, straps and blankets aren’t usually included
- Damage and injury risk: DIY moves rarely include insurance cover
2. Protect your brand new home
First home buyers in Sydney often move into new builds or renovated properties. Reputable Sydney moving companies use specialised gear to protect your investment. For example, they can use floor runners to prevent scuffs on new timber or carpet, door jam protectors for those tight Sydney terrace entries, and custom wrapping.
3. Reduce the stress of a first home move
Professional removalists in Sydney can also act as project managers for your moving day. They can:
- Plan the best route to avoid peak-hour traffic, whether you’re moving to the Inner West, Western Sydney, or the Northern Beaches.
- Do all the physical labour for you
- Do on-the-spot problem solving for tight or awkward spaces.
4. Move quicker
A trained removalist crew can move a standard 2-bedroom Sydney apartment in half the time of a DIY move, using industrial dollies, lift-tail trucks, and proven loading systems
5. Get expert guidance
The best furniture movers in Sydney support first home buyers from start to finish, from pre-move surveys to get accurate quotes to optional furniture disassembly and reassembly
The result is a smoother, faster, and far less stressful move into your first home. For a step-by-step on preparing for your first move, see our First-Time Buyers Guide to Moving House.
What should I look for in furniture movers as a first home buyer?
As a first home buyer, your move is going to have unique challenges. So, keep these factors in mind when researching moving companies in Sydney.
Experience with first-time movers
Choose a team that’s happy to explain the process, offer packing advice, and help with furniture placement if you’re unsure where things should go.
Experience with different housing
Many first home buyers move into apartments or multi-storey homes. Movers who are experienced with lifts, stairs, narrow hallways, and limited parking can save you time and frustration on moving day.
Protection of valuables
Professional movers should use protective wrapping and offer insurance or storage services to help keep everything safe during the move.
Trust and reputation
Always check reviews from other first home buyers. Honest feedback gives you confidence that the movers are reliable, careful, and easy to work with.
What’s the best moving company for first home buyers?
Moving into your first home is a big milestone, and choosing the right furniture movers in Sydney can make the experience enjoyable instead of overwhelming. Take the time to research Sydney removalists, get quotes, and book early. For a full-service move, Holloway Removals is one option to consider, but always compare multiple quotes and services to find the best fit for your move.
FAQs for First Home Buyers
Do first home buyers really need professional removalists?
Yes. First home buyers usually aren’t experienced moving large or fragile furniture. Professional removalists reduce the risk of damage, injuries, and delays by handling packing, lifting, and transport safely and efficiently.
How much do removalists cost for first home buyers in Sydney?
The cost of removalists in Sydney depends on the size of your home, distance, and services you need. Many removalists offer affordable packages for small homes or apartments, perfect for first home buyers. For an accurate quote, contact your local removalist directly.
When should first home buyers book a removalist?
First home buyers should book a removalist at least 2–4 weeks before your settlement date. Booking early helps secure better pricing, preferred dates, and enough time to plan.
Is it cheaper for first home buyers to move on weekdays?
Yes. Moving on weekdays is often cheaper and more flexible than weekends. First home buyers who can move mid-week usually get lower rates and more available timeslots.
Who is the best removalist in Sydney?
The "best" mover depends on your needs, but three top-rated companies for 2026 include Holloway Removals (for full service moves), A1 Removalists Sydney (for affordable moves), and Grace Removals (for trustworthy and premium moves).
