How much do removalists cost?

One of the first questions people ask when they are thinking about moving house is, "How much will hiring a removalist cost?". It depends on a number of things, like how many movers, the truck size, and the distance you're moving. Whether you're moving in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, understanding how much removalists charge will help you plan your move better. Here is a guide on the industry pricing for removalists in Australia.

What is the industry standard pricing for furniture removalist?

Removalist prices are structured to cover the basic costs of running a legitimate removals company: wages, superannuation, insurances, truck expenses, tools and equipment.

Most removalists charge by the hour, followed by half-hour increments. Some may opt to charge a flat fee for the entire job. At Holloway Removals, we’ll give you a personalised quote after a quick chat about your move to find the best solution for you.

Here’s a table of what the average reputable removalist company charges for local moving.

Cost of removalists in Australia

Cost range for removalists in Australia
	Price	Best for
2 movers + small truck	$100–$200/hr	1–2 bedroom moves
3 movers + small truck	$150–$270/hr	2–3 bedroom moves
3 movers + large truck	$270–$300+/hr	Larger homes
*These rates are a guide based on publicly available information and industry examples. Actual costs can vary by provider. Always get a quote from your removalist for the exact price.

For interstate moves, you’ll usually pay a bit extra for every extra set number of kilometres.

What affects removalist prices?

Number of movers

More movers on the job means a higher hourly rate, but it can make your move faster and more efficient.

Truck size

Larger trucks usually cost more per hour, but they can reduce the number of trips needed and make moving big items easier.

Distance

Moving locally is usually cheaper compared to long-distance or interstate moves, since they need to factor in fuel, travel time and logistics.

Packing services

Professional packing services will cost you an extra of anywhere between $100–$500+, but they help protect fragile items and save you time.

Insurance

Getting insurance means you can have peace of mind in case anything gets damaged or lost during the move.

Time of year

Prices increase around peak seasons (school holidays and December/January) because of higher demand.

How to spot unprofessional removalists companies

Even though the prices above were a rough guide, be careful if a removalist company charges far below the industry standard. There are a lot of ‘pirates’ in the removalist world who don’t have the proper training, equipment or insurance to ensure the safety of your goods.

For example, if a removalist is charging you $80 per hour for two men and a truck, they may not have the proper insurance and could be a risky move, literally!

To check if your removalist is professional and reputable, check if they have:

AFRA (the Australia Furniture Removers Association) accreditation and training.
Fully insurances, including Public Liability Insurance, Goods in Transit Insurance, and Workers Compensation Insurance.

Without these, you leave yourself open to problems if an injury or accident were to happen on your property.

Why hiring a removalist is worth their weight in gold

When it comes to handling your personal possessions it pays to have a professional and quality removalist. They make sure that your furniture is protected from damage during handling and transit.

Being part of AFRA means that Holloway's professional removalists are up to scratch, with years of combined experience, in moving furniture and delicate items with precision and care.