How to choose the best removalists in Sydney
When planning your move, don’t just choose any old cheap removalist in Sydney. A low price doesn’t always mean the best value. Here’s what to look for if you want the best removalists Sydney has to offer.
AFRA-accreditation
The Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) is the main body that regulates the removalist industry in Australia. To be AFRA-accredited, a removalist needs to meet strict standards for equipment, insurance and training. These are reviewed regularly by AFRA.
Why does AFRA-accreditation matter? An AFRA-accredited removalist has proven that they can handle your belongings safely and cover you if anything goes wrong. Hiring a company without accreditation means more risk of issues or damages during your move.
Clear insurance options
A good removalist should have basic removalist insurance and offer extra cover just in case something goes wrong. Most reputable furniture removalists in Sydney offer:
- Public liability insurance – Covers damage or injury to third-party property caused by the removalist team. Good for older Sydney homes or smaller homes with high risk of accidental damage.
- Goods in transit insurance – Protects your belongings during transport, including while packing and unpacking. It covers loss or damage caused by the removalists.
- Comprehensive insurance – Covers accidental loss or damage, regardless of fault. Worth considering for high-value items, fragile goods, or long-distance interstate moves.
For peace of mind, always ask what’s covered and what’s not before booking your move. Go to NSW Fair Trading to see your consumer rights for removalists.
Real, positive reviews
High Google ratings are only the starting point. Look for recent reviews, especially on moves to and from locations similar to yours. Why did they receive positive feedback, and which traits matter most to you (punctuality, care, communication, years of experience, etc)?
Negative reviews aren’t a dealbreaker. Focus on why they got the complaint and how the company responded. This shows how they handle issues.
How to spot fake reviews: Watch out for profiles with suspicious profile names or little to no review history. Be wary of vague reviews or a sudden spike in 5-star ratings on the business’s page.
Sydney removalist red flags
If you experience any of these while booking a removalist, it could be a sign they’re not reliable. They may put your belongings, time, or money at risk.
- No written quote
- Ask for cash-only payment upfront
- No valid ABN (Australian Business Number)
- Reluctance to confirm insurance details
- Pricing that seems too good to be true
Questions to ask your Sydney removalist
Before booking, ask potential removalists these important questions:
- How many removalists will there be? Make sure there are enough hands to get everything moved safely and efficiently.
- Is the quote fixed or hourly? This helps avoid surprise costs on the day.
- Are your removalists employees or subcontractors? If they’re subcontractors, confirm they’re experienced, insured, and trained professionals.
- What happens if something is damaged? Make sure your property is protected.
- Do you have experience with Sydney apartments or my specific property type? They’ll know how to handle narrow hallways, stairs and lifts safely.