Removalists

6 March 2025

How much do removalists costs? (Price Guide 2025)

The cost of hiring a removalist in Australia depends on several factors, including distance, the number of items, and additional services like packing, storage and so on.

Average Cost for Local Moves

The average cost of hiring a removalist for a local move within your city is usually between $80–$150 per hour per hour for a two person team with a minimum 2-3 hours of work. Below is a breakdown of estimated costs:

Number of Bedrooms	Price	Duration
Studio/1-bedroom	$300–$600	2–4 hours
2-bedroom	$500–$1,200	4–6 hours
3-bedroom	$800–$2,000	6–8 hours

Additional Removalist Services & Costs

Hiring professional removalists comes with additional moving services such as packing, furniture disassembly, storage solutions, and cleaning. These extra services can impact your total moving costs. Below is an estimate of what removal companies may charge:

Additional Service	Price	Notes
Insurance	$100 – $500+	Covers minimal damage, full-value protection options available
Packing Services	$200 – $800+	Includes materials and labor
Furniture Reassembly & Disassembly	$30–$150 per hour $50–$150 per item	Costs vary based on provider
Storage Solutions	$50–$500+ monthly	Based on storage unit size and duration
Cleaning Services	$150–$800+	End of lease or deep cleaning
Parking & Toll Charges	$20–$300+	Includes permits, parking, and toll charges

Interstate & International Removal Costs

For interstate removals, moving companies calculate costs based on distance and load size, with prices typically ranging from $1,500 – $5,500+. For example, hiring Sydney removalists for a 3-bedroom house move to Melbourne costs around $3,000, while a Perth to Sydney relocation averages $5,000.

For international removals, pricing varies depending on destination, shipping method, and home size, typically ranging from $3,000 – $20,000+ for a 3-bedroom apartment. A move from Australia to New Zealand costs approximately $5,000, while long-distance relocations to the UK or US average around $13,000 via sea freight.

Types of Removalists

House removalists

If you’re moving a 2-3 bedroom house, apartment, or townhouse, hiring house removalists is the best option. These professionals handle packing, loading, transport, and unpacking, ensuring a stress-free and time-efficient move while also providing expert handling for special items like pianos, taking care of all the heavy lifting, and offering insurance options to protect your belongings throughout the process. Ideal for:

• Families or individuals moving locally or interstate
• Larger moves requiring full packing services
• Long-distance or international relocations

Office removalists

Office relocation services ensure a smooth and efficient business move with minimal downtime, allowing operations to resume without delays. Expert commercial removalists manage:

• Packing and transporting office furniture
• IT equipment relocation and setup
• Secure document handling
• Reassembly of workstations

With a professional office moving company, businesses can resume operations quickly in their new location.

Man with van removalists

A man with a van is a budget-friendly option for small moves, furniture transport, and student relocations. These services offer same-day or short-notice bookings, making them perfect for:

• Single-room moves
• Furniture and appliance deliveries
• Local moves within the same city

Unlike larger moving companies, man with a van services provide affordable and flexible moving solutions.

How do I choose the best removalist in Australia?

Finding the right removalist is essential for a smooth and stress-free move. Here’s how to ensure you hire a reliable and professional moving company in Australia:

1. Research Removalists: Look for customer reviews, ratings, and testimonials from previous clients on various platforms. Compare different moving companies to check their reputation, reliability, and service quality.
2. Check Credentials & Industry Accreditation: Make sure the removalist is licensed, insured, and accredited by recognized Australian organizations. Look for AFRA accreditation, which ensures the company meets industry standards for equipment, staff training, and insurance. For international moves, opt for FIDI/FAIM-accredited removalists, which follow strict global quality benchmarks.
3. Get an In-Home Assessment for Accuracy: To get a more precise cost estimate, request an on-site inspection where the removalist assesses your belongings. If an in-home visit isn’t possible, send photos or videos to help movers understand the volume and complexity of your move.
4. Compare Quotes & Services: Request at least three quotes from different companies. Ensure the quotes include packing, storage, transport, and insurance to avoid unexpected costs. Be wary of quotes that seem too cheap, as they may exclude essential services or indicate a lack of experience.
5. Review Insurance Coverage: Carefully review the moving insurance coverage provided by the removalist. Some companies offer basic transit insurance, while others provide full-value protection.
6. Watch for Hidden Costs: Ask about potential additional fees, such as charges for stairs, heavy items, storage, or last-minute changes.
7. Book in Advance: Removalists can get fully booked during peak seasons, especially at the end of the month, on weekends, or during holidays. Secure your moving date at least 4-6 weeks in advance to avoid last-minute price surges and scheduling issues.