How Much Do Removalists Cost in Australia?

Average Removalist Costs in Australia
Removalist pricing in Australia depends on time, distance, and the size of your move. You will usually see charges quoted by the hour, as a fixed price, or as a regional average based on local demand and travel time.

Hourly Rates for Removalists
Most removalists charge by the hour, with rates commonly ranging from $100 to $180 per hour for a standard team of two movers and a truck. In major cities, you should budget closer to the upper end of that range, especially on weekends.

By hiring local removalists like Pakenham removalists, you may be able to reduce fees as the distance from depo can affect pricing.

Hourly billing often uses 15-minute or 30-minute increments, so delays can add up. Travel time to and from the depot usually counts as billable hours.

Rates increase if you need more movers, larger trucks, or specialised handling. Heavy items, stairs, long carries, and limited access also push costs higher.

Fixed Price vs Per Hour Fees
Some removalists offer fixed-price quotes, especially for larger homes or interstate moves. You pay a set amount based on volume, distance, and services included.

Fixed pricing gives cost certainty, which helps when you have strict budgets or complex moves. It usually works best when access, inventory, and timing remain predictable.

Hourly pricing suits smaller or local moves where loading and unloading stay straightforward. You may pay less if the job finishes quickly, but unexpected delays increase the final cost.

You should confirm what the quote includes. Ask about fuel, tolls, packing materials, insurance, and call-out fees before you book.

Average Cost by City and Region
Location affects pricing due to labour rates, traffic, and travel distance. Capital cities generally cost more than regional areas.

Common local move ranges:

Sydney, Melbourne: $120–$180 per hour; $600–$1,000 for a 2-bedroom home
Brisbane, Perth: $110–$160 per hour; $550–$900 for a 2-bedroom home
Adelaide, Hobart: $100–$150 per hour; $500–$850 for a 2-bedroom home
Regional areas: Often 10–20% cheaper, depending on availability

Interstate moves usually cost $3,000 to $6,000, depending on distance and load size. Smaller apartments sit at the lower end, while full houses cost more due to volume and handling time.

Factors Influencing Removalist Pricing
Removalist pricing depends on measurable details such as distance, load size, service scope, and timing. Each factor changes how companies calculate labour, vehicles, fuel, and scheduling.

Distance Travelled
Distance directly affects your total cost through fuel use, travel time, and crew hours. Local moves within the same city usually attract hourly rates, often charged in 15–30 minute blocks. Longer distances increase billable time even before loading begins.

Interstate and regional moves use a different pricing model. Removalists often base quotes on kilometres travelled and cubic metres, with fewer hourly variables. You may also pay for overnight stops, tolls, or ferry fees.

Volume and Type of Items
The total volume of your belongings plays a major role in pricing. More items require larger trucks, extra staff, and longer loading times. Removalists usually measure volume in cubic metres, not by room count.

Item type also matters. Heavy or awkward items like fridges, pianos, and gym equipment increase labour time and handling risk. Fragile items may require special packing materials or slower handling, which raises costs.

You can reduce surprises by providing a detailed inventory. Many companies use online volume calculators to estimate space and truck size more accurately.

Additional Services and Charges
Base quotes often exclude optional services. Packing, unpacking, and supply of boxes add to your final bill. These services save time but increase labour hours and material costs.

Access issues also affect pricing. Stairs, narrow hallways, long carry distances, and limited parking slow the job and may trigger extra fees. Some buildings require booking lifts, which adds waiting time.

Common add-ons include:

Packing and unpacking
Furniture disassembly and reassembly
Temporary storage
Insurance upgrades

Always confirm what the quote includes before booking.

Timing and Peak Periods
When you move can change the price as much as how you move. Weekends, public holidays, and school holiday periods attract higher rates due to demand. End-of-month dates also book out quickly.

Mid-week moves often cost less and offer more flexibility. Early morning starts may reduce traffic delays and paid downtime. Weather can also affect timing, especially for regional moves.

Booking early improves availability and pricing options. Last-minute bookings limit choice and often cost more due to tight schedules and staffing constraints.

Types of Removalist Services
Removalists offer different service types based on distance, load size, and handling needs. Your choice affects pricing, timing, and the level of labour you pay for.

Local Moves
Local moves cover relocations within the same city or nearby suburbs. Removalists usually charge by the hour, with rates influenced by truck size, crew numbers, and access at each property.

You can expect most local moves to fall between $80 and $150 per hour for a two-person crew. Larger homes or difficult access often increase the time required.

You reduce costs by packing in advance and ensuring clear driveways and lifts. Travel time often counts toward billable hours, so distance still matters.

Man With A Truck Service
A man with a truck service suits smaller moves, partial relocations, or single-item transport. You usually hire one removalist with a small truck or van, billed hourly.

This option works well when you move out of a studio, transport appliances, or collect marketplace purchases. Rates often start lower than full-service crews, but progress slows due to limited labour.

You handle some tasks yourself, such as carrying items downstairs or assisting with loading. That trade-off keeps costs down but increases physical effort.

This service suits flexible schedules and lighter loads. It does not suit multi-bedroom homes or fragile items that need specialised equipment.

Specialty Item Handling
Specialty item handling covers items that require extra care, equipment, or expertise. Common examples include pianos, pool tables, antiques, safes, and large artwork.

Removalists usually quote these jobs separately. Pricing depends on item weight, dimensions, access, and whether stairs or cranes are required.

Factors that affect cost

Custom crating or padding
Additional crew members
Insurance requirements

You should confirm the provider has experience with your specific item. Standard removalist insurance may not fully cover high-value goods, so check policy limits before booking.

Cost-Saving Tips When Hiring Removalists
You can control removalist costs by choosing providers carefully, reducing what you move, and timing your booking well. Small decisions before moving day often have a direct effect on the final invoice.

Comparing Quotes
You should collect written quotes from at least three removalists to see how pricing and inclusions differ. Ask each company to base the quote on the same details, including property access, number of rooms, and large items.

Pay close attention to what the quote includes, not just the headline price. Some removalists charge hourly with minimum time blocks, while others add separate fees for stairs, long carries, or packing materials.

Minimising Move Size
You can lower costs by moving fewer items, since load size directly affects time, labour, and truck requirements. Removalists charge more when jobs take longer or need larger vehicles.

Sort through your belongings early and separate items to sell, donate, or discard. Large, low-value items such as old furniture often cost more to move than they are worth keeping.

Focus on these high-impact actions:

Sell bulky items before moving day.
Disassemble furniture yourself where possible.
Pack boxes efficiently to avoid half-filled cartons.
Move small valuables and personal items on your own.

You should also label boxes clearly. Faster unloading reduces billable hours.

Booking in Advance
You usually pay less when you book early, especially for local moves. Removalists often increase prices during peak periods such as weekends, school holidays, and month-end.

Secure your booking several weeks ahead to access better availability and more competitive rates. Early booking also gives you time to confirm details and avoid rushed decisions.

If your schedule allows, choose: