How much does a removalist cost in Melbourne?

Moving homes can be stressful, and one of the first things people often ask is, “How much will it cost to hire a removalist in Melbourne?” While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, several factors determine the cost of hiring Melbourne removalists. Let’s break down the costs and the key factors that affect pricing.

Average Cost of Removalists in Melbourne

The cost of hiring a removalist in Melbourne typically depends on the size of your move, the distance to be covered, and any additional services you may need. On average, you can expect to pay:

Hourly Rate: Removalist services in Melbourne generally charge between $100 and $180 per hour. Most companies offer two or three movers as part of the package.
Small Move (1-2 Bedroom Apartment): A local move of this size might cost between $400 and $800, depending on the distance and amount of furniture.
Medium Move (3-4 Bedroom House): For larger households, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500.
Long Distance Move: If you’re moving a significant distance (e.g., interstate), the cost can be between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on the volume of items and the specific location.

Key Factors Influencing Removalist Costs

Distance of the Move One of the main factors influencing the cost of Melbourne removalists is the distance between your current and new home. A local move within the same suburb is cheaper than a cross-city or interstate move.
Volume of Goods The number of items you need to move will directly impact the cost. Larger homes with more furniture, appliances, and personal belongings will take longer to pack and transport, resulting in higher fees.
Time of the Move Moving on weekends, holidays, or during peak seasons (summer months) is usually more expensive. If you can move during off-peak times, you might be able to secure a lower rate.
Access and Logistics The ease of access to your current and new home also plays a role. If you live in an apartment building without an elevator or have limited Melbourne removalists, removalists may charge extra for the added time and effort.
Additional Services often provide extra services such as packing, unpacking, or furniture assembly. These added conveniences come at an extra cost:
- Packing Services: $30 to $50 per hour
- Packing Materials: Boxes, tape, and bubble wrap can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on how much you need.
- Furniture Disassembly/Reassembly: $70 to $150, depending on the complexity.

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Ways to Save on Removalist Costs

Declutter Before the Move: The less you have to move, the less time and effort removalists will need, reducing your overall cost.
Do Some Packing Yourself: While professional packing is convenient, handling part of the packing on your own can significantly lower your bill.
Compare Quotes: Shop around and get quotes from multiple removalist companies in Melbourne. Look for any discounts or promotions that might apply.

Why Hiring Professional Removalists Is Worth It

While DIY moving is an option, hiring Melbourne removalists comes with several advantages:

Experience and Efficiency: Professional removalists know how to handle heavy or fragile items with care, reducing the risk of damage.
Equipment and Trucks: You won’t need to rent or borrow equipment, vehicles, or moving supplies when hiring professionals.
Stress Reduction: Moving is already stressful. Professional removalists can handle the heavy lifting, letting you focus on settling into your new home.

Key Factors Affecting the Cost of a Melbourne Move

1. Property Size and Furniture The size of your home and the amount of furniture you own are key factors that influence the cost. Larger homes take more time to pack, transport and unpack than smaller properties. Additionally, the volume of furniture you need to move will impact the overall cost. For example, a large house with minimal furniture may cost less than a small apartment filled with furniture. Mentioning these details when requesting a quote will ensure you get an accurate estimate and the right size truck and crew for the job.
2. Preparation The more prepared your items are, the quicker and more efficient the move will be. Pack all your belongings in boxes and clearly label them by room. Disassemble furniture before the movers arrive to save time. Being well-prepared means the job will be completed faster, and you’ll save money. Need boxes? Hire A Box offers a range of durable cardboard moving boxes and packaging materials.
3. Distance Between Properties The distance between your current and new property also affects the cost. The shorter the distance, the quicker the drive, although remember that removal trucks take longer to drive than cars. Traffic conditions, especially during peak hours, should also be considered. At Hire A Mover, our Melbourne team typically starts at 8 a.m., which helps avoid the worst of rush hour traffic.
4. Parking the Truck Securing convenient parking for the removal truck is essential to saving time and money. Let the movers know of any loading zones or parking availability at both properties. In densely populated areas, reserving a parking spot can prevent the movers from wasting time searching for one. If parking is limited to street spaces, consider placing safety cones to hold the spot until the truck arrives. For buildings with a loading dock, ensure it has at least 3.2 meters of clearance to accommodate our trucks.
5. Lift or stairs? If movers need to use a lift or stairs, this could increase your moving costs. Using a lift involves extra steps like loading and unloading items multiple times. Slow or small lifts, as well as upper-level apartments, can add time to the move. Stairs, particularly multiple flights, also slow down the process. In both cases, we recommend requesting an extra mover to reduce move time and potentially save you money in the long run.

Average Time for a Melbourne Move

While every move is unique, here are general estimates based on past Melbourne moves. Note that factors like property size and unforeseen circumstances can increase moving times.

Studio/1 bedroom unit: 2-4 hours
2 bedroom apartment/house: 4-6 hours
3 bedroom apartment/house: 5-8 hours
4-bedroom house: 7-10 hours

Our movers work efficiently while ensuring your belongings are safely handled. We have a 2-hour minimum on all moves, plus any applicable travel fees.

How Much Will Your Melbourne Move Cost?

At Hire A Mover, our hourly rate is $180 (including GST) for two men and a truck. If three men are needed, the rate is $240 per hour. Moves within 30km of Melbourne CBD incur a travel fee of $90 (for two men) or $120 (for three men). Below are the estimated costs for moving within Melbourne:

Studio/1 bedroom unit: $450-$810 (2-4 hours, includes travel fee)
2 bedroom apartment/house: $810-$1170 (4-6 hours, includes travel fee)
3 bedroom apartment/house: $1320-$2040 (5-8 hours, includes travel fee)
4 bedroom house: $1800-$2520 (7-10 hours, includes travel fee)

Why Choose Hire A Mover?

While you may find lower or higher hourly rates, inexperienced movers often take longer and lack the skills needed to protect your belongings during transit. Our professional movers are trained to pack and transport your items efficiently and safely. Additionally, we’re fully insured with goods in transit and public liability insurance, giving you peace of mind.

Before choosing any Melbourne removalist, we recommend checking reviews on Google and Facebook. While no company is immune to negative feedback, consistently high ratings and genuine reviews are a good indicator of reliability.

Ready to move? Get in touch today for a quote by filling out our online form or calling us at 1300 358 700.

The cost of hiring Melbourne removalists depends on various factors like distance, volume of goods, and any additional services required. On average, expect to pay between $100 and $180 per hour for a typical move. However, getting multiple quotes and planning your move during off-peak times can help you save on costs. Hiring a professional removalist ensures a smooth, efficient moving experience, allowing you to focus on starting the next chapter in your new home.