How Much Do Furniture Movers Cost In Melbourne?

Posted on 07 May 2025 | By Admin

When it comes to moving house or office in Melbourne, one of the biggest concerns for most people is the cost of hiring a furniture removalist. Understanding the factors that affect the pricing of furniture movers and how to manage these costs can make your relocation experience much smoother and more affordable. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the factors influencing the cost of hiring Melbourne removalists, break down typical prices, and provide tips on how to save money on your furniture removal service.

What Are Furniture Removalists?

Furniture removalists, or furniture movers, are professionals who specialize in helping individuals and businesses relocate furniture, belongings, and other household or office items from one place to another. Their services typically include packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and sometimes unpacking your goods. Furniture removalists often work with various vehicle sizes, ranging from small vans to large trucks, depending on the amount of furniture to be moved.

In Melbourne, the removal industry is highly competitive, with numerous companies offering a range of services, from basic local moves to interstate removals. To ensure the safety of your furniture and make the move as efficient as possible, hiring a professional furniture removalist is highly recommended.

Factors Affecting Furniture Removalist Costs in Melbourne

The cost of hiring a furniture removalist can vary significantly depending on several key factors. These include the distance of the move, the amount of furniture to be moved, the level of service required, the size of the moving team, and the time of year. Understanding these factors will help you get a more accurate estimate of what you can expect to pay for furniture removal in Melbourne

1. Distance of the Move
   

   The distance between your current location and your new home or office plays a crucial role in determining the cost of the move. Typically, the longer the distance, the higher the price. For instance, if you are moving within the same suburb or to a nearby neighborhood, the cost may be lower compared to an interstate move.
   
    - Local Moves (Within Melbourne): For moves within Melbourne's metropolitan area, pricing is often based on an hourly rate, with the removalists charging for the time it takes to load and unload your items, along with travel time between the pick-up and drop-off locations.
    - Interstate Moves: If you are relocating from Melbourne to another state, the distance involved will likely result in a higher cost. The transport fee will include the time spent traveling to your new location, and you may also be charged for fuel and other expenses.

2. Amount and Type of Furniture to Be Moved
   

   The more furniture you have, the more time and effort it will take for the removalists to complete the move. Large, bulky items such as pianos, wardrobes, and king-sized beds will require more manpower and may incur additional fees for specialized handling or equipment.
   
    - Small Moves: If you only need to move a few items, the cost will be lower, and you might be able to hire just one removalist with a smaller truck.
   
    - Large Moves: If you are moving an entire home with several bedrooms worth of furniture, you will need a larger team and a bigger truck, which will naturally increase the cost.

3. Level of Service
   

   The level of service you require will have a significant impact on the overall cost of the move. Some removal companies offer basic moving services, while others provide full-service moves, which include packing, disassembly, and unpacking. The more services you opt for, the higher the cost.
   
    - Basic Service: This typically includes loading, transporting, and unloading your furniture. You may need to do your own packing and disassembly.
   
    - Full-Service Moving: With this option, the removalists will handle everything, from packing your belongings to setting them up in your new home. This is a convenient choice for those who prefer to leave all the hard work to the professionals but comes at a higher price.

4. Time of Year
   

   The time of year you choose to move can influence the cost of hiring furniture movers. Melbourne’s removalist companies tend to be busier during peak seasons, such as the summer months (December to February) and around major holidays. As demand increases, prices tend to rise during these periods.
   
    - Peak Season: Moving during the summer or around Christmas and New Year’s tends to be more expensive due to higher demand.
   
    - Off-Peak Season: Moving during the cooler months, from March to November, is generally cheaper, as there is less demand for removal services.

5. Moving Time and Complexity
   
   The time and complexity of the move also play a role in determining the price. If you need to move within a short timeframe or require specific arrangements (such as navigating difficult staircases or limited access), the price may increase.
   
    - Access to Property: If your property has restricted access (narrow streets, stairs, elevators), the removalists may need additional time or equipment to safely move your furniture.
   
    - Time of Day: Some companies offer discounts for moves scheduled during off-peak hours, such as mid-week or early mornings.

6. Additional Costs
   
   There may also be additional costs involved in the moving process. Some of these costs include:
   
    - Insurance: If you want your furniture to be insured during the move, you may need to pay an additional fee for removalist insurance.
   
    - Packing Materials: If you require boxes, bubble wrap, and other packing materials, these will typically incur extra charges.
   
    - Storage: If your new home isn’t ready or there is a delay in the move, you may need temporary storage. Some removalists offer storage services, but this will add to the cost.

7. Size of the Moving Team
   
   The number of removalists required for the job will influence the price. Typically, a basic move within Melbourne might require two or three people, while larger moves might need a bigger team. The more removalists needed, the higher the hourly rate.

Typical Costs of Hiring Furniture Removalists in Melbourne

The cost of hiring furniture movers in Melbourne can range from as little as $100 for a small move to over $2,000 for a large, long-distance move. Let’s break down the typical pricing structure:

Hourly Rates for Local Moves

For local moves within Melbourne, furniture removalists generally charge an hourly rate. The hourly rate typically includes both the time spent moving furniture and the travel time

• Two Removalists and a Truck: The standard rate for two removalists and a truck is around $100 to $150 per hour. For a small apartment or a few items, this could be sufficient.

• Three or More Removalists: For larger homes or more complex moves, you may need three or more removalists, which can cost between $150 and $200 per hour.

• Minimum Charge: Many furniture removalist companies have a minimum charge of around 2 to 3 hours, even if the move takes less time.

Flat Fees for Long-Distance or Interstate Moves

For long-distance moves, such as interstate relocations, removalists may offer a flat fee based on the distance and the volume of goods to be moved. For example:

• Interstate Moves: A move from Melbourne to Sydney could cost between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on the size of your move. The more items you have, the higher the cost will be.

• Long-Distance Charges: Some companies may charge per kilometer for long-distance moves, with rates ranging from $2 to $5 per kilometer.

Additional Costs

• Packing and Unpacking Services: If you require packing services, expect to pay an additional $30 to $50 per hour for packing assistance.

• Insurance: Removalist insurance typically costs between 5% to 10% of the total value of your goods.

Factors That Influence the Cost of Moving Furniture

The cost of moving furniture can fluctuate depending on various factors and conditions. Understanding these factors is crucial when creating a budget for your move to accurately estimate the costs.

1. Size and Weight of Furniture

   The size and weight of your furniture play a significant role in determining the cost of the move. Generally, larger and heavier items result in higher moving costs. Moving companies often use the total weight of your belongings to calculate the expenses, employing two common methods: origin weighing and destination weighing.

    - Origin Weighing: The moving team weighs the truck before and after loading your furniture. The weight difference determines the cost.
    - Destination Weighing: The truck is weighed after unloading, with the weight difference before and after unloading providing the total weight for pricing.

   Be sure to ask your moving company which weighing method they use and understand the cost per pound, as this will impact the final price of the move.

2. Distance of the Move
   The distance between your current location and your new home is another key factor in moving costs. Moving locally is usually less expensive compared to long-distance moves. How accessible your old and new homes are also matters. The closer the locations, the faster the moving truck can complete the journey, which helps reduce costs. However, traffic and peak hours may increase travel time, leading to higher costs. To minimize this, consider scheduling your move during less busy times.
   
   
3. Type of Furniture
   The type of furniture being moved can significantly affect the cost. Specialized items such as antiques, pianos, or delicate furniture require extra care and expertise to move, which can increase the price. Antique furniture demands specialized packing and handling to prevent damage, while pianos are heavy and complex, requiring skilled movers to transport safely. Moving companies may charge more for these items due to the extra care and equipment required.
   
   
4. Size of the Moving Crew
   The number of movers you hire influences the overall cost. Many moving companies charge by the hour, so adding more movers can increase the price. However, having more movers can also speed up the process, reducing the time spent on the move. You’ll need to weigh whether the additional cost for a larger crew is worth the quicker service. If you don’t have much to move, a smaller team may suffice, so consider your needs and budget carefully when deciding on crew size.
   
   
5. Additional Services
   If you require extra services, such as disassembling and reassembling furniture, or handling delicate items, these can raise the cost of your move. Using moving company-supplied materials, like stretch wrap, felt pads, or mattress bags, may also come with additional charges. Consider what services are essential for your move and how they will impact your total costs.
   
   
6. Timing of the Move
   The timing of your move plays a significant role in the overall cost. For example, moving in the summer is typically more expensive due to higher demand for moving services. Conversely, moving during the winter, when demand is lower, can often be more affordable. Weekday moves tend to be less expensive than weekend moves, and daytime hours are generally cheaper than nighttime moves. By scheduling your move strategically, you can reduce costs and make your move more budget-friendly.
   
   
7. Property Access
   The accessibility of your home for movers can also affect the price. If your home has stairs, narrow hallways, or limited parking for the moving truck, the movers may need to spend more time navigating these challenges, which could lead to extra fees. To avoid surprises, discuss any potential access issues with the moving company in advance. This will allow them to plan accordingly and give you a more accurate estimate.

Conclusion

When planning your furniture move, it’s important to get estimates from multiple moving companies to find the best deal for your needs and budget. Always request an in-person or video survey of your belongings before receiving a quote, as relying on online estimates may not give an accurate picture of your actual moving costs.

For a reliable, professional moving experience, consider Harry The Mover. With a focus on the careful handling of your belongings and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Harry The Mover ensures a smooth and stress-free relocation. Contact us today for an estimate and make your move a success!

How to Save Money on Furniture Removal Costs

Moving can be expensive, but there are ways to keep costs down without sacrificing quality or service.

1. Book in Advance
   By booking your furniture removalist well in advance, you may be able to secure a lower rate, especially if you are moving during off-peak times.

2. Declutter Before the Move
   The less furniture you need to move, the lower your costs will be. Take the time to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need before hiring a furniture removalist.

3. Choose Off-Peak Moving Dates
   Avoid moving during peak seasons, such as the summer or holiday periods, when prices tend to be higher.

4. Get Multiple Quotes
   Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Shop around and compare prices from different Melbourne removalists to find the best deal for your needs.

5. Pack Your Own Items
   If you’re able to, pack your belongings yourself to save on packing fees. Many removalists offer discounts for customers who do their own packing.

The cost of hiring furniture movers in Melbourne can vary based on a range of factors, including the size of the move, the level of service required, and the time of year. On average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 per hour for local moves, with long-distance moves costing significantly more

To ensure you get the best deal, it’s important to understand the factors that affect pricing and take steps to reduce your costs. Whether you’re moving to a small apartment or a large family home, working with professional Melbourne removalists can make the process much easier and more efficient.

By planning ahead, comparing quotes, and choosing the right services, you can have a smooth, affordable move in Melbourne.

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