Removalist quotes are hard to compare because companies price them differently. One gives an hourly rate, another a flat figure, a third a range that moves once they see the job. This guide explains what sits behind those numbers so you can read a quote properly before you accept it.
Local Melbourne moves are usually charged by the hour
For a move within Melbourne, most removalists charge an hourly rate. The clock covers the crew and the vehicle, so the price comes down to how long the job takes. That means anything that slows the move down costs money, and anything you do in advance saves it.
At Movers4Melbourne the rate is given to you upfront before you book, and a van and man starts from $40 per half hour.
What the rate should already include
Ask what comes as standard rather than assuming. Ours includes furniture blankets, trolleys and straps, and a fully insured crew. If a quote looks unusually cheap, check whether protective equipment and insurance are extras.
What makes a move take longer
- Stairs and lifts. A third-floor walk-up takes considerably longer than a ground-floor house. If the building has a lift, book it for your moving window.
- Distance from the truck to the door. A long carry, a narrow driveway or no parking outside adds time to every single item.
- Packing that is not finished. Crews load boxes, not loose belongings. Half-packed rooms are the most common reason a move runs over.
- Furniture that needs dismantling. Beds, wardrobes and desks take time to come apart and go back together.
- Heavy or awkward items. Pianos, safes and large appliances need extra care and sometimes extra people. See our piano moving page.
Interstate moves are quoted per job
Long-distance work is not sensibly charged by the hour, so it is quoted for the whole move based on the distance and how much you are sending. We move to New South Wales, the ACT and South Australia — see interstate removalists.
Five things to check before you accept a quote
- Is the rate hourly or fixed, and what exactly starts and stops the clock?
- Is there a minimum charge, and a call-out or travel component?
- Is the company insured, and what does that cover? Ours is set out on our insurance page.
- Are blankets, trolleys and straps included or charged separately?
- What happens if the job runs longer than estimated?
Get the answers in writing. A quote you can read line by line is worth more than a low headline number.
What we do not charge for, because we do not do it
We are a removals company, not a packing or storage company. We do not pack your belongings into boxes for you and we do not store your goods, so you will never see those items on a quote from us. If you are packing yourself, we sell moving boxes and packing supplies.
Get an upfront price
Tell us what you are moving and where from and to, and we will give you an upfront hourly rate. We have been moving Melbourne households since 2014, we are based at Campbellfield, and we work seven days a week. Call 0452 490 078, message us on WhatsApp, or request a free quote. You can also read our removalist FAQ or see our house removals service.