If you’re planning a move or need to shift heavy furniture items to storage, you’ll want to hire a professional to handle all the hard work and logistics. With a wide selection of experienced furniture removalists on hipages, here’s what you need to know before choosing one.

When should you hire a furniture removalist?

You should think about hiring a furniture removalist whenever you need to move house or transport large and heavy furniture. Furniture removalists are professionals who have the experience and tools for the job. They will handle everything in a safe and efficient manner, whether it's a local or long-distance move. They know how to navigate narrow hallways, staircases and doorways to prevent any damage to the furniture or property.

Hiring a furniture removalist can not only save you time, but physical strain. They will handle all the loading, unloading and transportation of your furniture, ensuring it arrives where it needs to be safely and intact. You may also be able to hire them for packing and unpacking services, so your belongings are properly secured and completely organised during the move.

Whether you're moving to a new home, rearranging furniture or shifting heavy items into storage, hiring a furniture removalist is a convenient way to manage your needs.

What services does a furniture removalist provide?

A furniture removalist can provide a range of services for handling your furniture and belongings, including:

• General furniture moving: Loading, transporting and unloading furniture from one location to another, whether it's a local or long-distance move.
• Packing: Properly wrapping and packing furniture to protect it during transit, and also preventing damage during the moving process.
• Dismantling and reassembling: Breaking down large furniture pieces, such as beds, wardrobes and dining tables, and reassembling them at the new location.
• Heavy lifting: Using certain equipment to handle heavy and bulky furniture items with care, reducing the risk of damage or personal injury.
• Furniture protection: Using padding, blankets and straps to secure furniture during transportation.
• Truck transport: Using the right-size vehicle to fit your furniture and belongings for the move.
• Storage: Offering short-term or long-term storage solutions for furniture that needs to be kept in a secure place.
• Insurance: Providing insurance options to cover any accidental damage or loss during the move.
• Unpacking: Helping you unpack and place the furniture at your new home.
• Interstate or international moves: Facilitating moves interstate or even internationally. They can help coordinate logistics and ensure a smooth transition.

Why is it important to hire a licensed and insured furniture removal service?

Choosing a moving service that is both licensed and insured can give you peace of mind that they will do a quality job. Plus, you won’t have to worry if there’s an accident or any damage during the move.

Insurance coverage, in particular, protects you from potential financial losses if accidental damage occurs during transportation. You’ll always know that your belongings are in the hands of professionals who prioritise safety above all else. In the event of any damage, their insurer will handle the claim quickly.

Professional furniture removal vs DIY

When deciding on a professional furniture removal or a do-it-yourself approach, think about the following:

• Expertise and efficiency: Professional removal services have the expertise, experience, trucks and equipment to handle any furniture relocation safely.
• Physical strain: Moving furniture can be physically taxing, especially for large, heavy items. Hiring a professional will save you from the physical strain and any potential injuries from heavy lifting.
• Time and convenience: Professional removal services handle the entire process, from packing to unpacking, saving you time and effort compared to doing everything yourself.
• Liability and insurance: They will have liability coverage, which protects you from potential financial losses due to accidental damage during the move. DIY moving leaves you entirely responsible for any damage.
• Proper handling: Professional movers know how to disassemble, pack and protect any type of furniture properly.
• Cost: DIY moving might seem cost-effective initially, but when you factor in the cost of renting a truck, packing materials, potential damages and the time spent moving, hiring a professional may be kinder on your wallet in the long run.
• Stress and peace of mind: Professional removal services give you peace of mind that your furniture will be handled with care.
• Complex moves: For long-distance or international moves, professional removal services have the resources to manage complex logistics.

What happens if your items are damaged during transit?

If your furniture is damaged during transit, your options will depend on whether you’ve hired a professional moving company or did the move yourself. If you’ve hired professionals, contact the moving company immediately and file a damage claim with them.

Most reputable movers have insurance to cover damages during transit. They will assess the damage, and if the claim is valid, they will offer compensation or repair the items. If you did the move yourself, the responsibility for any damage falls on you, which means taking care of repairs or replacements out-of-pocket.

What should you ask a furniture removalist before hiring them?

Before hiring a furniture removalist, ask the following questions to ensure you're making an informed decision:

1. Are you licensed and insured?
2. What experience do you have in furniture removals?
3. Can you provide references or customer testimonials?
4. What services do you offer, and what’s your pricing structure?
5. Will you provide insurance coverage for my belongings during the move?
6. How do you handle special or delicate items?
7. What is the estimated timeline for the move?
8. Do you provide packing materials, or do I need to supply them?

Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.