How Much Does Furniture Removal Cost? [2024]

Many of us have heard horror stories from friends who have moved out of a property only to face a massive furniture removal fee. With a little homework, however, you can find out how much you can expect to pay for furniture removal.

Why pay for furniture removal?

How’s your back these days? While we may think we have the strength to haul a huge plasma TV and full bedroom suite down three flights of stairs, often the opposite is true. Moving is stressful enough without having to lug all your belongings yourself. Even with friends on-hand, moving furniture can be a daunting and tiring process.

While hiring removalists will cost more than the case of beer you promise your helpful friends, it’s often worth it for peace of mind and to help lighten the load.


^{Hiring a professional removalist could help save you stress and precious time.}

What do removalists do?

As well as saving you from tearing your hair out, removalists tend to perform the following tasks:
 

• Providing packing boxes, tape and other accessories
• An optional packing and unpacking service
• Optional cleaning services
• Transporting your belongings to your new home
• Storing your items if needed
• Insurance for your belongings while in transit
• Transporting pets

^{Most removalists offer a packing service, which could save you precious time.}

 

#hiptip: Always make sure there are no hidden charges in your removalist quote

 

How to save on your next house move

Moving house can be an expensive business, so here are some tips to help cut down on the cost:
 

• Buy and pack your own boxes
• Avoid weekends and try to move on a weekday, which are cheaper
• Avoid moving at the beginning or end of the month, try schedule it for mid-month
• Have a clear out, so you have to less to move, which will cost less

Questions to ask your removalist

Entrusting all your worldly possessions to total strangers is not something one does lightly. Make sure you ask all the right questions before you sign anyone up, including:
 

• Does your rate include GST?
• Are my belongings insured?
• Does my quote include packing materials?
• How many movers will there be?
• Are there any extra costs, like fuel?
• Can I see some references?
• Are you a member of an industry association?

Read: Getting quotes from piano movers


^{Hire a professional furniture removalist to ensure your beloved items are transported with care.}

 

#hiptip: Make sure your removalist is insured, and preferably a member of an industry association

 

How much does furniture removal cost?

Furniture removal costs will depend on a number of factors, specifically:
 

• The distance of your move
• How much furniture and belongings you have
• If you use a full-service removalist or pack your own stuff

Like many services, the cost of furniture removal depends on where you live, as well as the amount of furniture being transported. Many removalists charge by the hour, though some may charge by the half-hour or in 15 minute increments. For interstate moves, removalists either charge based on cubic metres or on the amount of items/boxes you have.

Expect a total cost of anywhere from $300 - $3,500 - depending on the service you use and your specific circumstances.

Quotes are likely to range from $75 to $300 an hour - and may or may not include insurance or packing materials - so you really need to clarify all this when you get a quote. For around $250 an hour, you can include premium insurance to cover damage caused during packing and unpacking your belongings.

Many removalists feature calculators on their websites, to help you add up the cost of your move. The final fee will depend on how many rooms are included and whether heavy or awkward items are included.

Expect to be charged in the region of:

• $110/hr for moving small items, using 2 movers and taking 2 - 3 hours
• $125/hr for a 1 bedroom apartment, using 2 movers and taking 3 - 5 hours
• $175/hr for a small 3 bedroom apartment, using 3 movers and taking 4 - 6 hours
• $245/hr for a large 3 bedroom home, using 4 movers and taking 6 - 8 hours
• $315/hr, for large family home, 4+ bedrooms using 5 movers and taking 7 - 9 hours

These prices are for a Sydney-based removalist, who are fully insured and require a minimum hourly usage.


^{Do you really want to carry all your belongings down those stairs?}

Local city removalist cost

For a local city move expect to pay in the region of:
 

• $119/hr for a 3 bedroom unit using 2 movers, truck, mileage and insurance included

The small print: this quote includes GST. There is a 15% increase on Sundays/Public Holidays. Using an extra mover would cost $40 - this is suggested for large moves or where access is restricted.

Interstate removalist cost

For an interstate move expect to pay in the region of:
 

• $3500 to $5000 from Sydney to Melbourne, assuming a three bedroom house and including insurance and packing materials.

International move cost

Moving your life and belongings overseas is a totally different exercise to local or interstate. Expect your quote to be based on:

 

 

• The amount of stuff you will be shipping
• If you are using a door-to-door or door-to-port service
• Where you are moving to
• Local customs charges and duties

 

 

Choosing and comparing furniture removal quotes

Before choosing a removalist, ensure you understand what the quote includes. Does it include packing and unpacking, insurance or pet transport? Does it encompass all the rooms in your home or will you need to pay more than what’s been quoted?

Get a sense how much your project will cost by getting quotes from furniture removalists where you live. This will enable you to get a sense of what market rates currently are.

* All the costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this article was written. They are indicative, may vary locally, are subject to market forces and should only be used as a guide.