Quick Answer
Hiring a removalist in Melbourne typically costs $150–$220 per hour for a 2-person team with a truck, with most 3-bedroom house moves costing $900–$1,800 for a local move (under 50km). Interstate moves from Melbourne to Sydney cost $2,500–$5,000 depending on volume. SE Melbourne suburbs like Berwick, Narre Warren, and Pakenham are well-served by local removalists with no travel surcharge for local moves within the South East.
Melbourne Removalist Costs by Job Type
Local Move (Under 50km)
| Home Size | Team + Truck | Typical Time | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment | 2 people + small truck | 2–4 hours | $350–$650 |
| 2-bedroom unit/townhouse | 2 people + truck | 4–6 hours | $600–$1,050 |
| 3-bedroom house | 2–3 people + truck | 6–10 hours | $900–$1,800 |
| 4-bedroom house | 3 people + large truck | 8–12 hours | $1,200–$2,400 |
| 5+ bedroom home | 4 people + 2 trucks | Full day+ | $1,800–$3,500 |
Additional Services
| Service | Typical Add-On Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service (full home) | $300–$800 | Includes all boxes and materials |
| Piano removal | $250–$600 | Upright piano; grand piano costs more |
| Pool table removal | $300–$500 | Requires disassembly/reassembly |
| Storage (per week) | $80–$200 | Useful for settlement gap between homes |
| Packing boxes (supply only) | $3–$6 per box | Most removalists sell boxes |
| Stair carry (per flight) | $50–$100 | Always declare stairs when quoting |
Interstate and Long-Distance Moves
| Route | 3-Bedroom Volume | Typical Cost | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne to Sydney | 20–30m³ | $2,500–$5,000 | 1–2 days |
| Melbourne to Brisbane | 20–30m³ | $3,500–$6,500 | 3–5 days |
| Melbourne to Adelaide | 20–30m³ | $1,500–$3,000 | 1–2 days |
| Melbourne to Perth | 20–30m³ | $4,500–$9,000 | 7–14 days |
| Melbourne to Canberra | 20–30m³ | $1,200–$2,500 | 1 day |
What Affects Melbourne Removalist Costs?
1. Access and Distance from Truck to Door
A ground-floor house with a driveway is the easiest access scenario. Apartments without lift access, narrow staircases, long carries from the street, and low-clearance parking all add time — and therefore cost. When getting quotes, be specific about access at both the pick-up and drop-off address.
2. Volume and Weight
More furniture = larger truck = higher cost. A 3-bedroom house typically fills a 12–18m³ truck. If you’re downsizing or have already decluttered, your move may qualify for a 2-person + smaller truck at a lower rate. Declare all heavy items (piano, gym equipment, marble-top dining tables) when quoting.
3. Day of Week and Season
End-of-month moves and school holiday periods (particularly December–January) are the busiest. Peak rates apply. Off-peak (Tuesday–Thursday, mid-month) moves are consistently 10–20% cheaper. Summer (November–February) is the most expensive season for Melbourne removalists.
4. Insurance Coverage
Basic transit insurance is typically included for items the removalist packs. Goods you pack yourself (“owner-packed goods”) may have limited or no cover in transit. Ask specifically about coverage for high-value items — a separate insurance rider may be worth purchasing for antiques or electronics.
Tips and Gotchas
- Get three written quotes minimum — not over the phone. A properly itemised written quote protects you if the final bill differs.
- Declare everything that’s heavy or awkward before the quote is locked in. Surprises on moving day lead to on-the-spot price increases.
- Check the removalist is fully insured — ask for their public liability policy number and transit insurance details before booking.
- Disassemble what you can beforehand. Flat-pack furniture is dramatically faster to move than assembled wardrobes and bed frames. Pre-disassembly can save 1–2 hours on a large move.
- Don’t book the cheapest quote blindly. Check Google reviews for recent jobs in your suburb. A $200 cheaper quote from a company with unresolved damage claims is false economy.
- Confirm the minimum call-out charge. Most Melbourne removalists charge a minimum of 2 hours regardless of how quick the actual job is.
- Book 3–4 weeks ahead for Friday, Saturday, or end-of-month moves — these slots are booked out quickly.
- Have a second person available at both ends if possible. Removalists can’t leave items unattended — having someone at the new property keeps the job moving efficiently.
Local Melbourne Resources
- Australian Furniture Removers Association — Find a Removalist — member companies are independently audited
- Consumer Affairs Victoria — Removalists — know your rights before you book
- Bunnings — Moving Box Selector
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move a 3-bedroom house in Melbourne?
A local move of a 3-bedroom house in Melbourne typically costs $900–$1,800 with a 2–3 person team and truck. The wide range reflects access difficulty, distance, and whether packing is included. Most standard moves within the SE Melbourne corridor (Berwick to Frankston) fall in the $1,000–$1,500 range.
Do Melbourne removalists charge by the hour or by the job?
Most Melbourne removalists charge by the hour (typically $150–$220 per hour for a 2-person team with a 8-tonne truck). Some companies offer a fixed-price quote for interstate or large local moves. Hourly rates are common for local residential moves. Always confirm the rate structure before booking.
What’s the cheapest day to hire a removalist in Melbourne?
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mid-month are consistently the cheapest days. Friday and Saturday at end of month are the most expensive — often 15–25% higher than midweek rates. If you can move on a weekday, you’ll typically save $150–$400 on a standard 3-bedroom move.
Can removalists move a piano?
Yes, but most removalists charge a premium for pianos due to weight, awkward shape, and risk of damage. An upright piano typically adds $250–$600 to the quote depending on access. Grand pianos require specialised piano movers and cost $800–$2,000. Always declare a piano upfront rather than on moving day.
What should I do if the removalist damages my belongings?
Document damage immediately with photos before the removalists leave. Report it to the company in writing (email) within 24 hours of the move. Reputable companies will offer to repair or replace damaged items through their transit insurance. If the company is unresponsive, lodge a complaint with Consumer Affairs Victoria or the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) if they’re a member.
Final Thoughts
For most Melbourne house moves, a weekday booking with a 2–3 person crew and written quote is the best combination of value and protection. Get at least three quotes, confirm insurance details, disassemble what you can, and book 3–4 weeks ahead for any weekend or end-of-month move. SE Melbourne removalists covering Berwick, Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Frankston are plentiful — competition keeps rates reasonable compared to inner-city Melbourne.
