Moving into a walk-up apartment or a multi-story townhouse changes the logistics of your move immediately. Stairs are one of the most contentious aspects of removalist pricing, often leading to disputes on moving day.
In this guide, we will break down exactly how professional removalists near you factor stairs into your quote, why the costs exist, and how to identify them in your contract.
The Short Answer
Yes, removalists charge extra for stairs.
However, the method of charging varies based on the company’s pricing structure. You will generally encounter one of two scenarios:
- Hourly Rate Moves: You pay for the extra time it takes to navigate stairs.
- Fixed Price Moves: You pay a flat surcharge per flight or per step.
Failure to disclose stairs during the quoting phase will almost always result in a price revision on the day of the move or, in extreme cases, a refusal to lift.
Why Stairs Increase Moving Costs
It is not just about the physical effort. Australian removalists operate under strict strict Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) regulations. Stairs introduce three specific cost factors:
- Increased Labour Time: Carrying a fridge up two flights of stairs takes significantly longer than rolling it into a lift. On an hourly rate, this directly increases your final bill.
- Fatigue Management: Removalists cannot sustain the same pace on stairs as they do on flat ground. They require more frequent breaks to maintain safety, which extends the job duration.
- Risk Premium: Stairs increase the risk of injury to the movers and damage to the property (scuffed walls, chipped banisters). Companies factor this risk into their pricing.
How Removalists Calculate Stair Charges
Understanding the calculation method helps you compare quotes accurately. Here is how the industry technically applies these fees.
1. The Hourly Rate Model (Time = Money)
Most local moves in Australia are charged by the hour. In this scenario, you rarely see a line item explicitly labelled "Stair Fee."
Instead, the cost is hidden in the duration.
- The Reality: A move that takes 4 hours with lift access might take 6 hours with stairs.
- The Cost: You pay the standard hourly rate for those additional 2 hours.
Note: Some hourly companies do add a "difficult access" fee on top of the hourly rate if the stairs are particularly steep, narrow, or exceed a certain number of floors (usually level 3 or higher without a lift).
2. The Fixed Price Model (Surcharges)
If you are moving interstate or have booked a fixed-price local move, the removalist cannot rely on the clock to cover the extra effort. They must calculate the effort upfront.
Common surcharge structures include:
- Per Flight Fee: A set fee (e.g., $50-$150) per flight of stairs.
- Per Step Fee: Less common, but used for specific heavy items.
- Heavy Item Surcharge: If you have a piano, pool table, or double-door fridge going up stairs, expect a specific "heavy lift" fee regardless of the general access.
Crucial: A "flight" is typically defined as 5-10 steps. If you have a split-level home with 4 steps separating rooms, clarify if this counts as a flight.
Common Misconceptions vs. Reality
Let’s correct the most common errors customers make regarding stair access.
Misconception: "I’ll help them carry it to save money."
Reality: Professional removalists will typically refuse this. Their insurance policies cover their staff, not you. If you slip on the stairs while holding the other end of a washing machine, the liability issues are massive. You cannot mitigate stair fees by offering to labour.
Misconception: "It’s only one flight, so it’s free."
Reality: While some companies waive charges for the first flight (e.g. ground to first floor), most do not. From an OH&S perspective, the risk begins at the first step.
Misconception: "They won't know until they get here."
Reality: If you fail to disclose stairs, the removalist has the right to halt the move. They may not have the correct equipment (trolleys, straps) or enough manpower (2 men vs. 3 men) to handle stairs safely. At best, they will update the quote immediately; at worst, they will charge you a futile booking fee and leave.
How to Handle Stairs in Your Quote
To ensure your quote is accurate and you avoid surprise costs on moving day, follow this protocol.
1. Count and Measure
Do not guess. Walk the route from the truck parking spot to your front door, and from the front door to the rooms.
- Count the number of external steps.
- Count the flights inside the building.
- Check the width of the staircase against your widest furniture item.
2. Disclose "Split Levels"
Many Australian townhouses are split-level. You might not think of these as "stairs," but removalists do. If there are 3 steps down to the lounge and 4 steps up to the kitchen, mention it.
3. Check for Lift Size
If you have a lift, assume it will fit everything until it doesn't. If your 3-seater sofa doesn't fit in the lift, it has to go up the stairs. If you haven't booked for stair access, this will cause a significant delay or additional charge.
4. Ask the "Three Floor" Question
Pro Tip: Ask your removalist: "Do you have a surcharge for levels above the second floor?" Many companies charge a standard rate for ground and first floor, but apply a "high rise" surcharge for levels 3 and up if there is no lift.
Summary
Removalists in Australia charge for stairs because stairs represent time, risk, and physical fatigue.
- If you pay hourly: You pay for the extra time the stairs consume.
- If you pay fixed: You pay a specific surcharge per flight or heavy item.
Your obligation is to be transparent. Disclose every step, flight, and difficult access point during the booking process. This ensures the removalists arrive with the right team and equipment, preventing disputes and keeping your move on schedule.