How Much Do Furniture Removals Cost? A Step-by-Step Guide
Planning a furniture removal can be much easier when you know what factors affect the cost and how much furniture removals cost in Perth and other parts of Australia. Typically, removalists charge an hourly rate for two movers and a truck, which generally falls between $150 and $170 per hour. This rate often includes travel time to and from the depot, so choosing a company located within 20 km of your starting point can help make the most of your paid hours.
Many removal companies also have minimum booking times, often 2 to 4 hours, especially on weekends. On weekdays (Monday to Thursday), typical moves cost around $280. Fridays tend to be more expensive at around $560, with Saturdays costing about $640. Rates can vary depending on factors like distance, the type of service you need, and any special requirements, so be sure to request a personalized quote for an accurate estimate. Here are the most important details about furniture removal cost.
Rates Per Hour for Furniture Removal In Australia
For local moves, which may involve intra-city relocation, most movers charge hourly. Here’s everything you need to know about hourly pricing:
Movers Hourly Rates
Usually, hourly charges fall into three broad categories, which distinguish the service and level of insurance offered:
- Budget Rates: Around $25 to $74 an hour. The budget rates usually only cover the basic service, without insurance. Budget options are best for small moves or when strapped for cash.
- Standard Price Range: $92 per hour. The most basic regular insurance, a two-mover team and a moving truck are covered at that rate. Standard rates make most residential moves suitable.
- Premium Price Range: From $109 to $200 an hour. It covers “all-risks” insurance; you can also have packing and unpacking included when you have big valuable or fragile items. Premium rates are recommended to use when you have big or fragile items.
Hourly charges apply to the majority of cases, often in 15 or 30-minute increments so you will pay only for the time spent on your move. Ensure you ask if such hourly charges already include supplementary charges like “back-to-base” charges meaning that they charge you for them to get back to their home after completing a job and also fuel charges.
Pros and Cons of Hourly Rates
Pros
- Flexible pricing, especially on shorter moves.
- You only pay for the actual time movers spend on the job.
Cons
- The cost may rise as more time is spent when the move has taken longer than anticipated.
- Some companies tack an extra surprise fee onto the regular billed hour.
- The best application of the hourly rate is when moving within a city or short distance. You can easily estimate the time that the whole process will take.
Flat Rate Furniture Removal Costs by Move Size
A flat rate makes sense for bigger moves or longer distances. It usually depends on how many rooms there are, and the volume of items to be moved. This is an approximate scale depending on the size of the home:
| One-bedroom move: | $500-$600 |
| Two-bedroom move: | Around $551 with possible fluctuations that depend upon the complexity of the moving process. |
| Three-bedroom move: | That is likely to cost $699 in size and requires 2-3 movers using a medium truck. |
| Four-bedroom move: | The price could be around $713 for a local move, but if it’s an over several miles move, that higher quote comes into effect. |
This may also make flat rates less costly for bigger moves, as this will not happen job duration will take more time and then be more costly. You can get FREE quotes by sharing some details about your home’s size, the amount of furniture you have, and any special items; thus, make sure that you give truthful information so that the removalist provides you with the correct quote.
Standard Rates For Furniture Removal In Perth
These costs vary based on the size of the move, distance, and additional services, such as packing or storage.
| Service Type | Average Cost (Local Move) | Average Cost (Interstate Move) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment | $300 – $600 | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment | $500 – $900 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| 3 Bedroom House | $800 – $1,300 | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| 4 Bedroom House | $1,000 – $1,800 | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Packing Services | $150 – $400 | $400 – $1,000 |
| Furniture Disassembly/Reassembly | $100 – $300 | $300 – $600 |
| Specialty Items (e.g., pianos) | $250 – $700 | $500 – $1,200 |
| Storage Services (per month) | $150 – $300 | $200 – $400 |
| Truck Hire Only | $80 – $150 per hour | $120 – $200 per hour |
| Additional Movers (per mover) | $40 – $60 per hour | $50 – $70 per hour |
Additional Flat Rate Considerations
Flat rates are often better for larger moves. However, storage fees, oversized items like pianos, and additional care requirements can affect the final quote. Provide accurate details to get an appropriate estimate.
Read More: House Removals Cost
Furniture Removal Rates by State
Usually, service charges for furniture removal are very geographical and can be easily influenced by regional demand, fuel cost, and other logistical issues. Below is an overview of average hourly rates based on the state.
| State | Local Move Rates (Per Hour) | Interstate Rates (Estimated Total Cost) |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | $100 – $150 | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Victoria (VIC) | $100 – $140 | $1,400 – $3,000 |
| Queensland (QLD) | $100 – $130 | $1,800 – $3,500 |
| South Australia (SA) | $90 – $120 | $1,500 – $3,200 |
| Western Australia (WA) | $110 – $150 | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Tasmania (TAS) | $90 – $130 | $2,200 – $4,500 |
| Northern Territory (NT) | $120 – $160 | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | $100 – $140 | $1,600 – $3,300 |
Areas in high-demand urban centres may be in a position to charge more based on size due to a higher level of complexity in traversing a dense urban environment. Besides this, the charges on fuel and other related factors vary by state and this too will find its way into the final quote.
Factors That Affect Furniture Removalist Costs
The hiring of the cost of furniture movers doesn’t rely solely on their hourly rates or flat fees. Various factors determine the final price. Some of the significant ones include:
Type of Furniture
Some furniture, such as large sectionals, antiques, or outdoor furniture, must be packed in-house and will likely require disassembly. All these requirements increase the total cost because they take more time and probably labour or equipment.
Hourly Rates and Minimum Booking Requirements
Most companies charge the hour for two movers and the truck, between $150 and $170 an hour. Companies often have a minimum hour booking requirement, typically 2 to 4 hours, especially on busier days. For instance, a weekday move (Monday to Thursday) might charge $280, but moving on a Friday or Saturday is going to be pricey. $560 to move on a Friday, and around $640 to move on a Saturday.
Distance and Travel Time
Travel distance is arguably the most popular factor in determining removalist costs. Most companies charge for travel time between deports, rather than based on just time spent on a job. Choosing a removalist within 20km of your origin can make quite a difference in bringing down travel costs and maximizing your furniture’s shifting hours.
Size of the Move
The cost will be determined by the size and complexity of the move, including the volume and weight of the furniture to be moved. Larger moves or complicated moves may require additional staff, specialized equipment, or sometimes more than one truck for the completion of the total price.
Additional Services
Any packing, unpacking, or assembly done for you may add additional fees. While removalists often provide full-service package deals, which include all packing materials and assistance, this is not very practical but could be considered highly convenient and adds an extra fee.
Special Items
Large or very sensitive items, such as pianos, large mirrors, or antiques, will likely cost more to relocate safely due to the special care and equipment needed.
Time of Year and Day of the Week
Prices get a little higher during peak seasons like summer or weekends. You can save money if you do it on a weekday since the moving rate on weekdays is usually lower than on Fridays and Saturdays.
How to Reduce the Cost of Furniture Removalist Services?
Furniture relocation doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are a few practical ways to keep removal costs down.
- Take advantage of your packing supplies: A moving company may charge for boxes, bubble wrap, and similar supplies. Using your own will save you a few dollars.
- Pre-clean before the move: Remove all unnecessary items. The fewer items to move, the cheaper your bill might be.
- Pack ahead: Having everything ready and packed when the movers arrive can save them time and save you money.
- Opt for off-peak time: Try to move mid-week or mid-month. There is usually a demand during the first of any month, so scheduling can save money and you will find less busy movers.
- Compare quotes: Different companies charge different prices. You can compare several quotes to find a company that best fits your budget.
- Ask for additional fees upfront: Some companies may charge extra for additional services, fuel, or back-to-base time. Ask them about these costs to avoid unexpected fees.
DIY Cost vs. Hiring Professional Furniture Movers
Hiring professionals is sometimes the only feasible option to get the job done, especially with larger moves. However, some may find that a DIY move is an ideal budget-friendly option for them. Choosing DIY for local moves in Perth can save you around $200–$500 compared to hiring professionals, as you only pay for truck rental, fuel, and packing supplies. For intercity or interstate moves, DIY savings may range from $500–$1,000. However, DIY moves come with their challenges, like the risk of damage, added time, and physical strain, whereas professional movers bring expertise, equipment, and secure handling for a smoother, stress-free move.
Pros of DIY Moving:
- Budget-Friendly – Save on Moving Costs: DIY moving is more popular because it offers cost-effectiveness. Renting a truck would be more affordable, and asking around would yield better deals on packing materials. Of course, having friends and family help you out would decrease the costs further. It’s especially practical for small moves such as studio or one- and two-bedroom apartments or short-distance moves.
- Flexibility – Move on Your Schedule: DIY moving puts total control over your time in your hands. You can decide when you will pack, take any route you want, and finish the move based on your pace. There’s no need to wait for others; you can freely work at your own pace, and thus easier compliance with your budget and tailor-made preferences.
Cons of DIY Moving:
- Time-Consuming – A Lengthy Process: Independent moving often proves to be a long and tiring affair. The manual mover has to spend considerable time planning the movement, procuring packaging materials, renting a truck, and handling logistics, which is rather overwhelming, especially for first-time movers. Additional responsibility may lead to time delays and additional stress or day-of-the-date adjustments.
- Physically Demanding – Potential for Injury: DIY moving can be physically demanding. Heavy lifting and many clumsy items, such as large pieces of furniture, may cause stress or soreness in some parts of the body. Otherwise, it could lead to injuries if not done properly. In the absence of proper equipment, such as dollies or hand trucks, it may be easy to damage some items or hurt some parts of the body.
- Property Damage Risks: Without experience, moving large or fragile items will increase the risk of property damage. Bruised furniture, scratched walls, or dented floors can result from improper lifting, sliding, or unpacking. In this regard, large appliances and specialty items like pianos are riskier with them without the experience and equipment of professional movers.
If you’re doing some of the moving yourself, you’ll likely need to consider renting a truck, which can range from $10 to $50 a piece for large items dumped by landfill.
Pros of Hiring a Moving Company
- Saves Time – Efficiency and Speed: This is one other reason why hiring a moving company would work well. The reason is that you do not have to bother yourself with lots of tasks ranging from the dismantling to the packing of your furniture to the loading and unloading. It saves you precious hours to transfer utilities, update your address, and coordinate the setup of your new home.
- Expertise – Professional Knowledge: Professional movers have training in techniques for packing, furniture assembly, and equipment use; thus, they are better poised to handle delicate items or those with high value and lower the risk of damage. Therefore, applying their professional expertise translates to packing your belongings well, so transport will be safe.
- Insurance – Added Protection: Having insurance in place, one of the big perks when hiring movers is the added protection. When an item is lost during your move or even broken during transit, damages are covered through this insurance, bringing peace of mind to you while moving expensive furniture and other precious items.
- Supplies Provided – Movers Come Prepared: Professional movers always come prepared with all the supplies you may need from moving, including dollies, straps, moving blankets, and special boxes for specific items. The need to find or buy supplies is thus not necessary because they have all the appropriate packing materials for every item, which reduces damage during the moving process.
- Avoids Physical Strain – No Heavy Lifting: These professionals are trained to take up heavy items to be moved around and, therefore, the task is safer for you and your belongings. All the physical activity is taken care of by them, eliminating all chances of straining or being injured while dealing with large furniture pieces or multiple boxes.
Cons of Hiring Moving Companies
- Higher Cost – Cost Involved: Professional movers are convenient and expert, so they usually cost more than carrying out the DIY. One’s cost would often include hour rates, truck costs, and sometimes special item fees. Of course, it costs more, but the ease, safety, and time saved may all be worth it.
- Less Flexibility – Adapting to Their Schedule: Moving companies operate according to a fixed schedule. You, therefore, will have to adapt your timeline to fit theirs. Sometimes, it may be pretty trying if you have a very strict timeline or moving dates; movers may not always be available for your ideal schedule.
Add-Ons and Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
Not all moving companies charge for particular services or conditions, and knowing these fees ahead of time can be a real money-saver when it comes to avoiding surprise charges:
- Additional Man: If you have more than two movers, you will often be charged an additional fee per man.
- Assembly Disassembly: You will need to disassemble some furniture pieces to ensure safe transportation so it increases your overall cost.
- Stair or No Elevator Fee: Most often a fee is assessed by the moving company for long flights of stairs or lack of elevators.
- Packing and Unpacking Services: These services are not part of moving rates and thus add to the cost.
- Storage Fees: If you cannot move into your new location immediately, you may need temporary storage for your goods.
Alternatives for Affordable Furniture Disposal
You can also get affordable waste removal of furniture in the following ways:
- Sell or Give Away: Post your items on local marketplaces, such as Facebook or Freecycle, for someone to pick up. Just make sure buyers or recipients handle pickup.
- Donate to Nonprofits: Most organizations accept furniture donations that are in good condition. Research beforehand what local charities accept furniture donations and arrange for pickup. In some cases, your donation might even be tax-deductible.
- Rent a Dumpster: A week-long dumpster rental can be affordable for large decluttering jobs. Rent the largest dumpster you can afford for 7 days (averaging $300–$800).
- Check with Local Trash Collection Services: Depending on where you live, some municipal services will collect large items for an additional fee. Confirm what’s included and if they’re available in your area before your move.
Extra Tips to Make Your Furniture Move Smoother
These suggestions can keep your furniture relocation on track and headache-free:
- Plan Ahead: Book movers well in advance, especially during peak moving season.
- Marked Boxes Clearly: Mark every box with its contents and the room in which it belongs. This will save time and discomfort in unpacking.
- Essentials Box: Pack a special room essentials package consisting of toiletries, clothes, important documents, etc., and ensure easy access to these on the very first night spent at the new destination.
Conclusion
The cost would depend on the volume, complexity, scope of your move and kind of furniture. However, knowing the different structures of pricing and how factors should influence costs you make the right decisions to avoid any surprise costs. Whichever it is, planning, comparing rates, and keeping an eye out for additional fees will make your furniture relocation as cost-effective as possible.