Based on the latest pricing data from ServiceSeeking.com.au, removalists charge an average hourly rate of $128.10, with minimum hourly rates starting from $35.00. While small moves may cost only a few hundred dollars, full home relocations can quickly run into the thousands, depending on size, access, distance, and time on site.
Across all job sizes, most homeowners will find that removalist costs are primarily time-based. In fact, hourly pricing remains the dominant way removalists quote, making it essential to understand how hours are calculated, what affects the final bill, and how to compare quotes accurately.
Removalist prices can vary widely, but our data shows clear benchmarks homeowners can use when budgeting.
Lower hourly rates typically apply to small jobs such as studio apartments, partial moves, or short-distance relocations with easy access. Higher rates are more common for larger homes, multi-truck moves, or jobs requiring additional labour, stairs, or specialist equipment.
Based on removalist bids submitted on ServiceSeeking.com.au, hourly pricing is by far the most common quoting method.
From all removalist quotes, 91% are charged per hour. Hourly pricing is used because moving times can be difficult to predict. Factors such as parking access, stairs, lift availability, traffic, and packing requirements all influence how long a job will take. For homeowners, this means the final cost often depends less on distance alone and more on how efficiently the move can be completed.
While most quotes are hourly, removalists often estimate time using the size of the property, commonly assessed by square metres or number of bedrooms. This helps them determine how many movers, trucks, and hours are likely to be required.
Although removalists usually charge by the hour, many base their initial estimates on square metres of living space. Larger homes generally mean more furniture, heavier loads, and longer loading and unloading times.
For example, a one-bedroom apartment may require two movers for a few hours, while a four-bedroom home may need a larger crew and most of a day. Square metre estimates allow removalists to plan resources, even if the final invoice still reflects hours worked.
This is why accurate job details are crucial. Underestimating the size of your home or the amount of furniture can lead to longer job times and higher costs than expected.
Several factors can significantly influence removalist prices, even when hourly rates look similar.
Property size and volume
More furniture and belongings increase loading time and may require additional movers or trucks.
Access and layout
Stairs, narrow hallways, lack of lifts, or long distances from truck to door can slow the job down.
Distance between locations
While time is the main cost driver, longer travel distances can add hours to the total bill.
Timing of the move
Weekends, end-of-lease periods, and peak moving seasons often attract higher rates or minimum hour requirements.
Additional services
Packing, unpacking, dismantling furniture, or moving heavy items like pianos can increase both time and labour costs.
Where removalists provide an approximate total job price, our data shows an average quoted total of $347. These fixed or semi-fixed quotes are typically associated with smaller moves, such as studio apartments, partial relocations, or short-distance jobs with straightforward access.
For larger homes and more complex moves, hourly pricing is far more common. In these cases, total costs depend on the number of movers, time on site, and any delays encountered on the day. As a result, overall prices can vary widely even when hourly rates appear similar.
Because most removalist jobs are time-based, homeowners are better off comparing quotes based on estimated hours, crew size, and inclusions, rather than hourly rate alone. A higher hourly rate may still result in a lower final cost if the job is completed more efficiently.
When reviewing removalist quotes, homeowners should look beyond the headline hourly rate.
Check how many movers are included, whether there is a minimum booking time, and if travel time is charged. Clarify what equipment is included and whether additional fees apply for stairs, heavy items, or delays.
Providing detailed job information upfront helps removalists quote more accurately and reduces the risk of cost blowouts on moving day.
Fixed-price quotes are less common for removalist jobs because of the variables involved. They are sometimes offered for very small or clearly defined moves, but most homeowners should expect hourly pricing.
When fixed pricing is offered, it usually assumes clear access, standard furniture, and no unexpected delays. Any changes to the scope can still affect the final cost.
The best way to manage removalist costs is to understand how quotes are structured, provide accurate details, and compare multiple bids. While hourly pricing dominates the industry, transparency and preparation remain the key to avoiding surprises on moving day.