What Information Does a Removalist Need for an Accurate Quote?

1. Both addresses

Distance is only part of it. The addresses also tell us the property type, the likely street access and whether the route crosses tolls or peak-hour bottlenecks.

2. Access at each end

• How far is the truck likely to park from the door?
• Is the driveway steep, narrow or shared?
• Is there a loading dock, and what is its height clearance?
• Are there gates, bollards or a time-restricted loading zone?

3. Stairs and lifts

Stairs change the time a job takes more than almost anything else. Tell us how many flights are involved at each address, whether they are internal or external, and whether the turns are tight.

For apartments, tell us the floor, whether there is a service lift, and whether the building requires a booking or a certificate of currency.

4. How much furniture there is

Bedroom count is a starting point, not an answer. A three-bedroom home with a full garage and a shed is a much bigger job than a three-bedroom home without them. Include the garage, shed, patio, study and anything in storage.

Photos or a short video walkthrough are the fastest way to get this right.

5. Heavy, fragile or unusual items

Pianos, safes, pool tables, marble and stone tops, large mirrors, fish tanks and commercial gym equipment all need specific handling. Flagging them early avoids a change of plan on the day.

6. Dates and flexibility

Tell us your preferred date and whether it is fixed by a settlement or lease end. If you have any flexibility, say so — a mid-month weekday is generally easier to schedule than the last Friday of the month.

How to compare removalist quotes fairly

Give each removalist the same furniture list, addresses, moving date and access details. Two prices are only comparable when they cover the same job. Ask for the inclusions and exclusions in writing before booking.

• Fixed price or hourly: confirm whether the amount is a fixed price for an agreed scope or an estimate based on time. For hourly work, ask about the minimum booking, billing increments and when the clock starts and stops.
• Crew and vehicle: check the number of movers, the vehicle capacity and whether an extra trip would change the price.
• Travel and access: ask about depot travel, call-out charges, tolls, parking, stairs, long carries and waiting for a lift or keys.
• Packing and furniture preparation: confirm whether cartons, wrapping, dismantling and reassembly are included, and what you need to finish yourself.
• Total payable: ask whether GST and any other applicable fees are included in the quoted total. Compare the complete scope and likely total, not just the advertised hourly rate.
• Changes and cancellations: ask what happens if the item list, access, date or scope changes, and obtain the payment and cancellation terms before committing.

A simple message to send with your quote request

Please quote for my move from [pickup suburb and property type] to [delivery suburb and property type] on [date]. My item list is [list], with [stairs or lift details] and [parking distance] at each end. I need [packing, dismantling or other help]. Please confirm the crew, vehicle, pricing basis, inclusions, exclusions and total payable for that scope.

Keep the written quote and your agreed item list together. If anything changes before moving day, tell the removalist promptly and confirm any price change before the work proceeds.

Plan apartment access, lifts and parking