The cost of hiring removalists has always been a top customer concern. People expect the best solution on a limited budget, and looking for the best value does not mean settling for a lower-quality service. This guide brings together what we have told customers for years about how moving quotes are worked out, what pushes the price up or down, and the simple things that bring it down.
What Dial A Mover charges
Our local moves are charged by the hour, with a fully equipped truck and crew, and no hidden fees. At the time of writing the rates are: a small truck with two removalists from $209 per hour inc GST, a medium truck with two removalists from $264 per hour inc GST, and a large truck with three removalists from $308 per hour inc GST. The current rates and what every move includes are always on our removalist prices page.
How removalists determine the cost
There are various factors involved in the moving process. The company must calculate based on labour, time, packaging materials and other relevant aspects. It is imperative to understand these elements to make the right decision.
Cost by the hour
Removalists can provide a quote based on the total number of hours. This is usually followed for local relocation. The overall time differs based on the size and complexity of the project.
Cost by volume
In the case of interstate relocation, the company will calculate based on volume. The company will decide after careful evaluation. Customers must always check if there are any additional charges to avoid any confusion in the future.
The factors that change the price
Sometimes people notice that a company provides a standard price for moving services. It is essential to understand that this is not a final price and can differ based on the actual project. Reputed removalists take the time to evaluate the customer’s property and then determine the price. Here are the factors that impact the cost.
Size of the property
The primary aspect is the size of the property. However, the number of items also plays a critical role. People living in a two-bedroom house might have fewer things than those in a one-bedroom property. The size is considered because people tend to have more furniture in a bigger place.
Preparation time and effort
The company will consider the furniture, fragile elements, number of boxes and so on to calculate the cost. The cost could be higher if the moving professionals need more time to disassemble furniture.
Parking
Parking can be quite a challenge for moving trucks. Sometimes it is difficult to bring the truck near the property. In this case the crew might need a smaller vehicle or to carry items further by hand. Either way, this adds to the cost. Customers will also have to consider parking charges for the truck if their street does not have free parking.
Level of the house or apartment
The number of high-rise apartments is on the rise, which means additional time and effort to move things to higher levels. The task becomes more demanding if the building does not have a lift.
Distance
The distance from the origin to the destination always impacts the cost. Interstate travel will be higher than a local relocation, and the company might have defined packages based on the distance. This includes the vehicle, fuel and the resources needed for the job.
Time of relocation
A fair percentage of customers tend to move on weekends, and demand is higher on those days. People can avoid this by planning and making reservations accordingly. Like all other industries, removalists have their share of peak and off-season, and school holidays and long weekends are the busiest.
Type of service and add-ons
Consumers have the option of choosing a partial service or a complete service. The cost will vary accordingly if they need assistance with only packing, transportation or storage. When people think about relocation, they might not consider aspects such as house cleaning, decluttering, dismantling and assembly of furniture. These are offered at a small cost, so people must be clear on their core expectations to get the best outcome.
Is doing it yourself really cheaper?
Most people think using a removalist is expensive, but it helps to consider the expense as a whole. When someone spends $1000 in one go it seems like a considerable expense, yet they might not notice the same amount going out in small buckets. Packaging materials, labour, a hire vehicle, fuel and time all still have to be paid for when the job is done independently, and the overall cost of these seemingly small items can be high. Packing an entire house is also time-consuming and physically straining, and the wrong packing technique leads to damage and the expense of repairing or replacing items.
How to save money on your move
- Plan early. People can start the process three to six months out. If the plan is sudden, begin immediately instead of panicking. Last-minute bookings are where additional charges tend to appear.
- Book in the off-season. When demand increases, the price naturally grows. Discuss the difference in prices with the company and choose a quieter week where you can.
- Declutter. Relocation is an ideal time to donate, discard or sell things that have overstayed their welcome. Fewer items means fewer hours.
- Make a list. List all the furniture, fragile items and appliances in the house. This helps you get an accurate quote and check the objects at the destination.
- Pack as much as you can. Start with clothes and simple items. This saves significant time on moving day when the company charges hourly. Be cautious with fragile items, or leave those to us.
- Source packing materials. Collect boxes from family, friends or other organisations, and check whether your removalist supplies boxes at a discount or as part of the package.
- Compare quotes on value, not just price. Some businesses offer a seemingly lower price for a low-quality service. Ask for a detailed estimate so you are prepared for any additional costs, and double-check there are no hidden charges.
- Ask for a customised solution. Tell the company your requirements, budget and timeframe and ask for a package that fits. Shared-load options can also reduce transport costs on interstate moves, provided you can work with the company’s schedule.
Get your quote
Dial A Mover understands the need for cost-effective solutions and helps customers get the best value for their investment. We follow a transparent billing system, offer different packages to meet the unique requirements of each client, and are always happy to talk through the numbers. Request a free quote or call us on (03) 8658 0244.
Planning a move of your own? Our crews work right across the city from our depot in Parkville. See how our Melbourne removalists work, or read about our home movers in Melbourne.
