The expense of even a small property move can be mind-boggling, and these expenses can mount swiftly if you're moving interstate or internationally.

But there are ways to save on removalist costs so there's no need to despair!

Let's take a look.

Do I need a removalist?

If you're lucky - and you're only undergoing a small move across town - friends and family may be able to help you.

But for anything large, and especially for a move with children, it's best to employ professional removalists, despite the extra costs involved.

Why?

Firstly, even a small move can be a massive job in many ways so it can be unfair to ask friends and family for help.

Also, professional removalists will do a better, faster job than friends and family as they have the correct equipment, tools, resources and experience.

This is particularly important when it comes to moving major, or fragile, items such as fridges.

Some removalists may also offer packing and unpacking services.

Removalist questions to consider

As we talked about last year, remember that neither cheaper prices, larger companies or faster times necessarily mean better removalists.

As well, removalist costs can change markedly depending on several details, with some of the most significant being:

• the volume of items being moved
• the distance of the move
• how long the move will take ie loading the items, transport to the new property, and unloading the items 
• day and time of the move ie weekend, weekday, off-peak or peak hours

So, before contacting any removalists, ensure you have a clear idea of these points as well as the following:

• Where you're moving to
• The size of your current and new property ie how many bedrooms and bathrooms
• How many people are moving
• Are these properties units/townhouses and/or on an upper level?
  
• Any bulk or special items to be moved such as pianos

Then call at least three removalists - both large and small companies - and ask them:

• Do you charge by the hour, half-hour, in 15-minute increments or a flat fee?
• How do you charge for longer or interstate moves, i.e., by cubic meter or some other way?
• Is insurance included in this cost?
• Do you charge less for different days/times?

How much do removalists cost?

There is no easy answer to this question but answering the above points will give you the best possible one.

Service.com.au suggests that removalists can cost anywhere from $120/hour to $250/hour without insurance or packaging services

However, the website also adds that the total cost of a removalist’s service can range from $300 to $7,000, depending on the above points.

As well, there are several ways movers can drop their removalist costs, including:

• Changing the time and day of the move - weekends, summer months, the start of the month, and holidays are unsurprisingly, the most popular days to move. But a mid-week, off-peak move will significantly decrease transport times and total removalist costs
• Put in some effort yourself: pack your own items and move smaller items on your own 
• Book removalists early: this may give you better rates

We're here to help

Need a hand with finding removalists, ensuring power is connected at your new place, or want to find the best possible internet provider there?

The team at Moving Loop can do all this and more - and our comparison service is free.

So, visit Moving Loop today!