How much does it cost to move furniture in Australia?

Bringing along old furniture that’s still in good condition is smart, but moving it can be expensive. You’ll likely need to hire furniture removalists to help pack, load, and unload everything efficiently. Letting professionals handle the physical work saves you significant time and effort.

In this guide, learn about the typical cost to move furniture and discover ways to save money. Understanding the expenses involved will help you create a realistic budget and find the best value when comparing quotes from different service providers.

What is the average cost of moving furniture in Australia?

Moving furniture costs in Australia range from $70 to $300 per hour. However, prices can still change depending on property type, number of movers, distance of the move, and other factors we’ll cover later. 

As a general reference, here are the typical hourly rates for moving furniture in some cities in Australia:  

What factors affect the costs of moving furniture? 

Tasker wrapping a large sofa in clear plastic for transport

How much does it cost to have furniture moved? The estimated price depends on several factors: 

Distance of the move

Distance is significant to the cost of moving furniture. It determines the required labour, fuel costs, and truck size for the job. Below, we’ll break down the different types of moves based on distance.

Local moves

Local moves involve moving furniture within the city only. Usually, you only need two removalists and a small 3—6 tonne (T) truck, which could cost around $90 to $120 per hour. Most local moves take around two to four hours to finish, so the estimated cost would be around $200 to $500 for the entire job.

Since the distance is short, the extra fuel costs are included in the per-hour rate. Some removalist companies charge a flat fuel rate, but it is generally lower than for other long-distance moves. 

Regional moves

Moving to any nearby town or rural area is considered a regional move. It’s still within the same state, but since it requires longer distances, large trucks of 7-10T accommodate more items and handle longer drives. 

Due to the extra driving time, fuel costs are higher. Moreover, removalist companies often set a minimum fee or number of hours for a certain distance, even if the actual labour hours are less. For instance, if a removalist company has a minimum 6-hour charge for moves over 100 km, but your move took only four hours, you’ll still have to pay for six hours. 

Regional moves can take more than eight hours to finish, so expect the furniture moving costs to range from $1,000 to $2,500. 

Interstate moves

Moving across states, also known as interstate moves, involves more time, fuel, additional logistics, and legal requirements. For this reason, the cost of moving furniture interstate is the most expensive, ranging from $2,500 to $9,500. 

Since interstate moves require removalists to have rest breaks and overnight stops, labour costs are higher. You’ll need large 10—20T trucks or 20—40-foot containers, but remember that removalist companies often set a fuel surcharge of $200 to $1,000 to cover the fuel cost on long-distance moves. The surcharge is an extra fee on top of the standard moving rate, preventing a removalist company from losing money during unexpected fuel spikes. 

Here’s a table that outlines the estimated costs for different move types: 

Number of removalists needed

Additional manpower can also affect furniture moving costs. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment requiring two furniture removalists starts at $125 per hour. Meanwhile, a large three-bedroom house needs at least four movers, costing around $245 per hour. 

Although hiring a larger crew costs more, it can help complete the job faster, leading to lower labour costs. Additionally, they can safely lift heavy furniture (like pool tables), preventing damage and reducing the risk of injuries.

Type and volume of furniture

Moving several items simultaneously can incur a higher furniture moving cost estimate because this requires larger trucks and more movers. Some interstate removalists would even charge based on the furniture’s weight and volume  (measured per cubic metre), since this will determine the right truck size. Typically, you’ll need large trucks for moving furniture. Using the smaller ones would require multiple trips, leading to higher labour costs. 

You also need to consider the amount of space available inside the truck. Squeezing multiple pieces of furniture in one truck can be dangerous, especially if you must move large, fragile items like a piano or grandfather clock. 

Access and logistics

Two Taskers working together to lift and move a table

When it comes to moving furniture, time is money—literally. If a single piece of furniture takes hours to move because of a narrow staircase or slow lift, expect to pay a premium. The same applies if there isn’t a close parking spot for the truck. Loading and unloading would take longer, as movers would have to carry your furniture and walk further, leading to higher labour costs.

Logistics can be challenging when moving into urban areas like Sydney or Melbourne since there are many one-way streets and frequent traffic jams. Moving into rural areas isn’t cheap because of the gravel roads and hilly terrain. Due to these logistical challenges, travel time takes longer, resulting in higher furniture moving rates. 

Timing of the move

Furniture moving prices can fluctuate at certain times of the month. For instance, there’s a price increase of around 20—30% during summer (Dec. to Feb.) because of school breaks, Christmas, and Easter. If the moving date is a public holiday, companies typically apply holiday surcharges to cover the overtime pay for the staff working that day. 

Booking on a weekend can be expensive, with moves costing 10-30% more than the normal rate. End-of-month dates aren’t ideal, as some movers may apply a 10–20% premium during these dates. Consider mid-week dates for a lower furniture moving cost estimate.

Here’s an overview of how furniture moving costs differ during peak vs off-peak seasons:

Insurance and liability

Insurance is a must when moving furniture because accidents can still happen. While it is an additional expense, insurance protects your belongings during the trip. 

Carrier’s liability 

This is the basic or default insurance that moving companies provide. It only covers damages caused by their movers’ negligence. 

Moreover, if their negligence is proven, the removalist company only compensates the customer with the depreciated value of the lost or damaged furniture. The depreciated value will be determined based on the item’s age and current condition. 

For instance, if an old sofa costs $2,000 but has worn out due to age, the depreciated value could be $1,200. So, you’ll only receive a $1,200 reimbursement. 

Full replacement value 

This is the most comprehensive insurance option because it covers the full replacement value of an item if it’s damaged or lost during the move. It offers maximum protection, so it’s the most expensive and worthwhile option for those planning to move high-end furniture and appliances. 

Declared value insurance

Also known as nominal insurance, declared value insurance is a more affordable alternative to full replacement value. Here’s how it works: The customer declares the full value of their items, and the insurer covers the declared amount in case the items are damaged or lost during the move. 

Just avoid under-declaring your items, or else you won’t get reimbursed for the full price. Overdeclaring isn’t a good move either because you may pay a higher premium for unnecessary coverage. 

Check out this table for easier comparison of furniture insurance options: 

Additional services

Tasker disassembling a wooden table using a wrench on a hardwood floor

In addition to transportation, services such as assembling and disassembling should be considered. Some furniture pieces can be tricky because they’re incredibly heavy or have confusing hardware. You’ll need an extra pair of helping hands for a more efficient move, meaning extra labour costs. 

Storage services can be requested, especially if you plan a long-distance move that requires multiple stops. You might need a place for temporary storage, which will add to the total price of moving furniture.  

What are some ways to save on moving furniture?

Now that you already know how much furniture removals cost, you’re probably wondering, ‘Is there a way you can lower your expenses?’ Here’s how: 

Prepare well

Start preparing and wrapping your furniture a few weeks before the moving date. You can also place and organise the small parts in a box and then add a label. 

On it, write the designated room for each piece of furniture. This will make it easier for the removalists to unload and position items in your new home. Being well-organised and having everything ready can reduce the total time of the move, lowering labour costs.

Reserve parking 

Removalist companies often charge a ‘long carry’ fee if they have to move items over a long distance from the truck to your property. To avoid incurring additional charges, secure a parking space as close as possible to your property’s entrance for the removalist truck. 

Take advantage of off-peak periods

Book mid-week, specifically on a Tuesday or Wednesday, as these are considered off-peak periods. Furniture moving prices are lower during these times, and removalist companies offer better rates and discounts to fill the slots. 

Scheduling a move during the winter (Jun. to Aug.) can also help you save money. Demand is low during these months, so most moving companies offer discounts of up to 10-20% to attract more customers. 

Consider backloading services

Instead of renting an entire truck, you can share truck space with other customers, which is called backloading. You’ll only pay for the space your belongings occupy, helping you save more than a full-service move. 

Keep in mind, though, that the truck needs to be full before it departs; backloading can cause potential delays. It’s best to choose this service only for non-urgent relocations. 

What should you look for in a furniture removalist?

Moving day in progress as Taskers handle heavy boxes outdoors

Aside from detailed quotes and clear communication, here are some of the most important things to look for when hiring furniture removalists:

Accreditations

A licence from the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) ensures that removalists follow industry standards for transporting, packing, and storing goods. Additionally, AFRA mandates that its members carry specific insurance, like public liability, which offers you an extra layer of protection.

Specialised handling

Look for removalists who can handle fragile items, especially if you have oddly shaped antique furniture. They should be trained and skilled to handle delicate items during transport, loading, and unloading. 

Flexible moving modes and storage solutions

Choosing a furniture removalist with flexible moving options helps you find a solution that fits your needs and budget. Some of the most popular choices include:

• Full Truck Load (FTL): Hire an entire truck just for your belongings. This offers a fast delivery time and better security.

• Backloading: As previously mentioned, this entails sharing truck space with other customers moving along the same route and paying only for the space you use.

• Self-pack container: You can pack your furniture into a secure container and have it transported by rail or sea. This is convenient for interstate moves.

Furniture removalists should also offer temporary storage, which is especially useful when moving interstate. Short- or long-term storage options can be beneficial if unexpected delays occur during your move.

Move your furniture securely with Airtasker

Is preserving the quality of your furniture during relocation your number one priority? The key is finding the right removalists who can handle your furniture.

Post a task to find and connect with reliable Taskers specialising in moving furniture. They have the necessary tools and expertise, reducing the risk of damaging your valuable pieces.