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?

Furniture removalists in Australia typically charge $140 to $200 per hour for a standard local move, though rates can range from $110 to $300+. However, prices can still change depending on property type, number of movers, and other factors we’ll cover later. 

For context, recently completed Airtasker removalist tasks had a median total price of $158 and an average of approximately $226. These figures include many smaller jobs, such as moving individual pieces of furniture, so they shouldn’t be interpreted as the cost of moving an entire household.

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 a significant factor in 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 furniture moves are usually charged by the hour, with standard rates commonly around $140 to $200 per hour. Smaller moves involving one or two removalists may be on the lower end, while larger homes requiring a larger truck or additional movers can cost $250 to $300+ per hour.

A small local move may cost around $300 to $650 in total, while moving a larger home can cost $1,000 to $2,500 or more.

Regional moves

Regional moves generally cost more because removalists need to account for additional driving time, fuel, vehicle use, and the possibility of a full-day booking. Depending on the distance and amount of furniture, regional moves can cost from several hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Ask for a fixed or distance-based quote where possible, as an hourly rate alone may not accurately reflect the total cost for longer trips.

Interstate moves

Moving across states, also known as interstate moves, involves more time, fuel, additional logistics, and legal requirements. Interstate furniture moves typically cost $1,500 to $6,000+, depending on the route, the volume of belongings, and whether you use a dedicated truck or a shared backloading service. Larger household moves over very long distances can cost more. 

Recent Airtasker long-distance and interstate tasks had a median completed price of around $800 and an average of approximately $1,230. This lower marketplace figure likely reflects a mix of smaller-volume moves and partial loads rather than only full-house interstate relocations.

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

Number of removalists needed

The more removalists you need, the higher the hourly rate is likely to be. However, adding another mover can shorten the job, so a larger crew doesn’t necessarily increase the final cost in direct proportion to the hourly rate. Additionally, they can safely lift heavy furniture (like pool tables), preventing damage and reducing the risk of injury.

As a rough benchmark, two-person crews often cost around $110 to $160 per hour, while larger crews for three- or four-bedroom homes may cost $200 to $315+ per hour.

Type and volume of furniture

Moving several items simultaneously can result in a higher furniture moving cost estimate because it requires larger trucks and more movers. Some interstate removalists would even charge based on the furniture’s weight and volume (measured in cubic metres), since these 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 because movers would have to carry your furniture farther, 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 the summer (Dec. to Feb.) due to school breaks, Christmas, and Easter. If the moving date falls on a public holiday, companies typically apply a holiday surcharge to cover overtime pay for 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 midweek 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 compensates the customer only for 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 with age, its 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 that amount if 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 hands for a more efficient move, which means 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 overall 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 faster delivery 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.