Introduction

One of the first questions people ask when planning a move is:

"How much does it cost to hire removalists?"

The answer depends on much more than simply how many bedrooms your home has. Every move is different, with factors such as furniture volume, access, travel distance and additional services all affecting the final cost.

At J Doolan Relocation Specialists, we've been helping Melbourne families and businesses relocate since 1921. After completing thousands of moves across Melbourne and Regional Victoria, we've developed an accurate quoting process that ensures customers only pay for the services they actually need.

This guide explains the biggest factors that influence removal costs and how you can obtain the most accurate quote for your move.

What Determines the Cost of a Removalist?

Several factors influence the price of your move.

Furniture Volume

The amount of furniture you're moving is usually the biggest factor.

Larger homes require:

• Larger trucks

• More removalists

• Longer loading and unloading times

Our free Moving Volume Calculator can help estimate the size of your move before requesting a quote.

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Estimate Your Moving Volume 

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Truck Size

Using the correct truck keeps your move efficient.

A truck that's too small may require multiple trips.

A truck that's too large can increase operating costs unnecessarily.

Choosing the right truck size helps minimise moving time while keeping costs under control.

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Number of Removalists

Most residential moves use either:

• Two removalists

• Three removalists

• Four removalists

While adding more removalists increases labour costs, it often reduces the overall time required, making many larger moves more efficient.

Property Access

Easy access helps keep your move running smoothly.

Factors that can affect pricing include:

• Stairs

• Apartment buildings

• Lifts

• Long carrying distances

• Limited parking

• Narrow hallways

• Difficult driveways

The easier the access, the quicker the move can usually be completed.

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Distance

Moving across the street is very different from moving across Melbourne or Regional Victoria.

Travel distance influences:

• Travel time

• Fuel costs

• Crew scheduling

• Total labour hours

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Packing Services

Professional packing is optional but can save significant time while reducing the risk of damage.

Many customers choose packing for:

• Kitchens

• Fragile items

• Artwork

• Glassware

• Offices

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Storage Requirements

If you're unable to move directly into your new property, secure storage may be the best solution.

J Doolan offers:

• Short-term storage

• Long-term storage

• Household furniture storage

• Office storage

• Secure storage modules

Can Removalists Give Fixed Prices?

Some moves can be quoted as a fixed price.

Others are better suited to hourly pricing.

This depends on:

• Move complexity

• Access

• Distance

• Inventory accuracy

• Special items

Our experienced estimators recommend the most suitable pricing option after reviewing your move.

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How Can I Reduce Moving Costs?

Planning ahead can help reduce both time and costs.

Some simple ways include:

✔ Declutter before moving

✔ Pack non-fragile items yourself

✔ Reserve parking close to your property

✔ Disassemble furniture beforehand

✔ Book your move early

✔ Provide an accurate inventory

The more information provided during quoting, the more accurate your estimate will be.

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Get an Accurate Moving Quote

Every move is unique.

Rather than relying on rough estimates, our team can prepare a tailored quotation based on your furniture, access requirements and destination.

You can also use our free online Moving Volume Calculator to estimate the size of your move before requesting a personalised quote.

Buttons:

Get a Free Quote

Use the Moving Volume Calculator

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do removalists cost in Melbourne?

Moving costs vary depending on the amount of furniture being moved, travel distance, property access, truck size and the number of removalists required. The best way to receive an accurate estimate is by requesting a personalised quote.

Is it cheaper to move during the week?

Weekday moves may offer greater scheduling flexibility than weekends. Booking early also provides more available dates.

How many removalists will I need?

Smaller moves often require two removalists, while larger family homes may require three or four. The right crew depends on your furniture volume and access conditions.

Can I pack everything myself?

Absolutely. Many customers choose to pack themselves, while others prefer our professional packing service for fragile items or entire households.

Do you move apartments?

Yes. We regularly complete apartment relocations throughout Melbourne and can assist with lifts, loading zones, basement parking and access restrictions.

Do you move offices?

Yes. We provide commercial relocation services for offices, warehouses, retail businesses and government departments across Melbourne and Regional Victoria.

Why Choose J Doolan Relocation Specialists?

For over 100 years, J Doolan Relocation Specialists has helped Melbourne families and businesses relocate with confidence.

Our customers choose us because we offer:

• Established in 1921

• Fifth-generation family-owned business

• Experienced, professional removalists

• Residential and commercial moving specialists

• Secure storage solutions

• Professional packing services

• Local Melbourne knowledge

• Regional Victoria relocations

• Free moving quotes

• Modern fleet of removal vehicles

When you're planning your next move, trust Melbourne's experienced relocation specialists.