When you are moving from a house in Fitzroy or Berwick to an apartment in the CBD, you need to think about how much it will cost. Moving house is a very tiring task. It can get even worse if you have no idea about how much you have to pay.
The cost of hiring movers in Melbourne can be anywhere from $300 to over $3,500. This is because moving companies charge by the hour. So the more time it takes to move your things, the more you will have to pay.
This guide will help you understand how much movers cost in Melbourne. It will also give you some tips on how to save money when you are moving.
Average Hourly Removalist Rates in Melbourne
The cost of moving in Melbourne depends on how big the truck is and how many removalists are moving your things.
| Crew & Vehicle Set Up | Average Hourly Rate (Incl. GST) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Movers + Small Van / Truck | $120 – $170 / hr | Suitable for apartments or houses with not many things. |
| 2 Movers + Medium Truck | $160 – $215 / hr | Best fit for two-bedroom apartments or small houses. |
| 3 Movers + Large Truck | $190 – $260 / hr | Suitable for three-bedroom houses or big apartments. |
| 4 Movers + Large Truck / Dual Trucks | $250 – $340 / hr | Perfect for houses with a lot of things. |
Minimum Call-Out Fee
Moving companies in Melbourne have a minimum call-out fee. This means that if it will not take that long, you still need to pay for at least two or three hours of moving. On weekends, the minimum call-out charges are usually four hours.
Actual Estimated Total Moving Costs by Property Size
Here are some examples of how much it might cost to move different types of properties:
Studio or 1-Bedroom Apartment
The charges of moving an apartment are often between $300 and $750 for 2-4 hours. You will need a truck and two movers. This is an option if you do not have a lot of things and you are moving to a place that is close by.
2-Bedroom Unit or Townhouse
The charges of moving a two-bedroom townhouse is usually between $600 and $1,300 for 4-6 hours. You will need a truck and two movers. This is an option if you have a medium-sized house with a few things.
3-Bedroom Family Home
The charges of moving a three-bedroom house is usually between $1,000 and $2,200 for 5-8 hours. You will need a truck and three movers. This is an option if you have a big house with a lot of things.
4+ Bedroom Property
The charges of moving a big four-bedroom house is usually between $1,800 and $3,600 for 7-12 hours. You will need a big truck and four movers. This is an option if you have a very big house with a lot of things.
Things That Can Increase the Cost of Moving
There are some things that can make moving more expensive. These include:
- If you live in a place that's hard to get to, it will take longer to move your things.
- If you have to use a lift to move your things, it will take longer.
- If you have heavy things, it will cost more to move them.
- If the moving company has to drive a long way to get to your place, it will cost more.
Hourly Rates vs. Fixed Price Quotes
There are two ways that moving companies can charge you. They can charge you by the hour, or they can give you a fixed price quote. If you are moving a smaller amount of things, it might be better to pay by the hour. If you are moving a lot of things, it might be better to get a fixed price quote. This way you will know exactly how much you have to pay.
Tips to Save Money When Moving
To get a low moving bill, you need to get ready before the moving truck comes. You have to pack everything.
- Achieve 100% Boxing Compliance: Do not leave things like kitchen stuff on the counters or clothes on the hangers in your bedroom. You should put everything that is not packed into moving boxes. These moving boxes should be strong and of the same size so they can be stacked on top of each other. Do not forget to label each moving box so you know what is inside.
- Take apart the pieces of furniture yourself: This means you should take the queen and king bed frames apart. Do not forget to disconnect the hoses and electronics from the washing machine. If you do this before the movers in Melbourne get to your place, it will save you money. The removalists will charge you for every minute they work. If they have to use tools like screwdrivers and Allen keys, it will take them a lot of time and cost you a lot of money.
- Take closest Parking Space: To get the parking space, you should talk to the people who live near you. You can also try to put your council bins out in a way so it should not block the street. If it is possible, then do ask the people who manage the building to get a parking spot in front of your place. This can save you a lot of time and money. For example, if you do not have to walk far, you can save over an hour of work time.
- Try to get a booking on a Tuesday or Wednesday: A lot of people wish to move on weekends and the last two days of the month. This is because their rental lease is ending. If you book your move in the middle of the week, you can get a deal. You might even get movers and they can come at a time that is good for you. Target mid-week bookings for your move to get these benefits. Booking on a Tuesday or Wednesday can really make a difference. You will get better rates and more flexible arrival times when you target mid-week bookings.
Moving is stressful, and choosing the right team is key to a smooth transition. If you want to know more about our 10-year track record and how to reach our direct team without any confusion, check out our guide: Movers in Melbourne: Who We Are and How to Find Us.