Cost Breakdown of Hiring Local Removalists in Melbourne – What You Should Know

June 29, 2025•2 min read

💼 Cost Breakdown of Hiring Local Removalists in Melbourne

Moving can be exciting—but it can also be confusing when it comes to costs. If you're planning a move in Melbourne metro suburbs like Werribee, Point Cook, or Tarneit, it’s crucial to understand how removalist pricing works so you can budget accurately.

Here’s a detailed guide that unpacks the true cost of hiring local removalists.

🧮 1. Average Hourly Rates in Melbourne

Local removalist rates in Melbourne typically range from:

$95 to $150/hour for a 2-person team with a truck
Add $30 to $50/hour for an extra mover
Weekend or last-minute moves may carry a 10–20% surcharge

💡 Tip: Most moves within 30 km radius (e.g. Melton, Altona, Sunshine) take 3–5 hours depending on the volume.

📦 2. Packing and Unpacking Services

Not all services include packing. Here’s what to expect:

Packing only: $60–$90/hour
Materials (boxes, bubble wrap, tape): charged separately
Full-service move: typically quoted as a flat rate based on scope

🛋️ 3. Furniture Disassembly & Reassembly

Some movers include this in hourly rates
Complex items (e.g. bed frames, modular sofas) may cost $30–$100 extra

Be sure to clarify this in advance—especially if moving bulky furniture in/out of apartments in Docklands or Southbank.

🚚 4. Travel Fees & Fuel Surcharges

Some companies charge extra for long distances from depot
Expect $1.50–$2.50/km if moving outside metro zones
Suburbs like Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Epping may attract higher travel costs

🧹 5. Additional Services You Might Need

Storage (short or long-term): from $35/week per container
End of lease cleaning: from $200–$400, depending on size
Rubbish removal: priced by volume ($100–$300)

❗ 6. Hidden Costs to Watch For

Stairs or elevators: may incur additional time or fees
Waiting time at loading/unloading
Minimum hour charges: usually 2–3 hours minimum
Tolls: Some charge toll road usage separately

📑 7. Fixed Price vs. Hourly Rate

Fixed quotes give peace of mind for larger moves
Hourly rates may be more cost-effective for small or local moves
Always confirm if the quote is inclusive of GST and insurance

✅ Final Tips to Save on Removalist Costs

Move on a weekday
Declutter before the move
Pack yourself if possible
Get multiple quotes (but don’t choose purely based on the lowest)

🏁 Conclusion: Know What You're Paying For

A professional, transparent removalist service saves you time, energy, and unexpected expenses. At Auzzie Shift and Shine, we believe in clear pricing and no surprises.

📍 We serve across Melbourne metro suburbs like: