How Much Do Removalists Cost in Melbourne? (2026 Rates)
If you are budgeting for a move, the first question is usually what a removalist will cost in Melbourne. The honest answer is that it depends on how much you are moving, how easy the access is at both addresses and how long the job takes. What you can know up front is how the price is built: an hourly rate for the crew and truck, a call-out fee, and stair charges where there are stairs.
This guide sets out Apex Moving’s current rates, explains each part of a removalist quote, and walks through the factors that push a Melbourne move up or down, so you can plan a realistic budget before you ask for a quote.
Removalist Cost in Melbourne at a Glance
Local Melbourne moves with Apex Moving are charged by the hour, with rates including GST. The rate depends on how many movers you need and the size of truck:
| Crew and truck | Often suits | Hourly rate (inc. GST) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 movers + standard truck | Smaller moves, such as a unit or a few rooms of furniture | $140 – $180 per hour |
| 3 movers + large truck | Mid-sized homes with more furniture and boxes | $180 – $260 per hour |
| 4+ movers + heavy-duty truck | Larger homes and bigger loads | $260 – $320+ per hour |
On top of the hourly rate, two published charges can apply:
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Call-out fee | $70 (small truck), $85 (medium truck) or $105 (large truck) |
| Stair charges | $40 for one flight, $80 for two flights, $120 for three flights |
Every move is different, so the crew size and truck that suit your job are confirmed when we quote. Your written quote shows exactly which rates and charges apply before you book.
How Melbourne Removalists Charge
Hourly rates
Most local moves are priced by the hour. The clock covers the work of loading, driving between the two addresses and unloading, so anything that makes those steps faster or slower changes the total. A bigger crew costs more per hour but can finish a large load sooner, which is why the right crew size matters more than the lowest hourly rate.
Flat-rate quotes
Some jobs suit a set price rather than an hourly rate. Apex Moving offers hourly or flat-rate pricing, and either way the price is quoted in writing before moving day, so you are not working it out on the day.
Call-out fees
A call-out fee covers getting the truck and crew to your job. With Apex Moving it is $70, $85 or $105 depending on the size of truck your move needs.
Stair charges
Stairs slow every carry and add physical work, so they are charged separately: $40 for one flight, $80 for two and $120 for three. Tell us about stairs at both the pickup and delivery address, including internal stairs in a townhouse or multi-level home.
Working Out a Rough Budget
To estimate your removalist cost in Melbourne before you enquire, use this simple approach:
- Pick the crew and truck that roughly matches the size of your move from the table above.
- Estimate the hours. Think about how long loading, the drive and unloading could take, allowing for stairs, lifts and how far the truck can park from the door.
- Multiply the hours by the hourly rate to get the labour cost.
- Add the call-out fee and any stair charges that apply to your addresses.
Example only: if a job needed a 2-mover crew for 3 hours, the labour portion at $140–$180 per hour would be $420–$540, before the call-out fee and any stair charges. This is an illustration of the maths, not a quote. The actual time depends on your inventory and access, which is why a quote built from your details is always more accurate than a guess.
What Affects Your Removalist Cost in Melbourne
Two moves between homes of the same size can cost quite different amounts. These are the factors that make the difference.
1. How much you are moving
The volume of furniture, whitegoods and boxes decides the truck size, the crew and the loading time. A room-by-room list, including the garage, shed and outdoor furniture, is the single most useful thing you can give a removalist.
2. Access at both addresses
Stairs, lifts, narrow hallways, tight stairwell turns and long carries from the truck to the door all add time. In inner Melbourne, parking restrictions and permits on narrow streets can mean the truck stands further away. Apartment buildings may require a lift or loading-dock booking through building management. If you live in the City of Melbourne, check the City of Melbourne website for local parking and permit information, or your own council’s website if you live elsewhere.
3. Distance between the two addresses
Because local moves are charged by the hour, the drive between pickup and delivery is part of the job time. A move across town generally takes longer than a move within the same suburb.
4. Crew size and truck
Too small a crew can drag a large move out, while too large a crew is unnecessary for a small one. We match the crew and truck to your inventory and access when we quote.
5. Packing
Whether you pack yourself or have us pack changes both the price and how quickly moving day runs. You can pack everything, have us pack only the fragile or awkward items, or have us pack the whole home. Our guide to packing services in Melbourne explains the options.
6. Heavy and specialty items
Pianos, safes, large appliances and stone-topped furniture need the right equipment and planning. Mention them when you enquire so they are included in the quote rather than discovered on the day. If you are moving a piano, read our guide to planning a piano move in Melbourne.
7. Preparation on the day
Boxes that are packed and sealed, clear walkways and furniture emptied of loose contents let the crew start loading straight away. Unpacked items left in cupboards are one of the most common reasons a move takes longer than expected.
Local, Regional and Interstate Moves
The hourly rates above apply to local Melbourne moves. Longer moves are priced differently:
- Interstate moves are quoted individually rather than from a rate card, because the volume, route, access and dates change the price. For an indicative figure, try our interstate moving cost calculator or read more about interstate removalists.
- Regional Victoria moves involve longer travel and sometimes rural property access, so they are best quoted from your addresses. See our Victoria removalists page.
How to Keep Your Moving Costs Down
- Declutter first. Sell, donate or dispose of what you do not want before moving day, so you are not paying to move it.
- Pack and seal boxes before the crew arrives unless packing is part of your booking.
- Measure large items and doorways. Knowing that a couch, fridge or bed base fits through the doorway and stairwell avoids delays on the day.
- Arrange parking and lift bookings early, so the truck can stand as close to the door as possible.
- Empty drawers and cupboards in furniture that is being moved.
- Give an accurate inventory and access details when you ask for a quote, including stairs at both ends.
How to Get an Accurate Removalist Quote
A good quote is built from your actual move, not from the number of bedrooms. When you request a quote, include:
- Both addresses and your preferred moving date and time
- A room-by-room list of furniture and an estimate of boxes, or a few photos
- Stairs, lifts, driveway width and where a truck can park at each address
- Any heavy, fragile or valuable items, such as a piano, safe or large mirror
- Whether you want packing or unpacking included
Every Apex Moving job includes wrapping and protecting furniture, and taking apart and reassembling what needs to come apart. You can see everything we offer on our removalist services page, or read more about house removalists, furniture removals and office removals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do removalists cost per hour in Melbourne?
Apex Moving’s hourly rates, including GST, are $140–$180 per hour for 2 movers and a standard truck, $180–$260 per hour for 3 movers and a large truck, and $260–$320+ per hour for 4 or more movers and a heavy-duty truck.
Is there a call-out fee?
Yes. The call-out fee is $70, $85 or $105, depending on the size of truck your move needs.
Do stairs cost extra?
Yes. Stair charges are $40 for one flight, $80 for two flights and $120 for three flights. Let us know about stairs at both addresses when you enquire.
Can I get a fixed price instead of an hourly rate?
Apex Moving offers hourly or flat-rate pricing, and the price is quoted in writing before the day. Which option suits depends on your move.
Is furniture wrapping included?
Yes. Wrapping and protecting furniture is part of the job, and so is taking apart and reassembling beds and flat-pack furniture. Packing your boxes is optional, so tell us if you want it included in the quote.
How much does an interstate move cost?
Interstate moves are quoted individually because the price depends on the volume, route, access and dates. Our interstate moving cost calculator gives an indicative figure before you call.
Is my furniture insured during the move?
We provide fully guaranteed transit insurance to protect your goods throughout the move. Full cover details and policy terms are confirmed directly at booking.
Get a Quote for Your Melbourne Move
The quickest way to know what your move will cost is to tell us about it. Send us your addresses, a rough inventory, your date and the access at both ends, and we will come back with a written quote. Book your move online, contact our team or call 0470 515 895.
Planning a move across the city? Find out more about our Melbourne removalists service.
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