Planning a move in Perth? One of the first questions many people ask, right after “Where will I get all these boxes?”, is “When should I move to save money?” This often leads to researching and booking the best removalists available. And often, the answer that comes to mind is avoiding the weekend.
So, is it true? Are weekend moves genuinely more expensive in Perth? The short answer is: Yes, generally they are. Let’s dive into why this is the case and how you can navigate the peak moving period effectively.
Why Weekend Moves Cost More in Perth (and Australia-wide)
The increased cost of moving on a weekend boils down to simple economics: supply and demand.
High Demand:
Work Schedules: Most people work Monday to Friday, making weekends the most convenient time to move without taking time off work.
School Schedules: Families often prefer to move during school holidays or on weekends to minimise disruption to children’s education.
Lease Cycles: Many rental leases in Perth (and elsewhere) end towards the end of the month, often coinciding with a weekend.
Home Buyers: People buying and selling homes often align settlement dates with the end of the week, necessitating weekend moves.
Limited Supply & Resources:
Removalist Availability: There are only so many trucks and moving crews available on any given day. With high demand, their availability shrinks.
Increased Labour Costs: Removalist companies often pay their staff higher penalty rates for working on Saturdays and Sundays. These increased operational costs are passed on to the customer.
Fuel & Equipment: While fuel costs don’t change, the intense scheduling pressure means less flexibility for companies to optimise routes or truck usage, potentially leading to less efficient operations.
Premium Pricing:
Due to the factors above, removalist companies in Perth can charge a premium for weekend slots. They know customers are willing to pay more for the convenience. This can manifest as higher hourly rates, larger minimum charges, or specific weekend surcharges.
What’s the Price Difference?
While it varies by removalist company and the specifics of your move, you can typically expect to pay 10% to 30% more for a weekend move compared to a weekday move for the same services in Perth.
- For example, if a weekday move for a 3-bedroom house costs $1,500, the same move on a Saturday could be $1,650 to $1,950.
- Hourly rates might jump from $140/hour to $170-$200/hour for a 2-person team.
When is the Cheapest Time to Move in Perth?
To secure the most budget-friendly rates for your move in Perth, aim for:
- Mid-Week: Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday are generally the cheapest days.
- Mid-Month: Avoid the last and first few days of the month, which are peak times for lease endings and new beginnings.
- Off-Peak Season: Winter (June-August) typically sees lower demand and thus better prices than the busy summer months (December-February) or spring/autumn.
Strategies for a Cost-Effective Weekend Move (If You Can’t Avoid It)
If a weekday move simply isn’t an option, here’s how to minimise the weekend surcharge:
- Book Well in Advance: The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing a reputable removalist at a decent rate, even on a weekend. Last-minute bookings during peak times will almost certainly incur premium prices.
- Be Flexible with Time: If you can’t move on a weekday, ask if a Sunday afternoon slot is cheaper than a Saturday morning. Sometimes, less popular weekend times might have slightly reduced rates.
- Do as Much DIY as Possible:
- Pack Everything Yourself: This saves valuable hourly labour for the movers.
- Disassemble Furniture: Beds, tables, shelves – have them ready to go.
- Disconnect Appliances: Washing machine, fridge, etc.
- Clear Pathways: Ensure easy access for movers, both in and out.
- Move Small Items Yourself: Transport boxes of clothes, linens, and personal items in your car.
- Compare Quotes: Don’t just accept the first quote. Get at least 3-4 detailed quotes from different Perth removalist companies, clearly stating it’s a weekend move. Compare not just the total price, but also their hourly rates, minimum charges, and any weekend surcharges.
- Consider a Moving Pod: If you have the space at both properties, a moving pod allows you to pack at your own pace over a weekend (or longer) and doesn’t incur weekend moving surcharges for the transport aspect, though you’ll pay for delivery and pickup.
Quick Takeaways on Weekend Moving Costs in Perth
- Generally More Expensive: Weekend moves in Perth typically cost 10-30% more due to high demand and increased labour costs for removalists.
- Why: Most people prefer to move on weekends to avoid taking time off work or to align with school holidays/lease cycles.
- Cheapest Times: Aim for mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) and mid-month, especially during off-peak seasons like winter.
- If Unavoidable: Book far in advance, be flexible with weekend times, and maximise DIY packing/prep to save on hourly labour.
While moving on a weekend offers undeniable convenience, it comes with a higher price tag. By understanding these dynamics and planning strategically, you can either save money by opting for a weekday move or minimise the extra costs if a weekend move is your only option.
FAQs
Q: Do removalists always charge more for Sundays than Saturdays?
Often, yes. Sundays typically incur higher penalty rates for staff, so some companies may have a slightly higher hourly rate or surcharge for Sunday moves compared to Saturdays. Always clarify this when getting quotes.
Q: Are there any specific times of year when weekend moves are even more expensive?
Yes. Weekend moves during the summer months (December-February), especially around Christmas and New Year, and during school holiday periods will be at the absolute peak of pricing due to a combination of high demand for movers and seasonal surcharges.
Q: Will booking a removalist at the last minute on a weekday be cheaper than booking a weekend move in advance?
Not necessarily. Last-minute bookings, even on weekdays, can still be expensive if removalists are busy, as they have less incentive to offer discounts. Booking in advance, regardless of the day, usually secures a better rate. However, a pre-booked weekday move is almost always cheaper than a pre-booked weekend move.
Q: Do companies charge extra for public holidays?
Absolutely. Public holidays are usually the most expensive days to move, with significantly higher hourly rates or substantial surcharges. Most removalists prefer not to work on public holidays unless absolutely necessary, and they pass on the much higher labour costs.
Q: Can I negotiate weekend moving rates with removalists?
While highly competitive, you can always try to negotiate, especially if your move is during a slightly less busy weekend or time slot (e.g., late Sunday afternoon). Having multiple quotes from competitors can give you leverage. However, during peak season, their flexibility will be minimal.
