Moving house can be an expensive exercise, and for many Perth residents, the cost of professional removalists is one of the biggest line items. While it might be tempting to skimp on quality to save a buck, cutting corners can lead to damaged belongings, prolonged stress, and even injury.
The good news is, you can significantly reduce your removalist costs without compromising the safety of your possessions or your sanity. It’s all about smart planning, efficient preparation, and understanding how professional removalists charge.
Here’s how to trim those removalist expenses without cutting corners.
1. Declutter Ruthlessly (and Early!)
This is the golden rule of saving money on any move. Less stuff equals less time for movers, a smaller truck, and ultimately, a lower bill.
- Be Brutal: Go through every room, cupboard, and drawer. Ask yourself: “Have I used this in the last year? Does it bring me joy? Do I truly need it?”
- Sell, Donate, or Ditch: Organise a garage sale, sell items on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, donate to charity, or responsibly dispose of anything broken or unusable.
- Start Early: Begin decluttering weeks, if not months, before your move date. It’s a huge task!
2. Get Multiple, Detailed Quotes
Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Price and service quality can vary significantly between Perth removalist companies.
- At Least Three Quotes: Contact a minimum of three reputable removalists.
- Be Specific: Provide accurate details about your move:
- Inventory: A comprehensive list of all major furniture, appliances, and an estimate of the number of boxes.
- Access: Mention stairs, lifts, parking availability, and any difficult access points at both properties.
- Distance: Exact addresses for pickup and delivery.
- Dates: Your preferred moving date (and alternative dates if flexible).
- On-Site/Video Survey: For larger moves (3+ bedrooms), insist on an in-person or video survey. This allows the removalist to accurately assess the volume and logistics, leading to a more precise (and often fairer) quote.
- Clarify Inclusions: Understand what’s covered (hourly rate, fuel, insurance, disassembling/reassembling).
3. Be Strategic with Your Moving Date
Timing is everything when it comes to removalist costs.
- Avoid Peak Times: Weekends, public holidays, and the end/start of the month are the most expensive times due to high demand.
- Choose Mid-Week, Mid-Month: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, especially mid-month, typically offer the best rates as demand is lower.
- Off-Peak Season: Moving during Perth’s winter (June-August) can often be cheaper than the busy summer months.
4. Maximise Your DIY Efforts (Pre-Move Prep)
The less work removalists have to do, the less time they spend, and the less you pay.
- Pack Everything Yourself: This is the single biggest way to save. Have all boxes packed, sealed, and labelled before the movers arrive.
- Pro Tip: Use appropriately sized boxes. Don’t put heavy items (books, tins) in large boxes.
- Disassemble Furniture: Dismantle beds, dining tables, shelves, and any other flat-pack furniture yourself. Place all screws and bolts in a clearly labelled bag taped to the corresponding item.
- Disconnect Appliances: Unplug and prepare washing machines (secure drums), fridges, and other appliances. Defrost freezers.
- Clear Pathways: Ensure clear, unobstructed pathways from your home to the truck at both ends. Remove rugs, obstacles, and outdoor items.
- Empty Storage: Empty drawers, cupboards, and shelves. Movers often won’t move furniture with items inside.
- Prepare Essentials Box: Have a clearly marked box with immediate necessities that you can easily access (or move yourself).
5. Get Smart with Packing Materials
Don’t let packing supplies eat into your budget.
- Source Free Boxes: Check local supermarkets, liquor stores, offices, or online community groups (Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace) for free, sturdy boxes.
- Use What You Have: Utilise suitcases, laundry baskets, and sturdy bags for packing clothes and soft items.
- Protect with Linens: Use towels, blankets, old sheets, and clothing to wrap fragile items instead of buying excessive bubble wrap.
- Buy Bulk: If you need to buy, look for bulk packs of tape and bubble wrap from hardware stores.
6. Supervise and Communicate on Moving Day
Time is money when you’re paying by the hour.
- Be Present: Be at both locations to direct movers, answer questions, and ensure efficiency.
- Clear Instructions: Have a clear plan for where furniture and boxes go in the new home. Label rooms, or use coloured labels corresponding to room signs.
- Offer Refreshments: Happy movers work efficiently. Offer water or a cold drink.
- Avoid Delays: Ensure everything is ready to go, and there are no last-minute packing or cleaning tasks.
Quick Takeaways for Reducing Removalist Costs
- Declutter Early: Less stuff means less time and lower costs.
- Compare Quotes: Get 3+ detailed quotes, including on-site surveys for larger homes.
- Strategic Timing: Move mid-week, mid-month, or during off-peak seasons (winter) for cheaper rates.
- DIY Prep: Pack all boxes, disassemble furniture, and clear pathways before movers arrive.
- Smart Packing: Source free boxes and use household linens for protection.
- Supervise: Be present and provide clear instructions on moving day to ensure efficiency.
Reducing removalist costs doesn’t mean compromising on service. By putting in the groundwork yourself and making smart logistical choices, you can significantly lighten the financial load of your Perth move.
FAQs
Q: Is it always cheaper to pack myself?
Almost always. Professional packing services add significantly to your overall removalist bill, as it requires extra time and materials. If you have the time and physical ability, packing yourself is one of the biggest cost-savers.
Q: Do removalists charge extra for disassembling and reassembling furniture?
Most removalists will include simple disassembly and reassembly (e.g., a bed frame) within their hourly rate. However, if you have complex flat-pack furniture or many items requiring it, it will add to the overall time and thus the cost. Always clarify this when getting a quote.
Q: Should I move small items like pot plants and personal bags myself?
Yes! Any items you can safely and easily move in your own car on moving day will save on removalist time and costs. This includes small boxes, pot plants, personal essentials, and any fragile items you prefer to handle yourself.
Q: Is it worth getting removalist insurance?
Absolutely. While it adds to the cost, insurance protects your belongings against damage or loss during transit. Basic coverage may be included, but it’s often limited. Consider additional transit insurance, especially for valuable items. Compare this to your home contents insurance, which might offer some coverage.
Q: Can I negotiate with removalists on their hourly rate?
You can always try, especially if you have competing quotes. While heavily discounted rates are rare from reputable companies (as their costs are fixed), you might find some flexibility, particularly for less popular moving days/times. Be polite but firm with your budget.
