There’s no doubt that removalists can make moving house a whole lot more convenient. They solve what is, for many, the biggest pain point of moving. Rather than organising each aspect – the boxes, packing and transport – yourself, you only have to make a single arrangement with them. But people often wonder why the cost of a removalist varies so much. In this article, we’re exploring how house removalist costs are calculated to help you understand.
Distance is a Factor
Imagine a scenario where you’re moving to a new state. You’re looking for a cheap removalist, and your friend who recently moved across town recommends a company. You phone them and get quoted several times what your friend paid. Unfortunately, this is normal, as the cost of a removalist is not fixed.
While local removalist rates are often a set amount per hour, interstate removalists cost much more. The interstate removalist cost will factor in the fuel, wear and tear of the vehicle, and the hours the driver spends moving your goods.
Volume and Weight of Goods
Another reason there’s no single answer to “how much do removalists charge?” is that each move is different. Some people have a lot of belongings to bring, requiring many hands to help pack and a large vehicle to move. Others have less, reducing labour and vehicle-hire costs.
The types of goods being moved can also affect removalist prices. Large, heavy items like pianos or delicate ones like antiques require special handling and therefore command a higher price.
Accessibility
Although they’ll help provide you with an easy relocation, your removal job may not be easy for them. If you’re moving out of a high-rise apartment, for example, you may need to make many trips in the elevator to get everything out. Or if they must climb a lot of stairs, or park far away, they may charge for the additional labour.
Jobs like these aren’t just more expensive because they increase the time everything takes, either. If there is a higher-than-normal risk of injury or damage, the movers’ insurance may be more expensive. This extra cost will be passed along to you.
Insurance Coverage
House removalist costs usually include some basic insurance to cover you against the damage or theft of your goods while they’re in transit. However, this is often very basic and based on item weight instead of value. If you’re moving small but expensive items, like antiques or jewellery, you may want to upgrade your cover to give you some more protection. Of course, this will increase the cost of your move height.
Company Reputation
Lists of tips for comparing removalist services and costs will often direct you towards reviews. This makes sense, as it’s important to leave your belongings in the hands of a service you can trust. But those with a well-established reputation are able to charge a premium.
Conclusion
The cost of a removalist is shaped by many factors, so don’t always be shocked if you’re quoted quite different prices. There are legitimate reasons why some firms charge more, and – as with insurance and reputation – they are sometimes worth the extra cost.