10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Movers in Melbourne
Don't hire Melbourne removalists without asking these 10 questions. Protect yourself, get the right price, and avoid costly moving day surprises.
Why this matters: Most moving day problems are entirely preventable. Asking the right questions before booking protects your belongings, your budget, and your timeline.
The 10 Essential Questions
1. Are you fully insured?
Ask specifically about public liability insurance and transit goods insurance. What is the excess? What items are excluded? What is the maximum claim per item? A reputable Melbourne removalist will answer this immediately and clearly.
2. Is this a fixed price or hourly quote?
Understand exactly what you're being charged and whether the final bill could be higher than the quote. Fixed-price quotes offer certainty. Hourly rates can creep up if the move takes longer than expected.
3. What surcharges might apply?
Ask specifically about: stairs levy, long carry charge (more than 20m from truck), weekend/public holiday surcharge, heavy items (piano, safe, pool table), fuel levy, and CBD access charges. These can significantly increase your final bill if not disclosed upfront.
4. What is the minimum call-out time?
Most Melbourne removalists have a 2–3 hour minimum. If your move only takes 90 minutes, you'll still be charged for the minimum. Factor this into your comparison.
5. Will you be using subcontractors?
Some Melbourne removal companies use subcontracted crews who may not share the same standards. If you want to ensure consistent quality, ask whether the team you deal with is employed directly by the company.
6. What equipment do you bring?
A professional moving team should arrive with: furniture trolleys, moving blankets, straps and tie-downs, floor protection, and packing materials if ordered. Ask what's standard and what's extra.
7. How do you handle damaged items?
Ask what the process is if something gets broken. How do they assess damage? How quickly do they respond to claims? What documentation do they require? A company with a clear, fair process is worth more than a vague "we're insured" response.
8. Can I see your written terms and conditions?
Request the full terms before signing anything. Key things to look for: payment terms, cancellation policy, what constitutes a variation, and liability limitations.
9. Do you have references or verifiable reviews?
Ask for Google reviews, or references from recent Melbourne customers. Pay attention to how they've handled problems in reviews — not just the 5-star ones.
10. What if my moving date changes?
Life happens — ask what the cancellation and rescheduling policy is. Some removalists charge a cancellation fee, others offer free rescheduling within a window. Know before you commit.
📋 Next step: Request a free quote from Melbourne Moving Quotes. We answer all of the above questions upfront — no pressure, no hidden fees.