Moving at short notice
Can you guarantee a removalist on my date?
No. Urgent requests are passed on first and we try to find a removalist who can help at short notice, but whether one is free depends on the day, the place and the move.
Can a removalist take my money and not turn up?
A business must not take payment if it does not intend to supply, or if it knew or should have known it could not supply on time.
What is the difference between a quote and an estimate?
A quote is a total amount that becomes binding when you accept it. An estimate is approximate and can change.
How much deposit should I pay?
WA consumer guidance suggests a small deposit, generally no more than 10% of the total, and paying the balance when the job is finished.
Quotes and prices
How much do removalists cost in Melbourne?
We do not publish prices, because every move is different and we cannot source a fair figure for yours. Victoria's guidance for people moving house is to check whether a removalist charges a flat fee or by the hour and what extra charges apply if the move runs over time. The removalist quotes after hearing about your move.
Should I just take the cheapest quote?
Consumer Affairs Victoria advises against simply taking the lowest quote: weigh the quality of the provider and what the quote includes.
What should a written quote include?
Whether it is hourly or fixed, the terms and conditions, packing help, the crew and truck size, the start time and any storage fees if there is a delay.
Is my furniture insured during the move?
Ask before you book. Victoria's guidance for people moving house suggests considering transit insurance, and NSW Fair Trading notes that removalists are not required to insure your belongings and many insure only their vehicle.
What if something is damaged?
Under the Australian Consumer Law a removalist must provide its services with due care and skill. If something is damaged, raise it with the removalist straight away, in writing. Consumer Affairs Victoria explains your rights and next steps.
Moving day rules
Do I need a parking permit for the removal truck?
It depends on your council and the truck. Councils set their own rules: the City of Melbourne and Merri-bek, for example, issue permits that name removalists, while other councils' permits exclude trucks. Our suburb pages set out what we found for each area.
Can the truck stop in a clearway to load?
No. Under rule 176 of Victoria's road rules a driver must not stop in a clearway during the times on the sign, and clearways within 20 kilometres of the CBD are tow-away zones.
How long can a removal truck stay on my street?
In a built-up area a heavy or long vehicle may stop for up to one hour unless a sign or the council allows longer, but it may stay while it is continuously loading or unloading goods (rule 200). Parking signs still apply.
What rules apply in an apartment building?
Your owners corporation's rules, or the model rules if it has none: do not obstruct common property, block driveways, damage common property or make unreasonable noise. Book the lift or dock first.
Renting and moving
How much notice do I give when I leave a rental?
It depends on your state or territory and your agreement. Our emergency moves page links the official rules for each one.
Who holds my bond?
Each state has its own body, for example NSW Fair Trading through Rental Bonds Online, the RTBA in Victoria and the RTA in Queensland. In the NT the landlord holds it in trust.
About Express Removals
Are you a removals company?
No. Express Removals is an independent quote referral service. We pass your request to one local removals business, which contacts you directly to quote. We do not quote, pack or move anything, and any agreement is between you and the removalist.
Are you connected with a removalist of a similar name?
No. Express Removals is an independent referral service and is not connected with any removals business that has a similar name.
What do you do with my details?
We pass your request to one local removals business, with your agreement, and never sell your details. Our privacy policy has the detail.
Sources
The answers above draw on the NSW Government on services not received, NSW Fair Trading on choosing a removalist, Consumer Protection WA on quotes and deposits, the Victorian Government (2019), Consumer Affairs Victoria on misleading claims and the state tenancy bodies linked on our emergency moves page.