Full packing, part packing or just materials
Packing help ranges from a crew packing the whole home the day before, to packing only the kitchen and fragile items, to dropping off boxes and tape. Compare packing help across quotes alongside the crew and truck size (WA Consumer Protection), and ask for an itemised written quote that shows what packing and materials cost (NSW Fair Trading).
Fragile and valuable things
Ask how important items will be packed and moved, and keep valuables such as jewellery and passports with you rather than in the truck (Consumer Affairs Victoria). Under the Australian Consumer Law, a removalist's services must be provided with due care and skill (Consumer Affairs Victoria). A regulators' guide gives the example of a badly wrapped mirror that broke in transit as a failure of due care and skill (industry guide to the Australian Consumer Law). If a service fails a consumer guarantee, you can cancel and may be entitled to a refund (Consumer Affairs Victoria).
Sort before you pack
Every box you do not pack is one less to move. Old electronics and appliances cannot go in household rubbish or landfill in Victoria (EPA Victoria), so take them to an e-waste drop-off or check your council's hard waste collection, which our suburb pages describe. Then request a free quote and say how much packing you want.
At short notice
Tell us when you need to move. We'll try to find a removalist who can help at short notice. If you have a day or two, ask for packing in the quote: a crew can often pack faster than you can, but say so when you request the quote so the removalist can plan the time.
Packing questions
Are boxes included in the quote?
Ask. Packing materials are often priced separately from the move. An itemised written quote shows exactly what is included.
What should I pack myself?
Valuables, documents and anything you need on the first night. Keep jewellery and passports with you, not in the truck.
What if something breaks?
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.