A reliable removalist verifiably holds a current ABN and proper insurance, has real reviews with a consistent track record (ideally AFRA membership), and gives you a detailed written quote before moving day — not a number pulled from a phone call. Checking these four things before you book prevents almost every horror story people tell about moving.
Verify They’re a Legitimate Business
Every legitimate removalist operating in Australia holds an ABN (Australian Business Number) — ask for it and verify it yourself rather than taking it on trust. A company that hesitates to share this, or can’t produce one, is a red flag regardless of how professional their website looks.
Licensing requirements vary by state for local moves, and interstate movers have their own regulatory requirements when crossing state lines. Ask directly: are you licensed and insured to operate here and interstate? A legitimate company answers this without hesitation and can point you to their registration details.
Check Insurance Coverage
Confirm the company carries transit insurance covering your belongings for the full duration of the move, not just while the truck is moving. Ask what happens if something is damaged — a reputable removalist has a clear, documented process, not a vague verbal promise.
Look Past the Star Rating
A high star rating alone doesn’t tell the full story. Read the actual reviews, and look specifically for:
- Consistent detail across multiple reviews — real customers tend to mention specifics (punctuality, care with a particular item, how a problem was handled), not just generic praise.
- How the company responds to any negative reviews — professionally and constructively, or defensively.
- Membership in an industry body such as the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) — it’s not mandatory, but it signals a level of accountability and standards most fly-by-night operators skip.
Get Multiple, Detailed Quotes
Get quotes from at least three companies before deciding — this is the single best defence against being overcharged, and it also shows you the going rate for your specific move. A proper quote should break down what’s actually included: inventory/volume, distance, property access (stairs, lifts, long carries), and labour — not just a single lump-sum figure. If a quote seems unusually low compared to the others, ask why; it’s often missing something that shows up as a surprise charge on the day.
Ask how the quote was calculated — by the hour, or as a fixed price — and get it in writing before the move, not verbally on the day.
Ask About Specialty Handling if You Need It
If you have a piano, pool table, antiques, or other awkward or high-value items, ask specifically whether the company has experience with them and what extra precautions they take. The same goes for pets during a move, if that applies to you. A removalist that handles these routinely will have a clear answer; one that doesn’t may still be a fine choice for a standard move, but isn’t the right pick for anything unusual.
Prepare on Your Side Too
A reliable removalist can only work as smoothly as the information you give them. Before you book:
- Declutter first — sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, or discard. Less volume means a faster, cheaper move.
- Set a realistic budget — factor in packing materials, any storage you might need, and insurance, not just the crew’s hourly rate.
- Give an accurate inventory — the more detail you provide upfront, the more accurate your quote will be, and the less likely you are to hit a surprise cost on moving day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a removalist is legitimate?
Ask for their ABN and verify it, confirm they’re licensed and insured for the type of move you need (local or interstate), and check reviews for consistent, specific feedback rather than just a star rating.
What questions should I ask before hiring a removalist?
Are you licensed and insured? How is the quote calculated — hourly or fixed? What’s included in that quote? What happens if something is damaged? Do you have experience with any specialty items I need moved?
How many quotes should I get before choosing a removalist?
At least three. It shows you the going rate for your move and makes it easy to spot a quote that’s missing something, whether unusually high or unusually low.
Does AFRA membership matter when choosing a removalist?
It’s not mandatory, but membership in the Australian Furniture Removers Association signals a level of accountability and industry standards that most unlicensed or fly-by-night operators don’t bother with — worth treating as a positive signal, not a requirement.
What should I do before contacting a removalist?
Declutter what you don’t need, set a realistic budget that includes packing and any storage costs, and put together an accurate inventory — it directly affects how accurate your quote will be.
