12 Questions To Ask Your Removalist Company Before Hiring Them

Moving house isn’t just packing boxes — it’s packing your life into a truck.

And if you’ve ever felt that gut-wrenching mix of excitement and anxiety as the big day approaches, you know the stakes.

It’s not just furniture on the line — it’s memories, routines, sometimes even your sanity. So choosing the right removalist?

It’s not a side task. It’s the task.

Before you shake hands or sign contracts, take a breath. Ask the right questions — the kind that turn chaos into calm, and a moving truck into a moving partner.

Here’s a list of the most important questions that you must ask your removalists company before hiring them.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

This is non-negotiable.

Would you hand over your car keys to a stranger with no license? Probably not. The same logic applies here.

Ask:

  • Do you carry public liability and transit insurance?
  • What happens if something goes wrong?

A legit removalist won’t flinch when you ask this — they’ll be proud to show proof. It’s a simple way to protect your stuff and your peace of mind.

2. What’s Included in the Quote?

This is where most people get stung.

A deceptively cheap quote might not include:

  • Packing and unpacking
  • Travel time or fuel
  • Extra fees for stairs or heavy items
  • Surcharges for weekends or public holidays

Ask for a detailed, itemised quote. Don’t be shy. This is your wallet we’re talking about.

3. Do You Charge Per Hour or Offer Fixed Pricing?

Let’s be real — moving rarely goes perfectly to plan. That’s why you need clarity here.

  • Hourly rate: Flexible, but riskier if there are delays.
  • Fixed price: Predictable and often better for big jobs.

Pick what works best for your situation, but don’t forget to ask about minimum booking times and overtime charges.

4. How Long Have You Been Doing This?

Experience is everything when it comes to navigating narrow hallways, dodging bad weather, or figuring out how to get a fridge into a third-floor apartment.

Ask:

  • How much experience do you have?
  • How many moves like mine have you done?
  • Are your staff professionally trained?

Even if someone has a flashy website, you want movers who’ve seen it all — and solved it all.

5. Do You Have Reviews or Testimonials?

This is your reality check.

What others say about them is way more important than what they say about themselves.

Head to:

  • Google Reviews
  • Facebook
  • Local forums
  • Removalist comparison sites

You want consistency — great service, fair pricing, careful handling. If you see repeated complaints (especially about damage or lateness), that’s a red flag waving like a madman.

6. What Happens If Something Gets Damaged?

You don’t want to discover the damage and the lack of accountability at the same time.

Ask:

What’s your damage policy?
How do I file a complaint?
Is compensation offered?

You’d be surprised how many companies squirm when this comes up. You don’t want a shrug — you want a system.

7. Do You Provide Packing Materials?

Imagine realising the night before your move that you need 25 boxes and a truckload of bubble wrap.

Ask:

  • Do you supply boxes, tape, and protective wraps?
  • Are these included or extra?
  • Do you deliver packing supplies in advance?

Some removalists offer eco-friendly or reusable boxes — a bonus if you care about your carbon footprint.

8. Will the Same Team Be Handling My Move?

You don’t want strangers showing up at each end of the move. Consistency matters.

Ask:

  • Will the team loading the truck be the same team unloading it?
  • Are the movers employees or subcontractors?

You want accountability — not a game of pass-the-parcel with your belongings.

9. How Do You Handle Fragile or Valuable Items?

Some things aren’t replaceable — heirlooms, artworks, instruments. The last thing you want is them treated like a pile of bricks.

Ask:

  • Do you offer special wrapping or crating?
  • Can I label things as fragile?
  • Are the movers trained for high-value items?

10. What’s Your Cancellation or Rescheduling Policy?

Life happens. Settlements get delayed. Kids get sick. Plans change.

Ask:

  • What’s the minimum notice period if I need to reschedule or tweak my move date?
  • Are there penalties for rescheduling?
  • What happens if you cancel?

Flexibility isn’t just a perk — it’s a sign of professionalism.

11. Do You Offer Storage Options If Plans Fall Through?

Say there’s a gap between moving out and moving in — can you hold onto my stuff temporarily?

Some removalists have partnerships with storage facilities or offer storage themselves. This can be a lifesaver if timelines slip.

Ask:

  • Do you offer temporary storage?
  • Is it secure and climate-controlled?
  • What’s the daily/weekly rate?

Trust us, this question has saved many last-minute panic.

12. Which Suburbs Do You Cover — and Are You Local?

Using removalists Melbourne locals trust can make a huge difference.

Local removalists know:

  • The traffic traps
  • The parking rules
  • The best shortcuts on a Friday at 5pm

A company like Book A Move, for example, has deep experience with Melbourne’s quirks — from tight laneways to high-rise building regulations. It’s not just about moving. It’s about knowing the terrain.

Conclusion

Choosing a removalist shouldn’t feel like spinning a roulette wheel.

The right questions are your armour — they cut through fluff, reveal red flags, and help you find the company that treats your move like their own.

Think of this as your moving day lie detector. If a removalist squirms at these questions or dances around them, you’ve got your answer — keep looking.

Because this isn’t just a job. It’s your life in boxes.

writer's bio

Alice

Alice, an ace content strategist and writer with years of experience crafting compelling narratives across diverse industries, excels at turning complex topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content. Known for her knack for blending storytelling with strategic insight. Alice creates blogs, articles, and press releases that not only inform but also resonate with readers. Her dedication to understanding industry trends and audience needs ensures every piece he writes delivers value, clarity, and impact. Whether it’s simplifying gold trading insights, curating coffee shop strategies, or championing local businesses, Alice’s words leave a lasting impression.