1. Get a written quote based on your actual move
A good quote starts with the removalist asking questions: what you're moving, both addresses, stairs, lifts, parking and your dates. Be wary of a figure given before anyone knows what's in your home. Ask for the quote in writing, and check it says:
- how the move is charged (hourly or fixed) and any minimum
- how travel is charged and from where
- what's extra: heavy items, tolls, materials, packing
- the team size and truck
2. Understand how travel time works
Many Brisbane removalists charge travel to and from a depot, so the depot's location matters. A depot near you can mean less travel on your bill. Ask which depot your move will come from. (Ours are at Eagle Farm, Stafford, Bulimba, Mt Gravatt and Indooroopilly. See our depot finder.)
3. Ask about insurance, in plain words
Ask what transit insurance covers, what the excess is and what's excluded, especially for fragile items, items you packed yourself and TVs without their original boxes. Get it in writing. (Our transit insurance has a $1,000 customer excess and exclusions, set out in our terms.)
4. Read recent reviews, not just the star rating
Look at reviews from the last few months, and read the low ones. How did the business respond? Reviews that mention the suburb, the type of home or a specific crew member are usually more useful than a bare five stars.
5. Check they suit Brisbane homes
Brisbane has high-set Queenslanders with long stairs, hilly streets, and apartment blocks with lift and loading dock bookings. Ask how they handle stairs, narrow driveways and lift bookings, and what equipment the trucks carry.
6. Ask the questions that matter for your move
- Do you move pianos, pool tables or other heavy items? What do you need from me?
- Can you pack for me, or supply boxes?
- Do you offer storage if my settlement dates don't line up?
- What happens if it rains on moving day?
- How and when do I pay?
7. Watch for red flags
- No written quote, or a price with no questions asked
- Unclear about how time, travel or extras are charged
- Can't tell you what insurance covers
- Asks for a large upfront payment in cash with no paperwork
- No business address or ABN you can check
8. Book early around busy dates
Month ends, school holidays and the end of the financial year are busy. Book early, and confirm your booking a couple of days out.
Your checklist
Once you've chosen, use our moving checklist to plan the weeks before your move, and see how our clear written quotes work.
How booking works
Every move starts with a clear written quote. You'll receive a booking confirmation email when you book, and a reminder 48 hours before your move. Tap Confirm My Move in that email, or let us know about any changes.
FAQs
What should a removalist quote include?
A written quote should set out how the move is charged, any minimum, how travel is charged, the team and truck, and what can be extra, such as heavy items, tolls, materials and packing.
Why do removalists charge travel time?
Travel usually covers the journey from the removalist's depot to your pickup and back after delivery. A depot close to you can mean less travel, so ask which depot your move will come from.
What insurance should a removalist have?
Ask what transit insurance covers, the excess and the exclusions, especially for fragile items, self-packed boxes and TVs without original packaging. Get the details in writing before you book.
How far ahead should I book a removalist in Brisbane?
Book as early as you can, especially for month ends, school holidays and the end of the financial year, when demand is highest.
Is the lowest quote the best choice?
Not always. Compare what each quote includes, how time and travel are charged, the team size and the insurance, rather than only the headline figure.