Learning how to choose a removalist is the difference between a moving day that runs like clockwork and one that turns into a slow, stressful, and expensive mess. After years on the trucks around Wollongong and the Illawarra, we’ve turned up to plenty of jobs to clean up after a “cheap” mob who cancelled last minute, showed up two blokes short, or quoted a price that magically doubled by the end of the day. So here’s the honest advice we’d give our own family: what to actually check before you hand over your deposit.
The honest truth: the cheapest quote isn’t always the cheapest move
Everyone wants a good price, and we get it. But the lowest hourly rate on paper is often the most expensive move once it’s done. A cheap crew that’s slow, under-manned, or careless can take twice as long, damage your furniture, and cost you more than a slightly dearer team that knows what they’re doing. Price matters, but it’s only one of seven things worth checking. Get the rest right and the price usually looks after itself. If you want a realistic idea of what a move should cost first, have a read of our Wollongong removalist cost guide.
How to choose a removalist: 7 things to check before you book
Work through these seven checks with any removalist you’re considering. Any decent company will answer all of them happily. If they get cagey on even one, that tells you something.
1. Check they’re a real, registered business
The first thing to check when choosing a removalist is whether you’re dealing with an actual business or a bloke with a ute and a Facebook page. Every legitimate operator has an Australian Business Number (ABN) you can verify on the Australian Business Register, and a real physical address, not just a mobile number and a web form. We’re based at 3/135 Keira Street in Wollongong and we’re happy for anyone to check us out. A registered business with a shopfront isn’t going to vanish the week after your move if something goes wrong.
2. Confirm insurance and transit cover
Ask straight up: are you insured, and what does the cover actually include? You want public liability insurance (which covers damage to property) and the option of transit or goods-in-transit cover, which protects your belongings while they’re on the truck. Plenty of budget movers carry neither, which means if your fridge goes through a wall or your TV gets smashed, you’re wearing the cost. Get the answer in writing. Our interstate moving jobs in particular are never worth risking without proper cover.
3. Look for real experience and accreditation
Experience is the thing you can’t fake. A crew that’s moved hundreds of Illawarra homes knows how to get a lounge up a tight Wollongong staircase, load a truck so nothing shifts, and read a job before it becomes a problem. Ask how long they’ve been going and whether the crew are their own staff or last-minute casuals. You can also check whether a removalist is accredited by the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA), though plenty of good smaller local operators aren’t members, so treat it as a bonus rather than a dealbreaker.
4. Insist on a proper written quote
Never accept a price scribbled over the phone with no detail. A good removalist will ask about your place: how many bedrooms, how many cubic metres of gear, stairs or lift access, parking, and whether you need packing help. For bigger moves, they’ll offer an on-site or video walkthrough. Be wary of anyone who quotes a suspiciously low figure without asking a single question, because that number is going to climb on the day. A written quote that spells out the rate, the crew size, the truck, and any call-out or depot-to-depot time is what you’re after.
5. Read the reviews, including the bad ones
Google reviews, social media, and word of mouth from mates who’ve moved recently tell you more than any glossy website. Look for how a company responds to the occasional bad review, because that shows you how they’ll treat you if something goes sideways. A wall of five-star reviews with no detail can be as suspicious as a page of one-stars. Look for reviews that mention the crew by name, on-time arrivals, and careful handling.
6. Ask exactly what’s included, and what isn’t
This is where the “cheap” quotes come undone. Ask what the price covers and what’s extra: travel time to and from the depot, fuel, tolls, stairs, heavy or awkward items like a piano, disassembly and reassembly, boxes and materials, and any deposit or cancellation fee. Get the full picture before you book so there are no nasty surprises when the invoice lands. An honest removalist would rather over-explain the costs than spring them on you at the end.
7. Understand how they charge: per hour vs fixed price
Most local moves are charged per hour (crew plus truck), while some interstate or full-house jobs are quoted as a fixed price. Neither is automatically better, but you need to know which you’re getting and what happens if the job runs over. Ask how they handle travel time, minimum hours, and payment. Our own approach is to give an honest estimate, and if anything, slightly overestimate the time, so you’re never caught out. Before the day itself, our checklist of things to do before you move will help the whole job go faster.
Red flags to walk away from
Some warning signs are worth trusting your gut on. Walk away if a removalist demands a large cash deposit up front, won’t put anything in writing, has no ABN or fixed address, dodges questions about insurance, or pressures you to book on the spot. A big price that seems too good to be true almost always is. For extra peace of mind, the NSW Government’s guide to choosing a removalist sets out your consumer rights and what a fair contract should look like, and it’s worth a quick read before you sign anything.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a removalist is trustworthy?
Check they have a verifiable ABN and a real physical address, ask to see proof of insurance, read their Google reviews (especially how they reply to complaints), and get a detailed written quote. A trustworthy removalist answers all of these without hesitation. If they dodge any of them, keep looking.
Should I always choose the cheapest removalist?
No. The cheapest quote is often the most expensive move once you factor in slow crews, damage, and hidden fees that appear on the day. Compare a few quotes on what’s actually included, not just the headline hourly rate, and pick the team that’s experienced, insured, and upfront about pricing.
What questions should I ask a removalist before booking?
Ask about their ABN and address, insurance and transit cover, how long they’ve been operating, whether the crew are their own staff, what the quote includes and excludes, deposit and cancellation terms, and how they charge (per hour or fixed). The answers will quickly separate the professionals from the risky ones.
Do I need to be there on moving day?
Yes, ideally you or someone you trust should be there to point out fragile or valuable items, confirm what’s coming and what’s staying, and do a final walk-through of the empty house. It only takes a few minutes and it prevents most mix-ups.
Choosing a removalist in Wollongong? Talk to us first
If you’re weighing up removalists across Wollongong and the Illawarra, we’d back ourselves against any of these seven checks. We’re a local, experienced, fully insured team who’ll give you an honest quote with no surprises. Call us on 1300 015 050 for a chat or a free quote, or take a look at our house removals service to see how we work. Fill in the form below and we’ll get straight back to you.
