How to pick a removalist

Mature woman sitting on the floor unpacking moving boxes and smiling at mature man who is also unpacking moving boxes in a bright, sunny room

Here are some tips to help you choose the best removalist that’s right for you.

Moving home is exciting, but can also be a super stressful process. Engaging a professional removalist is a fantastic way to help facilitate your move and take one thing off your endless to-do list.

But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one?

Open removals truck showing packing boxes inside and outside, parked on a driveway outside a house
Removals truck

Moving day is easier when you're an Alinta Energy customer!

Alinta Energy customers get their first 4 hours FREE with the Alinta Energy moving truck*, thanks to our partnership with Adlam Transport, one of Perth's leading removalists.

If it’s already booked, don’t worry – Adlam Transport offers discounted moving rates for all Alinta Energy customers on weekdays. Simply submit a booking request, and Adlam Transport will be in touch within 2-3 business days.

Request to book

Think about what you want help with

Moving home is exciting, but can also be a super stressful process. Engaging a professional removalist is a fantastic way to help facilitate your move and take one thing off your endless to-do list.

But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one?

Think about what you want help with

First, narrow down what services you’re going to need.

  • Do you just want someone to show up on moving day and transport your packed boxes from your old house to your new one?
  • Or do you want the removalist to pack your belongings for you and unpack them on the other side?

Deciding on the services you need will help you create a shortlist for moving quotes.

Don’t settle with just one quote

Doing your homework and gathering multiple quotes will allow you to compare pricing and services. At this stage, it’s also important to take into consideration other factors that can potentially impact your move. Pricing aside, ask about the quality and size of their equipment and trucks, resourcing capability, reputation and any hidden costs such as stairs or bulky item fees.

This will give you peace of mind that you’re getting the right value for your money.

Ask for a home visit or a virtual survey

Many removalists offer home visits or virtual surveys these days to do a pre-move walk through. This helps them see exactly what furniture and how many items you have to move.

It’s easy to estimate over the phone, but seeing everything in person or via video call means they can give you an accurate quote on the truck size, number of movers needed, and how long it will take.

Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions when getting quotes from removalists. Some important questions to include:

  • Are your rates hourly or fixed price per job?
  • Does the quote include GST?
  • Do you provide boxes?
  • What forms of payment do you accept?
  • Does the quote include your travel time at the start and end of the day?
  • What happens if anything is damaged?
  • Do you offer insurance?

Check their insurance and credentials

Removalists can belong to an association which means they are held accountable to an industry body. One such body is the Australian Furniture Removers Association. Ask if your removalist is registered with them or any other official relevant bodies.

Also, check if they have the necessary insurances such as public liability insurance and if they offer removals insurance. Your home insurance policy may also cover goods in transit, so it’s worth checking that too.

Get personal recommendations

Ask friends or family for recommendations. Personal experiences can help you decide whether to use a particular removalist or not.

Online reviews

Lastly, don’t forget to check out your potential removalists online. Facebook, Google, Trustpilot and Choice, are great places to find reviews. Sometimes it’s not just about the review itself but how the business responds to it. If there’s a negative review, see how the removalist handled it before deciding to use their services.

Move your energy online in minutes

We want to make moving easier for you. That's why we provide helpful tips that help make your new house feel like home as quickly as possible.

When it comes to moving your energy, we've got you covered too. Our online process will only take you minutes to complete. And with one business day's notice#, your new home can be connected - ready for you to move in.

*T&Cs and eligibility criteria apply. Offer subject to availability. Alinta Energy customers can receive up to 4 free hours of moving services from Adlam Transport per 12 month period from your last free move. For more than 4 hours, or on days when the moving truck is not available, a discounted rate will be payable by the customer. Excludes optional extra services offered by Adlam, such as insurance. Only one free move is available per day during weekdays. The moving services will not be available in the event that Adlam Transport is unable to operate due to any reason whatsoever. Full T&Cs available here.

# 1 business day's notice required. You must ensure there is clear and safe meter access. To have power reconnected, the mains switch must be in the 'off' position and all other safety requirement specified during our online moving process must be met. If you're with another energy provider at your current property, you'll need to contact them to organise the disconnection of energy and close your account.


Acknowledgement of Country
Alinta Energy acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and conduct our business operations.  We acknowledge the continuing connections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to Country and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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