If you've just bought a couch but not sure how to get it from the showroom floor to your front door, or maybe you’ve picked up a secondhand table off Facebook Marketplace and now you’re wondering how to move it without strapping it to the roof of your hatchback.
If delivery costs, logistics and timeframes have got you in a spin, you’re not alone—and we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to move your furniture safely and affordably in Australia, including cost estimates for removalists, service types, and how to avoid common delivery mistakes.
When most people think about furniture delivery, they immediately think about moving house. But, the truth is, you may find yourself in need of this service for a number of reasons.
Perhaps you’ve bought a new full sized, and L shaped corner couch and you need to get it home. The back of your car boot is not going to cut it.
Maybe you need to move items from a warehouse to a new office - chances are, your mate with a ute isn’t going to be able to fit everything in the back of his tray.
Or, you may actually just be moving house - and, well we all know that squeezing your favourite armchair into your sedan’s back seat is going to create more stress than good.
Most furniture delivery services cover any of these scenarios:
Depending on the provider, delivery services can also include extras like wrapping, loading, unloading, and sometimes even assembly. But not all services are created equal - so it pays to know what you’re booking.
Here’s how it works:
In Australia, you can book through:
Keep in mind that timeframes can vary. Metro deliveries are often faster, while regional or interstate jobs might take a few days or even a week depending on the route.
Furniture delivery prices in Australia can vary quite a bit, depending on what you’re moving and how far it needs to go.
As a rough guide, local deliveries for smaller pieces - like an armchair or flat-pack desk - might cost anywhere from $50 to $100. Larger items like a couch or dining table could set you back $150 to $300 for local delivery.
If you’re sending furniture interstate, the price will naturally go up. Something like a bed frame or lounge suite travelling across the country could cost anywhere between $300 and $600, depending on the specific service type, distance, timing, and whether it needs special handling.
There are a few things that can push the price up:
If you’re hiring professional removalists, expect an hourly rate with a minimum booking time—usually 2 hours. This is standard across most Australian cities.
Across Australia, hourly rates can range anywhere from $85 to $245 per hour, depending on the service, location, and size of the team.
If you're looking to save one smart option is backloading, where your item shares space in a truck already making that trip. It’s a budget-friendly way to move furniture, especially if you’re not in a rush and don’t mind flexible timing.
No matter what you’re moving, it’s always a good idea to get a few quotes before locking anything in.
A smooth furniture delivery isn’t just about booking the right service - it’s also about a bit of prep on your end. These small steps can help avoid damage, delays and last-minute stress.
Grab a tape measure and check your doorways, hallways, stairwells and lifts before delivery day. That oversized sofa might look amazing online, but it’s not much good if it won’t fit through your front door. And if you’re lifting things yourself, it’s a good idea to brush up on manual handling basics so you don’t put your back out mid-move.
Use blankets, towels or bubble wrap to cover sharp corners or delicate surfaces. Even if the movers bring their own padding, it doesn’t hurt to give your furniture a bit of extra care. If you’re moving taller items like shelves or drawers, it’s also worth checking out the toppling furniture safety standard to help prevent tip-overs once they’re in place.
If you're moving more than one piece - or delivering to multiple rooms - use sticky notes or labels to tell the movers where each item goes. It saves you from playing furniture Tetris later.
Try to be home during the delivery window. You can guide the movers, double-check any access issues, and make sure everything ends up in the right spot. If you can’t be there, consider leaving instructions (and your phone on loud).
If you need your bed assembled or your couch unwrapped and set up in the lounge, let the delivery company know in advance so they can come prepared with the right tools and enough time.
Leaving it too late to book
Waiting until the last minute—especially during weekends or busy periods—can leave you with fewer choices and higher costs. Try to lock in your service a few days ahead if possible.
If you live in a unit with no lift, have a steep driveway, or a narrow hallway, let the movers know in advance. Surprises on the day can lead to delays or extra fees.
Cheap isn’t always cheerful. Look for companies with solid reviews and reliable service, even if they cost a little more.
Always ask if your delivery is covered by insurance in case of damage. If you're moving a valuable piece or a sentimental item, it’s worth knowing what’s protected - and what’s not.
Local delivery is generally quick, easy to coordinate, and more affordable. Most local jobs can be done within a week or so, especially if you're in a metro area where couriers and removalists are regularly on the move.
Interstate delivery, on the other hand, tends to involve a bit more planning. Depending on the distance and availability of trucks, it can take a bit longer for your furniture to arrive. It can also be more expensive, especially if you’re booking a dedicated truck or tight delivery window. But there are ways to bring the cost down. One of the most popular options is a shared-load service (backloading), where your furniture shares space on a truck that’s already scheduled to travel that route.
With so many delivery companies out there, it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out who’s trustworthy and who’s just out to make a quick buck. To make sure you're getting a good deal and reliable service, it’s important to consider a few key factors before making a decision.
First, always look for positive reviews from real customers. While reading reviews online might seem like a basic step, it’s one of the best ways to gauge a provider's reputation. Genuine customer feedback gives you insight into the company’s reliability, professionalism, and how they handle any issues that arise during the delivery process.
Clear communication is another critical factor. A good provider will be upfront with you before and during the delivery process. They’ll confirm your delivery details, provide an accurate time frame, and be easy to get in touch with if you have questions or need updates. If a company is vague or hard to reach, that’s a red flag.
To avoid overpaying, consider getting multiple quotes. Comparing offers from different providers not only helps you understand the going rate, but it also ensures you’re getting the best value for your money.
Platforms like Upmove make it easy by letting you compare quotes from multiple delivery companies in one place, so you can select the best option based on both price and service quality.
Do furniture delivery services include assembly?
Some do, but it’s not always standard. Always check in advance.
What happens if my furniture is damaged in transit?
Reputable services will include (or offer) insurance to cover any damage. Always ask before booking.
Do I need to be home to accept delivery?
Usually, yes - especially if it involves stairs or assembly. Some couriers may leave items with your permission, but it depends on the service.
Furniture delivery in Australia doesn’t need to be expensive, confusing or risky. Whether you’re moving one item or furnishing an entire home, there are plenty of reliable, affordable options out there.
From quick local jobs to big interstate deliveries, you can find and book professional movers with Upmove who know how to handle furniture with care. So skip the roof racks, and leave the heavy lifting to the pros.
Upmove helps Aussies find and book removalists and transport services across Australia. The easy-to-use platform allows customers to access reliable, cost-effective, and user-reviewed service providers in just a few clicks. Founded back in 2017, our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for both customers and the professionals they rely on.
It's free and easy to create a request on Upmove.
Describe, add photos and the dimensions of your shipment in your listing — anything that you think will make a difference, will make a difference.
Our platform will reach out to moving companies relevant to your delivery specification in your area.
Movers may ask you a few more details about your delivery before giving you a quote.
Compare prices and get to know movers before accepting their quote by reading previous customer feedback on our platform.
Pick your preferred moving company and arrange collection and delivery.
Prepare your package for collection or if you are moving home, get ready for moving day.
Meet and greet your chosen moving company on your collection day.
Sit back and relax while your moving company takes care of your booking.
Upmove acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
