Often celebrated for its breathtaking sunsets and relaxed pace of life, Perth is a city that effortlessly combines natural beauty with urban charm. As Australia’s sunniest capital, it invites newcomers with its golden beaches, lush parks, and the Swan River winding through its heart. Picture yourself soaking in the views from Kings Park or enjoying the buzzing café scene in Fremantle. Perth is the perfect mix of tranquillity and vibrancy.
What sets the city apart is the diversity it offers. Each neighbourhood has its own appeal, from the family-friendly suburbs of Subiaco to the coastal allure of Scarborough. Perth’s lifestyle caters to everyone, offering a balance of work, leisure, and adventure, all set against a backdrop of clear skies and endless sunshine.
If you’re planning to make it your home, understanding the logistics of moving is key to settling in smoothly. This guide is here to help you navigate the process, offering insights into hourly rates for removalists Perth residents trust and tips for saving costs.
Removalists in Perth typically charge hourly rates ranging from $90 and $150, depending on things like the truck size, number of removalists, and how far you’re moving. If you want to save a few bucks, moving during the week can often cost less than weekends or public holidays.
| Truck size/ service type | Hourly rate range | Ideal for |
| Small truck | $90 to $110 | 1-2 bed unit |
| Medium truck | $110 to $130 | 2-3 bed unit or house |
| Large truck | $140 to $180 | 4+ bed house |
| Packing service | $40 to $60 (pp) | Help with packing/ unpacking |
| Specialist Items | $150 to $250+ | Moving delicate or heavy items |
Most removalists include packing, loading, transport, and unloading in their hourly rates. But extra charges—like fuel surcharges, tolls, or dealing with stairs and narrow access—might not be part of the deal. It’s a good idea to get a full cost breakdown before you book.
Tip: To figure out what you’ll spend, try this:
(Hourly rate × Estimated hours) + Extra fees = Total cost
For example, if you’re paying $120/hour and your move takes six hours with $50 in tolls: ($120 × 6) + $50 = $770
Two workers and a truck is the standard package many moving companies offer. For those who need more help–add on extra services like packing materials, or even have them disassemble and reassemble your furniture.
If you have specialist items such as pianos, antiques, or fragile goods, you might need to hire a removalist with specific expertise. Try to tailor the services you get to what you need specifically, that way you won’t pay for extras you really don’t need.
Luckily, many Perth removalists do allow you to tailor their services to fit your move. For example:
| Specialty items | Estimated time | Details |
| Piano | 30 mins to 1 hour | Requires expertise and equipment |
| Antiques/ fragile Items | 30 mins to 1 hour | Wrapping and careful handling required |
| Pool Table | 1 to 2 hour | Involves disassembly, transport, and reassembly |
Hourly rates can be a winner if you’re well-organised and prepared, especially for straightforward moves. For those who plan their move carefully, the transparency of an hourly rate can lead to some pretty good savings.
Timing: This can make a big difference in what you’ll pay. Peak times—like weekends, summer, and the end of the month—often come with higher fees because removalists are in high demand. On the flip side, being flexible with your moving dates can save you money, as off-peak times might attract discounts. Planning in advance and avoiding the busiest times, like the end of the month, could save you a bit.
Declutter: Clearing out unwanted items is an important task before your move. Not only does it reduce the amount you need to transport but it can also save time and money.
DIY: Packing your belongings yourself is another good way to lower labour costs.
Tailor your move: For smaller moves, hiring fewer removalists or a smaller vehicle might be worth a look.
Be organised: By consolidating trips and making sure everything’s ready to go, you can bring down the hourly charges.
For a comprehensive guide to planning your move, refer to our Perth moving house checklist.
2. Underestimating time needed. Factor in traffic, access issues, and breaks.
3. Skipping insurance. Unforeseen damage can be costly without proper coverage.
4. Not asking about additional fees. Surprises can quickly blow your budget.
To provide a clearer picture, consider this example: a local move of a 2-bedroom unit in Perth with two removalists might cost around $300 to $450, assuming a short distance and no extra fees.
Understand how these figures compare across move types by explorig our detailed guide on the cost of moving home in Perth.
For longer distances or more complex moves, costs can increase with travel time, fuel, and additional labour. Providing detailed information about your move will mean you get accurate quotes.
Scenario 1: 1-bed unit in Perth CBD
Scenario 2: 3-bed house in Perth's Suburbs
Removalist rates can vary between Perth suburbs, with areas like Cottesloe sometimes costing more than others. Local recommendations from residents can also help you understand which Perth removalists are reliable.
For more strategies on selecting the right provider, check out our tips for finding removalists in Perth.
Upmove makes moving in Perth simple, affordable, and stress-free, with trusted Perth removalists ready to handle your belongings with care.
Our removalists can help make your move smoother from start to finish, giving you a reliable moving service that fits your home, budget, and schedule.
A word of warning– Perth’s weather can be pretty steamy in summer, so it’s worth planning around extreme heat to keep things running smoothly.
If you’re budgeting for more than just the move, you might also want to see what you need to earn to live comfortably in Perth.
Understanding hourly rates and getting organised can save you both time and money when working with removalists in Perth.
When you're ready to make your move, Upmove makes moving in Perth simple, affordable, and stress-free, with trusted Perth removalists ready to handle your belongings with care. With a little preparation, your move to or within Perth can be as smooth as the city’s famous sunsets.
Upmove is Australia’s trusted choice for removalist and moving company services, helping thousands of customers move homes, furniture, cars, motorcycles, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services across Australia. Our focus has always been on making moving simple and stress-free — from booking experienced removalists to completing your delivery with care. With Upmove, you get professional service, fixed prices, and peace of mind on every move.
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.
