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A guide to understanding hourly rates for Perth removalists

Including cost-saving tips, a price breakdown and services to simplify your next move in WA’s sunniest city.
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A guide to understanding hourly rates for Perth removalists

Perth removalists — book now

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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.

Overview of hourly rates

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

Estimated packing time per room

  • Kitchen (2 to 3 hours) Includes fragile items like glassware and appliances
  • Bedroom (1 to 2 hours) Depends on clothing, furniture, and personal belongings.
  • Living room (2 to 3 hours) Involves furniture, electronics, and decor.
  • Bathroom (30 mins to 1 hour) Fewer items, including small, fragile items.
  • Garage/ Storage (2 to 4 hours) Heavy, bulky, or irregularly shaped items.

What’s included in hourly rates

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

What services do removalists offer? 

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:

  • Packing/ unpacking services: Great for saving time but adds to the hourly rate.
  • Furniture assembly/ disassembly: Perfect for those bulky or tricky items.
  • Specialist services: Ideal if you’ve got fragile or oversized goods to shift.

Estimated times for specialist services

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

Cost-Saving Tips

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. DIY: Packing your belongings yourself is another good way to lower labour costs.

  4. Tailor your move: For smaller moves, hiring fewer removalists or a smaller vehicle might be worth a look.

  5. Be organised: By consolidating trips and making sure everything’s ready to go, you can bring down the hourly charges.

Common mistakes to avoid

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.

Examples of real-world costs

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.

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.

Detailed real-world scenarios

Scenario 1: 1-bed unit in Perth CBD

  • Removalists: 2
  • Truck size: Small
  • Time required: 5 hours
  • Estimated cost: $550 (weekday rates, no additional fees).

Scenario 2: 3-bed house in Perth's Suburbs

  • Removalists: 3
  • Truck size: Medium
  • Time required: 7 to 9 hours
  • Estimated cost: $840 to $1,080 (weekday rates, including tolls).

Perth-specific tips

Rates of moving companies can vary between suburbs, for example areas like Cottesloe might cost more than others. Local recommendations from residents can help you find Perth removalists that are also reliable.

Using platforms like Upmove will mean you’re connected to a network of trusted removalists in Perth , that simplifies the whole process of finding reliable moving companies.

There, you can also see verified reviews and ratings, helping you choose removalists with proven track records of excellence. As a bonus, you can submit a single request and receive multiple competitive quotes and book the one you’ve chosen, saving you time and effort.

A word of warning– Perth’s weather is pretty steamy in summer so it’s worth planning around extreme heat to keep things running smoothly.

Checklist for hiring a removalist

  • Confirm the hourly rate and ask for a written breakdown of services
  • Check if the removalist offers insurance for your belongings
  • Clarify hidden fees, such as for stairs, long carries, or fuel surcharges
  • Ask about their experience with specific items (e.g., antiques, pianos)
  • Verify the minimum booking time required
  • Get a clear estimate of time needed based on your home size and distance

Final thoughts

Understanding hourly rates and getting organised can save you both time and money when working with moving companies in Perth. Platforms like Upmove make it simple to find trusted removalists Perth, compare multiple quotes, and choose the best option for your needs. With a little preparation, your move to or within Perth can be as smooth as the city’s famous sunsets.

Perth removalists — book now

Budget-friendly removalists. Trusted by thousands of customers. Door to Door delivery. Same Day service. Fixed Prices.
9.7 · 1,435 reviews
What are you moving?
Nine News Yahoo! Finder

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