Technical equipment used by removalists in Australia

Australian removalists rely on specialised gear to carry out safe, efficient, and damage-free relocations. This equipment helps removalists comply with national manual handling safety guidelines and minimise injury risks on the job.

Below is a run-through of the main tools and systems commonly used across the industry.

Moving dollies and trolleys

Removalists regularly use the following equipment to move household goods safely and efficiently:

• Furniture dollies – Flat, wheeled platforms designed to transport large furniture pieces with minimal effort.
• Appliance trolleys – Heavy-duty trolleys fitted with safety straps and stair-climbing rollers, ideal for moving bulky appliances securely.
• Utility trolleys – Versatile and manoeuvrable, used for boxes and smaller household items to speed up the loading and unloading process.

If you’re curious about how removalists tackle longer trips, have a look at our complete buyer’s guide to interstate car transport for extra insight.

Hydraulic lift gates and loading ramps

Most removal trucks are equipped with hydraulic lift gates to reduce physical strain and enable controlled lifting of heavy items. Aluminium loading ramps are also standard, allowing for smooth and safe access to the truck bed during loading and unloading.

Specialised removalist trucks and vans

These trucks are set up to keep things safe on the road and help the team work efficiently:

• Tie-down rails and anchor points – Keep furniture and boxes secure during transport.
• Padding and protective linings – Reduce vibration and help prevent damage on rough or long-distance routes.
• GPS tracking systems – Offer real-time vehicle tracking and improved route planning.

Protective materials

High-quality protective materials are essential in every move:

• Removalist blankets – Thick, padded blankets used to shield furniture from scratches and scuffs.
• Stretch wrap – Secures moving parts such as drawers or cupboard doors.
• Corner protectors – Reinforce furniture edges, helping prevent dents and chips.

Furniture sliders and securing straps

High-density sliders make it easier to reposition heavy items inside homes without damaging flooring. Inside the truck, removalists use ratchet straps and tie-downs to stop items shifting during transport. These tools align with the Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks, which provides guidance on minimizing risks associated with manual handling tasks.

Stair-climbing equipment

Motorised stair climbers are a staple for multi-level homes and apartment buildings. These machines often feature automatic weight-balancing systems, improving both control and safety when moving heavy objects upstairs or downstairs.

Pallet jacks

For larger moves, including commercial relocations, pallet jacks allow for the easy movement of heavy, palletised items. They’re especially useful in warehouses or during office moves where volume and weight are a factor.

Hoisting and rigging equipment

For oversized or unusually heavy items—such as pianos, safes, or large equipment—removalists rely on cranes, gantry lifts, hoisting straps, and lifting harnesses. These are used by trained operators to make sure everything’s done safely and accurately.

Climate-controlled storage

To protect sensitive items such as antiques, musical instruments, electronics, or fine art, many removalists offer access to climate-controlled storage units. These units maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels, helping prevent damage caused by Australia’s varied climate.

Inventory management systems

Modern removalists often use inventory software with QR code or RFID tagging. This tech lets teams keep track of items in real time during the move and provides clients with updates and detailed records throughout the process.

Plastic moving crates and cargo nets

Durable, reusable plastic moving crates are a popular alternative to cardboard, offering extra protection and better stacking. Cargo nets are used within vehicles to hold stacked items in place, improving load stability on the move.

By using the right equipment and staying up to date, Aussie removalists keep delivering consistent, secure, and high-quality moving services across all types of relocations.

If you need a hand with your next move - book trusted removalists for a hassle free relocation.