Before you book a removalist, ask what the quote includes, whether the price is hourly or fixed, what insurance covers your belongings, how access and extra charges are handled, what the cancellation and payment terms are, and what the company will not move. Get the answers in writing so you can compare quotes fairly.
Most moving problems do not come from the move itself. They come from assumptions: you assumed packing was included, they assumed there was parking out the front. A few clear questions before you book can prevent nearly all of that. Here is what is worth asking, and why each answer matters.
Key Takeaways
- Ask what is included in the quote, not just what it costs.
- Find out whether pricing is hourly or fixed, and what happens if the job runs over.
- Check what insurance applies and what it does and does not cover.
- Tell the removalist about stairs, lifts, parking and heavy items before they quote.
- Ask about cancellation, deposits and payment timing before you commit.
- Ask for the important details in writing.
Questions About the Quote
1. What exactly is included? Ask how many movers are coming, what size truck they will use, and whether packing, furniture protection and travel time are part of the price. Two quotes for the same house can differ simply because they assume different things. Our post on why removalist quotes can differ so much explains this in detail.
2. Is the price hourly or fixed? An hourly rate looks cheaper, but the final cost depends on how long the job takes. A fixed price gives more certainty if the scope is clearly defined. Ask for an estimated total, not only the rate.
3. How long is the quote valid, and is it an estimate? Quotes are normally based on the details you give. At Strong Arm Movers, quotes are valid for 7 days and are estimates based on the information provided, which is why accurate details matter. You can read the full terms and conditions before you book.
4. What could change the price? Ask what extra charges might apply, for example if job details differ from the booking, access is difficult, or there are tolls. Knowing this up front avoids surprises on the day. For general price ranges, see our removalist pricing guide.
Questions About Insurance and Damage
5. What insurance do you carry? Ask for the type of cover, the limits, and whether an excess applies. Strong Arm Movers lists public liability insurance of up to $10 million and transit insurance with limited cover per truck load, with standard excess fees. Prices exclude insurance unless stated, and extended cover can be arranged at extra cost.
6. Do I need extra insurance? For high-value items, it is worth considering. Our moving insurance guide explains the difference between a removalist’s cover and your own.
7. How do damage claims work? Ask how long you have to report damage. Under our terms, visible damage should be reported before the movers leave, and hidden damage within 24 hours. Also ask who is responsible for items you packed yourself, since poor packing is usually not covered. Good packing helps, and our guide to packing furniture is a useful start.
Questions About Your Home and Belongings
8. What do you need to know about access? Mention stairs, lifts, long walks from the truck, narrow doorways and parking restrictions. These affect time, and therefore cost.
9. What services are not included? Do not assume everything is covered. Under our terms, we do not disconnect or reconnect appliances, assemble or disassemble complex items, or handle specialised equipment that needs licensed professionals, unless agreed in writing. Ask any removalist for their equivalent list.
10. What can you not transport? Most removalists will not move hazardous goods, perishables, plants, animals, or cash and jewellery. Ask for the list so you can plan to carry those items yourself.
11. Can you help with packing? If you would rather not pack, ask what is available. Our packers and movers service is one option, and our house removalists page explains how a standard home move works.
Questions About Booking and Payment
12. What is your cancellation policy? Ours is simple: no charge if you cancel 24 or more hours before the job, and a minimum one-hour fee within 24 hours. Rescheduling should be requested in advance. Other companies differ, so always ask.
13. Do you need a deposit, and when is payment due? A deposit may be required to secure a booking. For us, payment is due on completion, by cash, card (a surcharge may apply) or bank transfer.
14. What if the job takes longer than expected? Ask how extra time is charged and whether delays caused by traffic or weather affect the price or arrival time.
15. Can you confirm everything in writing? A written quote with inclusions, estimated time, extra charges and terms gives both sides a clear reference.
A Few Things to Check About the Company
- Ask for an ABN and a current certificate of insurance.
- Read recent customer reviews and look for how the company handled any problems.
- Ask whether they regularly handle moves like yours, such as apartments, pianos or interstate moves.
- Ask whether the work may be passed to a subcontractor, and whether the same terms apply.
Conclusion
A good removalist will welcome your questions. The goal is not to catch anyone out. It is to make sure you and the movers expect the same thing on moving day. Ask about the quote, insurance, access, cancellations and payment, and get the key details in writing. When you are ready, you can request a free, no-obligation quote from Strong Arm Movers and use this list to go through it with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important question to ask a removalist?
Ask what the quote includes. Crew size, truck size, packing, travel and access can all change the price, so knowing the scope lets you compare quotes fairly.
Should I ask for a written quote?
Yes. A written quote confirms the inclusions, estimated time, possible extra charges and terms, so everyone is working from the same information.
Does a removalist’s insurance cover everything I own?
Not necessarily. Cover usually has limits and an excess, and some items may need extra insurance. Ask exactly what is covered and what is not, and consider additional cover for high-value goods.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?
It depends on the company. With Strong Arm Movers, cancelling 24 or more hours before the job has no charge, while cancelling within 24 hours incurs a minimum one-hour fee. Ask for the policy before you book.
How do I get an accurate removalist quote?
Give complete details: addresses, the amount of furniture and boxes, heavy or fragile items, stairs, lifts, parking and your moving date. The more accurate the information, the more realistic the quote.