Hiring the wrong removalist can turn moving day into a disaster. Late arrivals, damaged furniture, hidden charges, and unreturned phone calls — the horror stories are real, and they almost always stem from rushing the selection process. This guide walks you through exactly what to look for when hiring removalists in Brisbane, so you can make a confident choice.
1. Check Their Reviews — But Read Between the Lines
Google reviews are your first filter. Look for removalists with at least 50+ reviews and a rating of 4.5 stars or higher. But don't just look at the star rating — read the recent negative reviews carefully. A company with 500 five-star reviews and a handful of complaints about minor scratches is very different from one with 30 reviews and complaints about missing items.
Red flag
If a removalist has no Google Business profile, no reviews, or only reviews from the last few weeks, proceed with extreme caution. Established Brisbane removalists have years of review history.
2. Verify Insurance Coverage
Every legitimate removalist should carry public liability insurance and goods-in-transit insurance. Ask for proof — a certificate of currency, not just a verbal assurance. Public liability covers damage to your property (walls, floors, doors). Goods-in-transit covers your belongings while they're on the truck. Some budget operators carry only basic carrier's liability, which is far more limited.
3. Get Written Quotes — Never Verbal
A professional Brisbane removalist will provide a detailed written quote that breaks down hourly rates, travel time charges, minimum hours, and any additional fees for stairs, long carries, or heavy items. Verbal quotes are meaningless on the day when the driver presents a different number. Get at least three written quotes and compare them line by line.
- Hourly rate — typically $140-$200/hour for a two-man crew and truck in Brisbane
- Minimum charge — usually 2-3 hours minimum
- Travel time — some companies charge from depot to your home and back
- Stair and access fees — per flight of stairs or for long carries from door to truck
- Materials — blankets, trolleys, and basic wrapping should be included; packing materials are usually extra
4. Ask About Their Trucks and Equipment
Well-maintained trucks with hydraulic tail lifts, clean furniture blankets, and proper trolleys indicate a professional operation. Ask what size truck they'll send — a 12-tonne truck fits a 3-bedroom home; sending a 6-tonne truck for the same job means two trips and double the time. Companies that own their own fleet are generally more reliable than those renting trucks day-to-day.
5. Check If They Use Subcontractors
Some removalist companies are essentially booking agents — they take your money and subcontract the actual move to a random crew. This is where quality control falls apart. Ask directly: will the crew who arrives on moving day be your own employees, or subcontractors? Companies that use their own trained staff deliver consistently better results.
6. Look for Brisbane Local Knowledge
A removalist who knows Brisbane's suburbs intimately will be faster and more efficient than one navigating unfamiliar streets. They'll know the best routes to avoid traffic, which apartment buildings have difficult loading dock access, and which suburbs have steep driveways that need specific truck sizes. Whether you're in Paddington, Bulimba, or Kenmore, local knowledge saves time and prevents problems.
7. Understand the Cancellation Policy
Life happens — settlement dates change, leases fall through, plans shift. Before you book, understand the cancellation and rescheduling terms. Reputable removalists offer free rescheduling with reasonable notice (usually 48-72 hours). Avoid companies that charge non-refundable deposits or punitive cancellation fees.
8. Trust Your Gut on Communication
How a removalist communicates before the move is a strong indicator of how the move itself will go. If they're slow to return calls, vague on pricing, or dismissive of your questions, that behaviour won't improve on moving day. The best Brisbane removalists are responsive, transparent, and happy to answer every question you have.
Ready to Compare?
R2G Transport & Storage has 800+ Google reviews with a 4.8 star average. We own our trucks, employ our own crews, carry full insurance, and provide detailed written quotes with no hidden fees. Get a free quote and see why Brisbane families trust us with their moves, or learn more about our full range of services.
