You’re not the only one who has looked at quotes and wondered why the numbers don’t match. The big decision for removalist pricing in Australia is whether to pay by the hour or at a fixed price. This choice can have a bigger effect on your final bill than you might think. The key is easy: hourly pricing is based on time, while fixed quotes are based on scope (what’s being moved and the conditions). Once you know what each model assumes, you’ll be able to find the hidden bill-changers before moving day.
Big Stuff Movers is based in Melbourne and moves things all over Australia. Depending on the job and the risks involved, we use both types of pricing.
The two most common ways to set prices (and what they really sell)
1) Rate per hour (pricing based on time)
When you book by the hour, you’re basically paying for:
- The number of people on the crew (for example, two or three movers)
- The size of the truck
- The time you spend working (which is usually billed in 15- to 30-minute blocks)
This is where the policies of minimum charge removalists come into play. Many operators require a minimum booking time, which is usually 2 to 3 hours, and some add separate travel or call-out fees.
Best for: small moves, moves that can happen at any time, moves that are easy to get to, and moves that are well-packed and planned.
Risk: Anything that makes the job take longer (like stairs, traffic, lift windows, or long walks) raises the cost.
2) Fixed quote (pricing based on scope)
A fixed quote is usually made up of:
- Volume (how much stuff, how many bedrooms, big things)
- Distance
- Conditions for getting there (stairs, elevators, parking, long carry)
- More services, like packing, taking things apart, and special items
As long as the job matches what was quoted, it should give you a clear idea of how much it will cost. The quote can be changed if the scope changes, like if there are more items, worse access, or different addresses.
Best for: people who want to be sure, people who are moving long distances, people who have big homes, or people who have little time.
Risk: If your quote is based on “best case” information (like too little inventory or access), it can be changed later.
What makes the bill change (the moving cost breakdown you can use)
Most price changes come from the same few things, no matter if you choose hourly or fixed.
A) Minimum booking and billing increments
This is the “starting line” of your cost. If the minimum is 2–3 hours, a job that takes 90 minutes still gets charged the minimum. That’s why two short quotes can look a lot alike.
B) Fees for travel time (and what “travel” means)
Different companies have different rates for travel time. Some common setups are:
- Charging from the depot to your pickup, then from the pickup to the drop-off, and finally back
- Charging a one-time fee for a call-out instead of time
- Only charging for the distance between locations (pickup to drop-off)
Don’t make any assumptions; ask what is included in writing. The government of New South Wales also suggests getting a written, itemized quote so that you know what each charge is right away.
C) Time to get in: stairs, elevators, parking, and long carries
This is the biggest “silent multiplier” for hourly jobs and a common reason why fixed quotes change.
- Stairs fee removalists: Some businesses charge a fee per flight, while others don’t call it a “fee,” but the stairs still add time (and money on an hourly basis).
- Bookings for lifts and strict building windows can cause delays.
- Streets that are too narrow, parking that is too close, and having to stage things farther away from the truck all add time quickly. Big Stuff Movers often sees these changes from one suburb to another.
D) Things that are heavy, breakable, or hard to move
Pianos, pool tables, big fridges, big sofas, and glass cabinets can all have an effect on:
- How many crew members are needed • More materials and protection
- More time to handle
- Special tools
E) Packing, materials, and “waiting time”
If movers are packing, getting boxes, taking apart beds, or waiting for keys or access to the lift, it usually looks like this:
- Extra fees for services, or
- Extra hours charged on the clock
F) Timing bonuses
Prices can go up (or availability can go down) on weekends, at the end of the month, after hours, and during peak times, especially in big cities.
So, which is cheaper: hourly or fixed?
There is no one winner, but here is a rule that works:
Hourly is usually a better deal when:
- You’re moving less stuff
- You’re all set to go
- Easy to get to (on the ground floor, with parking nearby)
- You’re moving within the area and can stay flexible.
When: Fixed quote is usually better
- You have a lot of furniture or a full house
- Getting there is hard (apartments, many flights, no loading zone)
- You need to be sure about your budget
- You’re moving to another state or have a tight schedule
The best thing to do if you want to feel sure about your choice is to get the quote broken down into parts and check each “variable” line item before you book.
Seven questions to ask before you agree to any quote
Use these to avoid most bill shocks:
- How long do you need to book?
- Do you bill in 15- or 30-minute blocks, or full hours?
- What do your travel time charges cover?
- Is there a separate fee for stairs, elevators, or long carries, or is it just time on the clock?
- What happens if I get more boxes or furniture in my inventory?
- Does the price include packing materials, wrapping, and basic protection?
- Can you write down the full cost of moving?
The bottom line
Hourly pricing rewards quickness and easy access. Fixed quotes reward being clear and accurate. You can stay in control of your moving budget if you pick one and know what the “bill changers” are (minimums, travel, stairs, and access delays). There won’t be any nasty surprises at the end.