The Essential Checklist for Hiring a Moving Company

Moving house ranks right up there with going to the dentist and sitting in peak-hour traffic on the Monash. Whether you’re shuffling from a cosy Northcote apartment to a family home in Frankston, or packing up for an interstate adventure, the whole process can feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right moving company and a bit of planning, you can actually get through it without losing your mind.

We’ve been helping Melburnians move since 1945 here at EW Hogan, so we’ve picked up a thing or two about what makes a relocation smooth versus what turns it into a complete disaster. Think of this as your mate’s honest advice about hiring removalists – the stuff we wish everyone knew before they started ringing around for quotes.

Don’t Leave It Till the Last Minute

We understand life’s busy, and organising a move keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. But here’s your friendly reminder: quality removalists get snapped up fast, especially during summer, around long weekends, and at the end of the month when everyone’s lease seems to expire at once.

Give yourself at least six to eight weeks to sort this out. Future you will be seriously grateful.

Start by having a chat with friends or family who’ve moved recently. Nothing beats a personal recommendation from someone who’s actually used the service. Sure, you can check online reviews too, but take them with a grain of salt – look for patterns rather than that one angry person who’s probably upset about something unrelated.

Here’s something important: make sure whoever you’re considering is properly licensed and insured. In Victoria, professional removalists should have public liability insurance and the right credentials. If they’re members of the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA), that’s a pretty good sign they’re the real deal and not some bloke with a ute who’ll disappear if something goes wrong.

Know What You Actually Need

Not all removalists are created equal, and that’s actually a good thing because we all need different levels of help.

Local removalists are your go-to for moves around Melbourne and the surrounding areas. They know the streets, understand the quirks of different suburbs, and usually charge by the hour. Perfect if you’re just moving across town or to a nearby suburb.

But if you’re heading interstate – maybe following a job to Sydney or escaping to Queensland for the sunshine – you’ll need an interstate moving company. These folks are specialists in long-distance moves. They understand all the regulations across different states, know how to pack for a journey that’s more than just a quick trip down the freeway, and can coordinate delivery times that actually make sense when you’re covering serious kilometres.

Then there’s the question of how much you want to do yourself. Some people are happy to pack everything themselves and just need help with the heavy lifting and transport. Others want the full service – professionals who’ll pack your entire house, load it up, drive it to your new place, unload it, and even unpack if you want. There’s no wrong answer here. It depends on your budget, how much time you’ve got, and whether you’re the kind of person who enjoys packing or would rather poke yourself in the eye with a stick.

Get a Few Quotes (But Don’t Just Pick the Cheapest)

Once you’ve got a shortlist of three or four companies that seem decent, it’s time to get quotes. And here’s the crucial bit: get them in writing. Verbal quotes are about as useful as an umbrella in a cyclone when something goes wrong.

When you’re asking for quotes, give them the full picture. How many bedrooms? Any massive furniture items like a grand piano or a pool table? Are there stairs involved? Tricky driveway access? The more detail you provide, the more accurate your quote will be, and the less likely you are to get stung with surprise charges on moving day.

For local removalists, you’ll usually see hourly rates plus travel time and fuel. Make sure you understand what’s included – how many people, whether packing materials are extra, and what the insurance situation is.

Interstate movers typically quote based on how much stuff you’ve got and how far it’s going. These quotes should cover loading, the drive itself, and unloading at the other end. Ask about insurance, how long it’ll take to get your things, and what happens if there’s a delay or your belongings need to sit in storage for a bit.

Now, about that price. We know everyone’s watching their budget, but the absolute cheapest quote isn’t always the smartest choice. Sometimes a rock-bottom price means cut corners, dodgy insurance, or hidden fees that’ll pop up later. You’re better off paying a bit more for a reputable moving company with solid reviews and proper insurance than dealing with your gran’s antique dresser arriving in pieces.

Insurance Is Non-Negotiable

This is where you don’t want to muck around. Even the best interstate movers can’t control every variable – trucks break down, roads are unpredictable, and accidents happen despite everyone’s best efforts.

Most professional removalists have basic public liability insurance, but it might not cover everything you own. Ask specifically about coverage limits and whether you can top up the insurance for valuable items. If you’ve got expensive art, musical instruments, designer furniture, or that vintage record collection you’ve been building since the ’80s, you might want extra cover.

Read the policy properly – yes, even the boring bits. Some policies won’t cover certain types of damage or specific items. Understand how claims work, what the excess is, and what documentation you’ll need. Before moving day, take photos of anything valuable and keep receipts handy. If something does go wrong, you’ll be glad you did.

Check They’re Legit

Any decent moving company should be happy to prove they’re above board. Ask to see their Australian Business Number (ABN), insurance certificates, and any industry memberships. AFRA membership is a good sign – it means they’re committed to professional standards and there is somebody to complain to if things go pear-shaped.

Experience counts for a lot, especially if your move is a bit complex. If you’re going interstate, you want interstate movers who’ve done it hundreds of times before and know what they’re doing. Ask how long they’ve been in business and whether they’ve handled moves like yours.

Don’t be shy about asking questions. How do they train their staff? What do they do to protect your furniture? What happens if there’s an unexpected delay? A professional outfit will answer confidently and won’t make you feel like you’re being a pain for asking.

Read the Fine Print (Yes, Really)

Before you sign anything, actually read the terms and conditions. We know, we know – nobody likes reading contracts. But this one matters. It outlines what you’re agreeing to and what the company is promising in return.

Pay attention to cancellation policies, payment terms, and what happens when something goes wrong. What is the process if you notice damage? How quickly do they handle claims? Are there situations where they might charge extra or refuse to complete the job?

Make sure the contract has all the key details: your moving date, when they’ll arrive (particularly important with interstate moving companies where timing can be trickier), and the agreed price. If they discover extra stuff or complications on the day, what happens to the cost? Having this in writing prevents arguments later.

Understand How They Work

It helps to know what you’re in for on moving day. Just ask how they pack their goods, especially fragile ones. Quality local movers will pack their items nicely so they won’t be broken.

For furniture, see if they use blankets, plastic wrap, or specialty equipment for large pieces. Will they take apart and reassemble beds and wardrobes? Do they bring tools, or should you have everything ready to go?

If you’re using an interstate moving company, find out about the actual transport. Is your stuff going on a dedicated truck, or will it share space with other people’s belongings? How long’s the drive, realistically? What if you can’t be home when they arrive?

Also, have a chat about access. Melbourne’s full of gorgeous old terraces with narrow hallways, apartment buildings with temperamental lifts, and streets where parking is an Olympic sport. Professional removalists deal with this all the time, but giving them a heads-up means they’ll bring the right equipment – trolleys, ramps, carrying straps, whatever’s needed.

Get Ready for the Big Day

Even with professionals handling the heavy work, you’ve still got a role to play. A few days before, confirm everything one more time. Double-check the date, time, addresses, and any special instructions.

Set your home up for success. Clear pathways so nobody trips over toys or random boxes. If you’re worried about marks on the floors, lay down some cardboard. Put aside anything you’re taking yourself – passports, medications, jewellery, important documents. Pack a box of essentials you’ll need on the first night before you’ve had a chance to unpack properly: toiletries, phone chargers, a kettle, tea, coffee, and some snacks.

Try to be there during loading and unloading if you can. While your interstate movers or local removalists handle the muscle work, you can answer questions, point out anything particularly precious or fragile, and make sure nothing gets forgotten. If you’re renting, take photos of the place before you leave – it’s good evidence for getting your bond back.

Why Melburnians Keep Coming Back to EW Hogan

When you’re trusting someone with everything you own, you want to know they’ll treat it with care. That’s what we’ve been doing since 1945 – nearly 80 years of helping Melbourne families and businesses move with confidence and without drama.

We’ve seen every type of move you can imagine. We know how to navigate the CBD’s one-way streets, how to handle Toorak mansions and Carlton walk-ups, and we understand that your belongings aren’t just stuff – they’re your life packed into boxes.

Whether you need local removalists for a quick shift to the next suburb or interstate movers to get you to your new adventure, we reckon moving should be the exciting start of something new, not something you dread for months. With this checklist and the right moving company backing you up, you’re already halfway there.

Give EW Hogan a call, and let’s get your move sorted properly. After all, we’ve had nearly eight decades to perfect it.