What Do Removalists Move?
Complete Item Guide Australia 2026
Wondering what professional removalists will actually transport on moving day? From furniture and appliances to pianos and pool tables, this guide covers everything removalists handle, items that need special care (and cost extra), and what you should always move yourself.
Quick Answer
✓ Standard Items
- ✓Furniture (sofas, beds, tables, wardrobes)
- ✓Appliances (fridge, washer, dryer, dishwasher)
- ✓Packed boxes and cartons
- ✓Electronics (TVs, computers, speakers)
- ✓Outdoor furniture and BBQs
- ✓Bikes, gym equipment, tools
! Special Handling (surcharge)
- !Pianos ($150–$400+)
- !Pool tables ($300–$800+)
- !Antiques and fine art
- !Glass tabletops and mirrors
- !Safes and heavy single items
✗ Won't Move
- ✗Hazardous materials and chemicals
- ✗Flammable liquids and gas bottles
- ✗Perishable food
- ✗Plants (interstate moves)
- ✗Pets and live animals
- ✗Cash, jewellery, personal documents
What Professional Removalists Will Move
Most removalist companies in Australia are equipped to handle the full contents of a typical home or office. Here's a detailed breakdown of standard items included in a regular move.
Furniture
✓ StandardFurniture is the bread and butter of any removalist job. Most companies will disassemble large pieces (beds, dining tables, desks) and reassemble them at your new home as part of the standard service. Protective blankets and padding are used to prevent scratches during transit.
Includes
- · Sofas, armchairs, lounge suites
- · Beds and bed frames (all sizes)
- · Dining tables, chairs, bar stools
- · Wardrobes, dressers, chest of drawers
- · Desks, bookshelves, cabinets
- · Coffee tables, side tables, TV units
- · Outdoor furniture (tables, chairs, benches)
Preparation Tips
- · Empty all drawers and shelves before the move
- · Remove loose cushions and bag them separately
- · Keep screws/bolts in labelled bags taped to the item
- · Wrap glass shelves in towels or bubble wrap
Appliances & White Goods
✓ StandardProfessional removalists handle all major household appliances. They'll disconnect and secure appliances for transport, and reconnect basic electric items at the other end. Gas appliances (ovens, dryers, heaters) require a licensed gas fitter — most removalists can arrange this for an additional fee.
Includes
- · Fridges and freezers
- · Washing machines and dryers
- · Dishwashers
- · Ovens and cooktops
- · Microwaves and small kitchen appliances
- · Air conditioning units (portable)
Preparation Tips
- · Defrost fridge/freezer 24 hours before moving day
- · Disconnect and drain washing machine hoses
- · Secure loose parts (shelves, trays, racks)
- · Keep power cords taped to the appliance
Packed Boxes & Cartons
✓ StandardThe bulk of most moves is packed boxes. Removalists will load, transport, and unload your boxes — and place them in the correct room if you've labelled them clearly. Most companies also sell or hire moving boxes and packing materials.
Typical Box Types
- · Book boxes (small, heavy items)
- · Medium cartons (kitchen, general)
- · Large cartons (bedding, clothes, light items)
- · Picture/mirror cartons (flat, reinforced)
- · Wardrobe boxes (hang clothes directly)
- · Wine/bottle boxes (divided cells)
Packing Tips
- · Label every box with room name and contents
- · Mark "FRAGILE" on boxes with breakables
- · Don't overpack — keep boxes under 20kg
- · Fill gaps with packing paper to prevent shifting
Electronics & Entertainment
✓ StandardTVs, computers, gaming consoles, and home theatre systems are all standard items for removalists. Flat-screen TVs are wrapped in protective blankets or placed in specialised TV boxes. If you still have the original packaging for electronics, use it — it provides the best protection.
Includes
- · Flat-screen TVs (all sizes)
- · Desktop computers and monitors
- · Gaming consoles and home theatre
- · Speakers and sound systems
- · Printers, scanners, routers
Preparation Tips
- · Photograph cable setups before disconnecting
- · Bundle and label cables with zip ties
- · Back up computers and hard drives before the move
- · Remove wall-mounted TVs yourself or ask the removalist
Other Standard Items
✓ StandardRemovalists handle a wide range of household and personal items beyond furniture and appliances. If it fits in the truck safely, they'll move it.
Sports & Fitness
- · Bicycles
- · Treadmills and exercise bikes
- · Weight sets and benches
- · Surfboards, kayaks
Garden & Outdoor
- · BBQs (disconnect gas first)
- · Outdoor settings
- · Lawn mowers (drain fuel)
- · Garden tools and sheds (small)
Kids & Nursery
- · Cots and change tables
- · Trampolines (disassembled)
- · Swing sets (disassembled)
- · Toy boxes and storage
Items That Need Special Handling (Surcharges Apply)
Some items require extra care, specialist equipment, or additional labour. Most removalists can handle these but will charge a surcharge on top of the standard moving fee. Always declare these items when requesting a quote.
Pianos & Organs
! Surcharge $150–$600+Pianos are heavy (upright pianos weigh 150–300kg, grand pianos 300–500kg) and contain delicate internal mechanisms that can be damaged if not handled correctly. Most general removalists can move upright pianos with the right equipment, but grand pianos and baby grands often require a specialist piano mover.
Typical Costs
- · Upright piano (ground floor): $150–$300
- · Upright piano (with stairs): $250–$400
- · Baby grand piano: $400–$600
- · Full grand piano: $500–$800+
- · Stair surcharge: $50–$100 per flight
What to Know
- · Specialist movers use piano trolleys and straps
- · Grand pianos may need legs removed for transport
- · Get a tuning booked 2–4 weeks after the move
- · Ensure your removalist's insurance covers pianos
Pool Tables & Billiard Tables
! Surcharge $300–$800+Pool tables are extremely heavy (typically 300–600kg for a full-size slate table) and require complete disassembly before moving. The slate bed must be handled carefully to avoid cracking. Most general removalists won't move pool tables — you'll likely need a specialist pool table mover who can disassemble, transport, reassemble, and re-level the table.
Typical Costs
- · Disassemble, move, reassemble: $300–$600 (local)
- · Re-cloth/re-felt: $200–$500 (optional)
- · Stair access: add $100–$200 per flight
- · Interstate: $600–$1,200+
What to Know
- · Slate beds are moved in separate pieces
- · Table must be professionally levelled after reassembly
- · Book a specialist — general removalists may decline
- · Allow 2–3 hours for disassembly and reassembly
Artwork, Antiques & Collectibles
! Special Packing RequiredValuable artwork, antiques, and collectibles require custom packing and careful handling. Most removalists offer art-specific packing services using custom crates, acid-free tissue, and reinforced picture boxes. For high-value pieces, consider a specialist fine art transport company and separate transit insurance.
Common Items
- · Framed paintings and prints
- · Sculptures and ceramics
- · Antique furniture (delicate finishes)
- · Wine collections
- · China cabinets and display pieces
Costs & Tips
- · Custom crating: $50–$300+ per piece
- · Art packing service: $100–$500 depending on collection
- · Get items valued and insured before the move
- · Photograph everything for insurance documentation
Glass Tabletops, Mirrors & Marble
! Careful HandlingLarge glass tabletops, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and marble bench tops are fragile and awkward to move. Removalists will use blanket wrapping, corner protectors, and transport these items upright (never flat) to minimise the risk of cracking. Declare these when booking so the crew brings the right materials.
- · Glass dining tables — remove the glass top and transport separately
- · Large mirrors — always transported upright, never laid flat
- · Marble and stone benchtops — extremely heavy, may need extra crew
- · Surcharge varies: usually $50–$150 depending on size and access
Safes & Heavy Single Items
! Weight SurchargeHeavy safes (often 100–500kg+), large aquariums, spa baths, and other extremely heavy single items require specialist equipment like trolleys, ramps, or even cranes. Costs depend heavily on weight and access difficulty (stairs, narrow hallways, distance from truck to house).
- · Small safe (under 100kg): $50–$150 surcharge
- · Large safe (100–300kg): $150–$400 surcharge
- · Very heavy items may require crane hire ($300–$1,000+)
- · Always provide exact weight and dimensions when quoting
Items Removalists Won't Move
For safety, insurance, and legal reasons, there are some items that removalist companies cannot or will not transport. These exclusions are standard across the Australian moving industry.
Hazardous Materials & Chemicals
✗ Not AcceptedRemovalists are legally prohibited from transporting hazardous materials in their trucks. These items pose serious risks to the crew, other belongings, and the vehicle.
Banned Items
- · Petrol, diesel, kerosene, and other fuels
- · Gas bottles and cylinders (BBQ, camping, welding)
- · Paint, varnish, and solvents
- · Pool chemicals, bleach, and acids
- · Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers
- · Fireworks and explosives
- · Aerosol cans (in bulk)
What to Do Instead
- · Use up or give away chemicals before moving
- · Transport small amounts in your own car (ventilated)
- · Drop off at council chemical collection events
- · Disconnect and transport gas bottles yourself (upright, ventilated)
- · Paintback scheme accepts leftover paint for free
Perishable Food & Frozen Goods
✗ Not AcceptedMoving trucks are not refrigerated, and perishable food can spoil, leak, and contaminate other belongings during transit — especially on long-distance or interstate moves. Non-perishable pantry items in sealed containers are generally fine.
- · Frozen food, dairy, meat, and fresh produce — consume, donate, or transport in an esky
- · Open containers of food — dispose before moving day
- · Sealed pantry items (cans, jars, packets) — usually OK in a sealed box
- · Tip: run down your fridge and freezer in the 2 weeks before your move
Plants (Interstate Moves)
✗ RestrictedAustralian quarantine laws restrict moving plants between states to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. For local moves within the same state, some removalists will carry potted plants (though they're not insured). For interstate moves, plants are generally not accepted.
Rules
- · Local moves: some removalists will carry plants (uninsured)
- · Interstate moves: generally not permitted
- · WA, TAS, SA have the strictest quarantine rules
- · Check your state's Department of Agriculture website
Alternatives
- · Give plants to friends or neighbours
- · Take cuttings and propagate at your new home
- · Transport in your own car for local moves
- · Some specialist plant transport services exist for valuable collections
Pets & Live Animals
✗ Not AcceptedNo removalist company will transport pets or live animals in a moving truck. Animals need climate control, ventilation, and cannot be left in an enclosed truck. Transport pets in your own vehicle or use a specialist pet transport service for interstate or long-distance moves.
- · Dogs, cats — travel in your car or use a pet transport service
- · Fish — transport in sealed bags in an esky (short moves only)
- · Birds, reptiles, small animals — your car or specialist transport
- · Pet transport services: typically $200–$1,000+ for interstate moves
Valuables & Personal Documents
✗ Move These YourselfWhile removalists technically can transport these items, most companies' insurance specifically excludes cash, jewellery, and important documents. You should always keep these with you personally on moving day.
Keep With You
- · Cash, wallets, purses
- · Jewellery and watches
- · Passports and birth certificates
- · Property titles and legal documents
- · Medications and prescriptions
- · Laptops and mobile devices
- · Car keys and spare house keys
Why
- · Standard transit insurance excludes valuables
- · Items can be lost among dozens of boxes
- · You may need documents or medication during the move
- · Pack a "moving day essentials" bag and keep it in your car
Packing Services: What's Included vs. Extra
Most Australian removalist companies offer packing services as an add-on to the standard move. Here's what to expect and what it typically costs.
Usually Included (Standard Move)
- ✓Furniture blanket wrapping for transit
- ✓Disassembly and reassembly of standard furniture
- ✓Loading and unloading all items
- ✓Placement of items in designated rooms
- ✓Basic appliance disconnection/reconnection (electric)
Paid Add-Ons
- $Full packing service (3-bed home): $400–$800
- $Partial pack (fragile items only): $150–$350
- $Packing materials kit: $100–$250
- $Unpacking service: $200–$500
- $Custom crating (artwork, antiques): $50–$300/item
How to Prepare Your Items for Moving Day
Start packing early
Begin packing non-essential items 2–3 weeks before moving day. Leave everyday items (kitchen essentials, toiletries, clothing) for the last few days.
Label every box clearly
Write the destination room and a brief contents summary on at least two sides of each box. Mark fragile boxes with "FRAGILE — THIS WAY UP".
Disassemble what you can
While removalists will handle standard furniture, disassembling flat-pack items, trampolines, and swing sets yourself saves time (and money if you're paying hourly rates).
Empty all furniture
Empty drawers, shelves, and cabinets before the removalists arrive. Full furniture is heavier, harder to manoeuvre, and drawers can slide open in transit.
Prepare appliances
Defrost the fridge 24 hours ahead. Disconnect and drain washing machine hoses. Secure loose shelves and trays inside appliances with tape.
Create an essentials bag
Pack a bag with things you'll need immediately: phone charger, toiletries, change of clothes, medications, snacks, cleaning supplies, and important documents. Keep this in your car, not on the truck.
Declare special items upfront
Tell your removalist about pianos, pool tables, safes, large artwork, or anything unusually heavy or fragile when you request a quote — not on moving day. This ensures they bring the right equipment and crew.
Clear pathways
Make sure hallways, doorways, and driveways are clear for the crew. Move cars to allow truck access. Prop open doors and protect floors with drop sheets if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will removalists move my fridge and washing machine?⌄
Yes, most professional removalists will move fridges, washing machines, dryers, and other large appliances as part of a standard move. They will disconnect and reconnect basic appliances, though gas appliances (ovens, dryers) require a licensed gas fitter. Tip: empty and defrost your fridge 24 hours before moving day.
Do removalists move pianos?⌄
Most general removalists can move upright pianos, though many charge a surcharge of $150–$400 depending on access difficulty (stairs, narrow hallways). Grand pianos and baby grands usually require a specialist piano mover due to their weight (300–500kg) and delicate internal mechanisms. Always declare a piano when getting quotes.
Will removalists pack my belongings for me?⌄
Yes, most removalist companies offer packing services as an add-on. A full pack for a 3-bedroom home typically costs $400–$800 on top of the moving fee. You can also choose partial packing (fragile items only) for $150–$350. Packing materials (boxes, bubble wrap, tape) are usually included in the packing service fee or charged separately at $100–$250 for a full home.
What items won't removalists move?⌄
Removalists will not transport hazardous materials (flammable liquids, gas bottles, pool chemicals, pesticides), perishable food, live plants (interstate moves), pets, firearms, or explosives. Most also recommend you transport valuables like cash, jewellery, important documents, and medications yourself. These exclusions are standard across Australian removalist companies for safety and insurance reasons.
Do I need to disassemble furniture before the removalists arrive?⌄
Most removalists will disassemble and reassemble standard furniture (beds, dining tables, desks) as part of their service. However, complex items like flat-pack wardrobes, wall-mounted units, or custom built-ins may incur extra charges or be excluded. Confirm what is included when booking. Keep all screws and bolts in labelled bags taped to the furniture piece.
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