Hourly rates in Adelaide
Removalists in Adelaide usually charge an hourly rate based on the vehicle and the number of movers. These are our rates:
| Crew and vehicle | Best for | Per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Ute + 1 mover | Single items and light furniture | $70 |
| Ute + 2 movers | Small moves and apartments | $90 |
| Truck + 2 movers | Homes, offices and larger loads | $130 |
| Truck + 3 movers | Large homes and heavy loads | $160 |
The biggest difference between companies is often not the rate itself but the minimum booking. Many removalists charge a minimum of two or three hours, so a short job costs as much as a long one. We don’t have a minimum, which makes a real difference for single items and small moves.
What makes a move take longer
The hourly rate is only half of the price. The other half is time, and these are the things that add it:
- The amount of furniture and boxes. A full three-bedroom house holds far more than people expect once the garage and shed are included.
- Access. Stairs, lifts, long walks from the truck and narrow hallways all slow loading down.
- Packing. If boxes aren’t packed and sealed when the crew arrives, the clock is running while they’re packed.
- Distance. Driving time between the two properties is part of the job. Moves over 100km also add a per-kilometre charge.
- Disassembly. Beds, wardrobes and desks that need to come apart add time at both ends.
Extra charges to ask about
Some items cost extra because they need more people, equipment or care. Ask any removalist about these before you book. Ours are:
| Fridge over 300L | $20 |
| Large cabinet | $20 |
| Heavy TV unit | $20 |
| Heavy gym equipment | $30 |
| Heavy item on stairs | $10 |
| Piano | $100 |
| Any item over 100kg | $100 |
| Moves over 100km | +$0.30/km |
| Moves 10pm–6am | +$50–$100 |
Worked examples
These are illustrations, not quotes. Your move will depend on your furniture and access.
A single couch across town with a ute and one mover, taking about an hour: around $70.
A one-bedroom apartment with a lift, using a ute and two movers for three hours: around $270.
A three-bedroom house with good driveway access, using a truck and two movers for five hours: around $650. Add a fridge over 300 litres and it’s $670.
For your own estimate, try our moving cost calculator.
How to keep the cost down
- Pack and seal every box before moving day, and clearly label which room it goes to.
- Take apart simple furniture yourself if you’re confident doing it.
- Book the right crew. A third mover often costs less overall on a big move, because the job finishes sooner.
- Tell your removalist about stairs, lifts and heavy items upfront, so there are no surprises on the day.
- Get rid of what you don’t need before you move, rather than paying to move it.