Choosing the Right Removalist: Why the Cheapest Quote Can Cost You More

Everyone loves getting a great deal — but when it comes to moving house, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. In fact, choosing the lowest price can sometimes be the most expensive decision you make.

As a company that has been helping families and businesses move for nearly 45 years, we see this all the time: a client receives multiple quotes, one noticeably cheaper than the others, and understandably chooses the lower price — only to find that the true cost of their move comes later.

Why Cheap Moves Can Be Expensive

Furniture removals might seem straightforward, but when things go wrong, the consequences can be costly. Damaged furniture, broken appliances, scratched floors, or delayed deliveries can all add up — financially and emotionally. Unlike a garden that grows back or a meal you can simply reorder, furniture and personal possessions are often irreplaceable.

Another common pitfall is that many people focus on the price without carefully checking what is included in the quote. If there’s a large difference between quotes, there’s usually a reason. For example:

Packing materials for mattresses or fragile items may not be included in the cheaper quote.
Difficult access to your property — such as stairs, narrow hallways, or parking restrictions — might require extra time or an additional mover.
Moving specialty items like pianos, large appliances, or antiques may incur additional fees.
Some quotes may not include warranty or insurance coverage or only provide minimal protection.

Failing to account for these factors often results in hidden costs, delays, and stress on moving day.

Consider this example:

Scenario: A family receives two quotes for their move — $2,000 and $4,000. The higher quote includes full packing, insurance, and expert handling of delicate furniture. The lower quote seems cheaper, but excludes mattress covers, fragile packing, and charges extra for difficult access. Wanting to save money, the family chooses the lower quote. After the move, they discover the television no longer works, the dryer is damaged, and furniture is scratched. The cost to repair or replace these items quickly exceeds the price difference — not to mention the stress and time lost resolving issues.

When you factor in potential damage, delays, and hidden fees, the cheapest move can easily become the most expensive.

4 Steps to Choose a Trusted Removalist

To protect your belongings — and your peace of mind — follow these four steps when choosing a moving company:

1. Choose an AFRA Member

AFRA (Australian Furniture Removers Association) members must meet strict training, equipment, and insurance standards. With over 200 members nationwide, AFRA gives you a level of assurance and protection. Learn more about AFRA here.

2. Check Online Reviews Carefully

Reviews can provide valuable insight into a company’s service quality. Look for patterns rather than expecting every review to be perfect — no reputable company will have only five-star ratings over 10, 15, or 20 years of operation.

A mix of positive and occasional negative reviews usually indicates the company is genuine and open to feedback.
Look at the negative reviews carefully: does the reviewer seem legitimate? Are the complaints isolated or recurring? First-time reviewers may sometimes indicate a fake review.
Focus on how the company responds to criticism — a professional and transparent response shows accountability and good customer service.

By taking a thoughtful approach to reviews, you can separate authentic experiences from misleading claims and make a more informed decision.

3. Check Their ABN and Business History

Search the company’s ABN to confirm their legitimacy. Some operators shut down and reopen under new names to escape negative reviews or poor reputations. Choosing an established provider helps you avoid this risk.

4. Look for Experience and Stability

A company that has been operating for many years has demonstrated consistent service and customer trust. Longevity is often a sign they’re doing things right — and that they’ll be around if you need after-move support or storage.

Palmers’ Commitment to Quality

At Palmers Relocations, we follow these principles every day. As an AFRA member with nearly 45 years of experience, we invest in training, accreditation, and quality control to give our clients a stress-free move — whether it’s across Sydney, interstate, or international.

We provide transparent quotes that clearly outline what is included, so there are no surprises on moving day. We also handle any access challenges, fragile items, and specialty furniture with care, giving our clients peace of mind from start to finish.

We believe moving should be a positive step forward, not a costly headache.

Ready for a move you can trust? Request a quote today and discover why thousands of families and businesses choose Palmers Relocations for their local, interstate, and international moves.