Last updated October 2025.
Moving is exciting—but let’s be honest—it can also be stressful. From packing delicate heirlooms to coordinating long-distance logistics, a move is much more than boxes and trucks. Over the last 40+ years helping families and businesses relocate, we’ve learned that the right moving company can make all the difference between a calm, smooth experience and a day full of unexpected headaches.
Here’s what we’ve learned—and what we’d tell a friend—about choosing a moving company you can really trust.
Experience Matters—but Not All Experience Is Equal
It’s tempting to go with the cheapest removal company you find. But moving isn’t just about lifting furniture—it’s a project with countless little details that can trip you up if you’re not careful. Experienced movers understand the nuances: fragile items, awkward layouts, narrow stairwells, tight schedules, and even interstate or international regulations.
A company that has decades of experience can anticipate problems before they happen. That foresight keeps your move calm, predictable, and stress-free. And if a moving service has the time and flexibility to walk through every step with you beforehand, that’s even better—you won’t be left discovering surprises on moving day.
Check What Others Have Experienced
Another way to gauge reliability is to see what other customers have experienced. Reviews—from friends, family, or trusted online platforms—can give insight into how a company communicates, handles unexpected challenges, and cares for belongings. Look for patterns rather than isolated comments: consistent praise or recurring complaints tells you more than a single review ever could. Interestingly, if a company has been operating for decades and only ever has perfect reviews, that can be a subtle warning sign too—realistically, every moving company will have a move with a few bumps along the way.
Accreditation: The Subtle Signs of Reliability
When it comes to moving, certifications aren’t just for show—they reflect a genuine commitment to quality and professionalism. In Australia, AFRA-accredited companies meet strict national standards for vehicles, equipment, staff training, and service delivery.
On the international front, FAIM (FIDI Accredited International Mover) certification represents the highest global standard in the moving industry. Each FAIM-certified company is independently audited by Ernst & Young (EY) to verify compliance with rigorous benchmarks covering operations, financial stability, staff training, and customer service.
What does this mean for you? A mover that can meet international standards for packing, handling, and delivery across continents will have no trouble managing a local or interstate move with the same care.
Packing: The Unsung Hero
Good packing is about more than just bubble wrap—it’s about protecting your possessions and making unpacking less stressful. A professional mover invests in quality materials, like export-grade cartons, high-grade moving blankets, and can arrange custom crates for delicate or high-value items.
But materials alone aren’t enough. The other half is knowing how to pack. Professional training and years of experience ensure your belongings arrive safely, no matter what the trucks or ships encounter along the way. From fragile heirlooms to bulky furniture, every item has a method, a protective layer, and a careful placement that minimises risk.
Even on a small local move, these skills make a real difference. Well-packed boxes, clearly labelled and tracked in an inventory list, keep your move organised and reduce the chance of damage or insurance claims. It’s the kind of attention to detail that transforms what could be a chaotic day into a calm, controlled experience.
Transparency Matters
Nothing kills confidence like hidden costs or vague explanations. A reliable moving company provides a detailed, written quote and an inventory list that clearly outlines what’s included, what’s extra, and when payments are due. If something changes—like additional items needing transport or an extra pick-up location—it’s manageable, and they’ll explain how it affects the plan and costs. No surprises, no stress—just as long as you’re upfront about any changes.
Watch for the Subtle Red Flags
Price isn’t the only signal to watch. Vague answers about timing or insurance, missing documentation, frequent crew changes, or limited communication can all be red flags. That said, it also depends on your expectations as a client—some prefer active communication and updates, while others want the company to manage everything behind the scenes and only provide the date and time the crew arrives. Be clear about your expectations so the company knows what you need. But if a mover hesitates to explain their process or answer detailed questions, that’s a cue to consider other options.
Customer Care Starts Long Before the Truck Arrives
The best moving companies don’t just appear on moving day—they set the tone from the very beginning. Look for a team that communicates clearly, explains insurance and coverage options, and answers your questions fully. They should guide you through what’s needed on your end—like confirming inventory or special items—while handling the logistics and planning themselves.
A mover that invests time in transparent communication and preparation often signals a smoother, less stressful experience. Conversely, vague answers, limited communication, or reluctance to explain processes early on can be warning signs.
The Palmers Difference
A great move isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s about feeling confident every step of the way. Over 40 years, we’ve learned that the moves people remember as smooth and stress-free are the ones where nothing is left to chance.
Clients notice the little things: their belongings arrive safely, fragile items are handled with care, and the team seems to anticipate questions before they’re asked. It’s the combination of experience, attention to detail, and quiet planning behind the scenes that makes a move feel effortless—even if it’s a local one.
Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The right company brings calm to what could otherwise be chaos—communicating clearly, planning carefully, and treating your home and belongings with genuine care.
At Palmers, that’s what we’ve built our reputation on for more than four decades: doing the job properly, taking pride in every move, and making sure our clients feel supported from start to finish. Because a move done right doesn’t just get you to your new home—it helps you start there feeling settled.