Moving houses in Melbourne? The Man’s got your back… literally. Whether you’ve got a studio apartment worth of personal belongings or a four-bedroom house of treasure (and maybe some trash), enlisting the help of professional movers won’t just save you the heavy lifting - it could also save you some cash in the long run.
You might be reading this and wondering “how can spending money on moving services in Melbourne save me money?”. Well, the most important thing to get a handle on first is finding out how much it costs to move locally in Melbourne.
Melbourne Moving Cost Analysis
When it comes to calculating moving costs, there are a variety of factors to consider. Here are some of the most influential ones:
Move size
The more items you need to move, the more time it will take, the more movers you’ll need, and the more it will cost you. Most moving companies will be able to provide you with a quote based on the size of your move, so it’s important to be upfront to ensure an accurate estimate. This means taking time to evaluate how much you have before requesting a quote.
Distance to travel
Most moving companies charge by the time taken to move, which is generally calculated depot-to-depot from when they leave HQ to when they return. If your new home is a significant distance from the place you’re leaving, the time it takes to get between the two can add up quickly, especially if multiple trips are needed.
Timing
Sticking with the time theme, it’s usually cheaper to move on weekdays than it is on weekends, with public holidays being the most expensive days to choose. Not only is your movers’ hourly rate likely to be lower, but if you aim to be on the road during low-traffic hours, you’ll be able to get from A to B quicker, too. No one wants to be stuck on Hoddle Street or the West Gate Freeway at rush hour, especially not when time is money!
Property type
The type of home you’re moving from and to can also impact the bottom line of your bill. This is mostly based on accessibility and the time it takes to get everything loaded and unloaded. Take the top floor of a high-rise apartment for example; all those trips up and down the lift add up, and navigating around tight corners with large furniture takes some patience. A one-storey home with a well-paved drive directly off the street, on the other hand, is much easier to get around, helping speed things up and keep costs down.
Level of service
The less help you need, the lower your bill will be - makes sense, right? In saying that, some services are worth paying for, depending on your unique circumstances. Most movers offer service add-ons or partner with other companies who provide these. Packing and unpacking (plus the moving boxes and materials used), pet or vehicle transport, storage, and insurance are some common additions that incur extra costs.
Pricing model
Moving companies have a few different ways of calculating service costs. Some are based on an hourly rate, some half-hourly, and some charge in 15-minute increments. Where multiple movers are involved, the rate could be overall, or per person on the job. At Man With A Van, our pricing system is based on the size of van you need, including all movers, with an hourly rate. This way, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting for your money.
There are pros and cons to each pricing model, and there isn’t one ‘best’ option. The important thing here is to check with the company you’re working with and make sure you’re all on the same page with pricing.
How to Make Moving Cheaper
Moving house in Melbourne is no small feat, and if you don’t get the planning quite right, the costs can add up pretty quickly. Whether you’re DIYing your relocation or hiring Melbourne's favourite movers for the job, The Man’s top tip for keeping costs down is to make a realistic plan and a personalised moving checklist. From assessing the amount of items you need to move to choosing a day and time that will realistically work for you, if you’re on top of the moving details, you’ll be better able to manage your budget.
You could also forgo the pros and rent a van with some friends and family members ready to help out on moving day. While this is a handy way to save a few dollars, you should also give some thought to the extra time it will take for non-experienced movers compared to fully-trained ones. Poor manual handling injuries are also a much bigger risk here; physio costs for a pulled back could quickly surpass the price of professional movers!
Movers that Save You Money
Man With A Van are Melbourne's favourite movers, and for good reason. Our fuss-free, expert services will help you get set up in your new place in no time. Give us a call on (03) 9417 3443 to get moving!
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