What Questions Should You Ask Removalists Before Booking?
When you’re comparing removalists, it’s easy to focus only on who can take your date. But you’re trusting a team with your furniture, your belongings and a full day of your time, so it’s worth asking a few more questions first.
The right questions help you understand how a removalist works, what’s included and how they’ll handle the details of your move. Here’s what to ask, and why each answer matters.
Questions about protection and trust
Are you insured?
This is one of the most important questions to ask removalists. Ask what their insurance covers and whether there’s anything you should arrange yourself. A clear, straightforward answer is a good sign. If the response is vague, ask for more detail before you book.
Are you AFRA-accredited?
AFRA is the Australian Furniture Removers Association, the industry body for removalists. Accreditation is a useful way to check that a business is committed to recognised industry standards. AuServin is AFRA-accredited and fully insured, and it’s reasonable to expect any removalist you’re considering to answer both questions openly.
Who will actually do the move?
Ask whether the crew is trained and how they handle furniture. You want a team that knows how to lift, carry and load properly, not just people who can move boxes quickly.
Questions about the quote
What information do you need from me?
A removalist who asks good questions at the quote stage is usually one who plans properly. Expect to be asked about your addresses, the property types, access, large or fragile items and your preferred date. If a quote is given without any of these details, it may not reflect the real job.
What could change the scope of the move?
Ask what might make the job bigger or longer than planned. Common factors include extra items, stairs or lifts that weren’t mentioned, long carries from the truck to the door and parking restrictions. Knowing this in advance helps you give accurate information and avoid surprises.
Is anything not included?
Ask directly whether there are any additional charges you should be aware of. A transparent quoting process means you know what to expect before moving day, not after it.
Questions about moving day
How do you handle stairs, lifts and tight access?
Every property is different. On the Sunshine Coast, for example, steeper driveways in areas like Buderim can affect where the truck parks and how far items need to be carried. In an apartment building, the questions are more likely to be about lift bookings and loading areas. Ask how the removalist plans for access at both ends of your move.
What equipment do you bring?
Furniture blankets, trolleys and the right-sized truck all play a part in protecting your belongings. Ask what the crew will bring and how they protect furniture during loading and transport.
What should I have ready before you arrive?
This question tells you a lot about how organised the removalist is. A good answer covers packed and sealed boxes, cleared walkways, confirmed parking and anything that needs to be dismantled.
Questions to ask yourself too
Before you speak to a removalist, it helps to have your own answers ready:
- What will you pack yourself, and what needs special care?
- Are there items you’re not taking, such as furniture you plan to sell or donate?
- How flexible is your moving date?
- What’s the access like at the new property? If you haven’t seen it recently, check.
The clearer your picture of the move, the more useful the removalist’s answers will be.
What good answers sound like
You’re not looking for a sales pitch. You’re looking for a team that answers plainly, asks about the details of your move and explains how they’ll handle them. That kind of conversation is usually the best sign the move itself will be handled properly.
If you’re moving on the Sunshine Coast and want to see how AuServin plans a move around access, property type and your timing, you can read more about our local team or our removal service.
Have questions about your move? Tell us what you’re moving and where you’re going, and our team will talk you through it with a clear quote. Get Your Free Quote