How Much Do Removalists Cost on the Gold Coast? Real 2026 Rates, Worked Examples and What Adds Up
Updated October 2026 · Move Mate Movers, Arundel
The short answer: most Gold Coast removalists charge by the hour for a crew and a truck, plus some extras. At Move Mate Movers it's $143 per hour including GST for two movers and a truck, with a 2-hour minimum ($286), a compulsory call-out fee based on your suburb and distance from our Arundel depot, and $44 per flight of stairs. Packing and wrapping are included at no extra service charge. Your total is moving time + call-out fee + any extras.
The hourly rate is the easy part. What really decides your bill is how many hours the move takes, and that's something you have more control over than you might think. This guide explains how removalist pricing works on the Gold Coast, shows worked examples with real numbers, and covers how to compare quotes so you're not caught out on the day. Our full price list is on our Gold Coast moving rates page.
How Gold Coast Removalists Price a Move
There are three common ways removalists quote:
| Pricing model | How it works | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | You pay for the crew and truck by the hour, usually with a minimum booking | Local moves where you can control the prep | Waiting time, slow lifts and unpacked boxes all add hours |
| Fixed price | One agreed price for a defined job | People who want certainty | What's not included, and charges if the job turns out bigger than described |
| Hourly + extras | An hourly rate plus set charges (call-out, stairs, heavy items) | Most Gold Coast local moves | Make sure every extra is listed in writing |
We use hourly + clearly listed extras, and we publish them. Whichever model a mover uses, ask for every charge in writing before you pay a deposit.
Our Real Rates (All Prices in AUD, Incl. GST)
| What | Price |
|---|---|
| Two movers + a truck (6, 8 or 10-tonne) | $143 per hour |
| Minimum booking | 2 hours ($286) |
| Call-out fee | Compulsory; based on your suburb and distance from our Arundel depot. We confirm it before you book. |
| Stairs | $44 per flight, at either address |
| Pianos, pool tables, marble items | Extra charge, quoted on item details |
| Packing and wrapping | Included at no extra service charge (scope confirmed before moving day) |
| Storage | Quoted on request |
| Deposit | $100 in advance to book |
| Rescheduling | No change fee, subject to availability |
What Each Hour Costs: A Quick Reference
Here's the moving-time part of the bill. Add the call-out fee and any extras on top.
| Moving time | Cost at $143/hr |
|---|---|
| 2 hours (minimum) | $286 |
| 3 hours | $429 |
| 4 hours | $572 |
| 5 hours | $715 |
| 6 hours | $858 |
| 7 hours | $1,001 |
| 8 hours | $1,144 |
Worked Examples
These are arithmetic examples to show how the formula works, not quotes. Your move could take more or less time.
1. Studio or one-bedroom unit, lift at both ends, 2 hours $286 + call-out fee.
2. Two-bedroom walk-up unit, 2 flights of stairs at pickup, 3 hours (3 × $143 = $429) + (2 × $44 = $88) = $517 + call-out fee.
3. Two-bedroom high-rise apartment to another apartment, lifts both ends, 4 hours 4 × $143 = $572 + call-out fee. Lift waiting time is the biggest variable here.
4. Three-bedroom single-storey house, 5 hours 5 × $143 = $715 + call-out fee.
6. A move that includes a piano Moving time + call-out fee + the piano charge. Send us the piano type and the access (stairs, steps, tight corners) for a quote.
How long does a typical move take? It depends on the amount of furniture, how ready you are and the access at both ends.
Why There's a Call-Out Fee (and How to Check It)
A call-out fee covers getting the truck and crew to your job and back. Ours is compulsory and based on your suburb and distance from our Arundel depot, and we confirm it before you book. Two things to know:
- It's normal, but it should never be a surprise. If a quote doesn't mention travel, call-out or depot fees, ask directly.
- Distance matters. Northern and central suburbs near Arundel are a short drive, while the southern Gold Coast is further. If you're on the southern side, our page on professional removalists in Robina explains how we confirm the call-out for longer trips.
The 8 Things That Add Hours to a Gold Coast Move
- Lift waiting time. In a tower, one goods lift carries everything. Book it and have it held for you.
- Long carries. If the truck can't park close (light rail corridors, no loading dock, a tight complex), the crew walks further with every item.
- Stairs. Charged at $44 per flight, but they also slow every trip.
- Unpacked boxes. If the crew has to pack while they move, the move takes longer. Packing is included with your booked move, so agree the packing scope and timing upfront.
- Dismantling. Beds, wardrobes and tables take time to take apart and reassemble. Tell us in advance.
- Waiting for keys. Settlement delays or an agent who's late with keys means paid waiting time.
- Garages and sheds. The forgotten room. Include them in your item list.
- Traffic. On an hourly rate, peak-hour M1 traffic costs you. Ask about early starts.
How to Cut the Cost of Your Move
- Declutter first. Every item you don't move saves time.
- Be completely packed (or agree the packing scope with us in advance) before the crew arrives.
- Group boxes near the door, labelled by room.
- Book lifts and docks at both addresses and send us the times.
- Clear the driveway and reserve a spot for the truck.
- Dismantle simple items like bed frames and trampolines yourself, if you're able.
- Empty and defrost the fridge the day before.
- Pick a non-peak time: mid-week and mid-month are usually easier to book than Fridays and month-ends.
- Have keys and access cards ready at the new place.
- Be honest on the quote. Telling us about stairs and big items upfront avoids delays on the day.
How to Compare Removalist Quotes Line by Line
Ask every mover the same questions and fill in this table:
| Question | Mover A | Mover B | Move Mate Movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate incl. GST, and crew size | $143/hr, 2 movers + truck | ||
| Minimum booking | 2 hours ($286) | ||
| Call-out or travel fee | Compulsory; confirmed before booking | ||
| Stairs | $44 per flight | ||
| Heavy items | Quoted on item details | ||
| Packing and wrapping | Included, no extra service charge | ||
| Deposit and cancellation | $100; non-refundable for change of mind, subject to ACL | ||
| Rescheduling | No change fee, subject to availability | ||
| Insurance held | Public Liability (not Goods in Transit) | ||
| ABN and address | ABN 33 700 649 109, 14 Aspen Way, Arundel |
A cheaper hourly rate with a smaller crew, hidden travel time or a long minimum can cost more in the end. Compare the total for your move, not just the headline rate. For more on choosing a mover, read how to choose a removalist you can trust.
Red Flags on a Removalist Quote
- No ABN, no physical address, or cash only with no paperwork.
- A very low price with no mention of call-out, travel or stairs.
- A big deposit, or a deposit that's refundable "maybe".
- "Fully insured", with no explanation of which insurance.
- No questions about your access, lifts, stairs or parking.
What About Insurance?
Insurance doesn't change the hourly rate, but it matters if something goes wrong. We hold Public Liability insurance for property damage, subject to policy terms and exclusions. It is not Goods in Transit or all-items cover. Before you move, check whether your home contents policy covers belongings in transit, and tell us about high-value items. Read our insurance details.
What Our Customers Say
Real Google reviews, copied word for word.
"Great service with careful manual handling without even wasting any time."
— Tapan Parmar · ★★★★★ 5/5 · Google review (view on Google)
"Had a great experience with them. Didn't waste time."
— Patel Yash · ★★★★★ 5/5 · Google review (view on Google)
Read all our reviews on Google.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do removalists cost per hour on the Gold Coast?
At Move Mate Movers it's $143 per hour including GST for two movers and a truck, with a 2-hour minimum ($286). A compulsory call-out fee and any extras, such as $44 per flight of stairs, are added. Other movers' rates vary, so compare the total for your move.
What is a removalist call-out fee?
A charge that covers getting the truck and crew to your job. Ours is compulsory, based on your suburb and distance from our Arundel depot, and confirmed before you book.
Is GST included in your prices?
Yes. All our advertised moving rates include GST.
Do I pay extra for stairs?
Yes, $44 per flight at either address. Tell us how many flights there are at both properties so it's in your quote.
Is packing included in the price?
Packing and wrapping are included at no extra service charge with your booked move. Confirm the packing scope and any materials before moving day.
Is an hourly or fixed-price quote better?
Hourly suits most local moves where you can control the prep and access. Fixed prices give certainty but check exactly what's included. Either way, get every charge in writing.
How much deposit do removalists ask for?
We ask for a $100 deposit to book. For a change-of-mind cancellation it's non-refundable, subject to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Rescheduling has no change fee, subject to availability.
How can I make my move cheaper?
Declutter, be fully packed or agree the packing scope early, book lifts and docks, clear parking for the truck, and choose a start time that avoids peak traffic.
Get Your Real Number
Send us both addresses, your item list (including the garage) and the stairs or lift details. We'll confirm the call-out fee and any extras so you know the full picture before you book.
Get my free quote · Call 0413 258 321 · See all our rates
Move Mate Movers (MOVE MATE MOVERS AND LOGISTICS PTY LTD), 14 Aspen Way, Arundel QLD 4214 · ABN 33 700 649 109 · Open 24/7. Back to our home page.