Moving FAQ

Yes, we move pianos, but only as part of a larger move and they can incur a surcharge. If you need to move a piano, please let us know in advance because we have specialty teams to keep your piano safe and secure during the move.

Yes, we do move pool tables, but only as part of a larger move and they require at least 4 MetroMovers to lift safely and also incur a moving surcharge.

We can move freestanding saunas and spas, but let us know in advance so we can have the right team and bring the right equipment with us.

Yes, we move compactus and our MetroMovers are even trained to professionally disassemble and reassembly most kinds of compactus. Talk with your moving manager in advance so we can arrange to have a trained compactus disassembly team available and bring the right tools and equipment with us.

Yes, we can take apart and put most kinds of office workstations back together. But we do need to know in advance so we can arrange the right team and bring the right tools with us on moving day, or arrange a custom solution for you.

Yes, we can move oversized dining tables, but we recommend you talk with your moving manager in advance. If it’s a particularly heavy or complicated dining table, we may need to organise a custom solution.

We can and we do move oversized couches and other large furniture items of all kinds. Once again, speak with your moving manager so we can bring the right equipment to dismantle and / or get it out your front door.

Yes, we can move your BBQ. Make sure your BBQ is clean or has a protective cover on it so your other things in the truck don’t get sooty. And if it’s a gas BBQ, please disconnect and remove the gas bottle (we don’t move gas bottles – see next question).

No, we can’t move gas bottles.

No, we don’t move any live animals in travel cages or out of them.

Yes, we won’t move any item or material that could potentially be explosive, radioactive, hazardous or illegal. That includes vehicles. You can read more about these exclusions in our Terms and Conditions.

Yes, but you’ll need written permission from the owner of the goods.

Yes, we can move pot plants, but they usually don’t like being moved. That’s why we recommend you don’t water them for a few days before the move and give them an extra good watering afterwards.

Our complete moving packs include everything you’ll need to pack your things up; from moving boxes to tape to a big black marker. Just choose the pack that suits your move best:

• 1 – 2 bedroom home = 1 small move pack.
• 2 – 3 bedroom home = 1 big move pack.
• 3 – 4 bedroom home = 1 giant move pack.

You can purchase our moving packs in our box shop here. Remember: you only pay for what you use, so if you get a big move pack delivered, but only use half, you’ll only pay for half.

That depends on how much stuff you have, but as a very rough guideline:

• 1 – 2 bedroom home = 30 moving boxes (small move pack).
• 2 – 3 bedroom home = 45 moving boxes (big move pack).
• 3 – 4 bedroom home = 60 moving boxes (giant move pack).

If you want a more accurate estimate, you are welcome to call our experienced moving consultants for more precise assistance.

We highly recommend you use proper moving boxes, even if they’re not MetroMovers’ boxes, because it’s easier for our movers to stack and move the boxes if they are sturdy and standard sizes. And they also protect your things better!

We recommend you mark or label your moving boxes clearly on at least 2 sides as you pack them. Each box should have either two or three labels showing:

1. What’s inside (ie. books, clothes, dishes, etc)
2. Which room it belongs to (ie. living room, kitchen, office, etc)
3. If it’s fragile and if so, which end should be up on top

You can read more of our helpful packing tips here.

You can read our helpful guide full of our professional packing tips here. Or you can browse through our Moving Tips articles here if you’re after packing tips for a more specific item.

Our removalists will be very careful with all your belongings, but if we know which boxes contain breakables, we can give them a whole lot more TLC. You can help by writing “fragile”on at least two sides of those boxes, or by using special fragile tape.

We can get them out of your way. Just strip off the tape and stack them flat. Then call us on 1300 138 960 to arrange a convenient pick up time.

We recommend you bubble wrap your paintings (and mirrors) and ease them into special picture boxes like these. If your paintings are too large for picture boxes, then let our removalists know: we can shrink wrap, protect them with special padding and secure them with furniture straps.

Yes, please empty all your drawers into boxes before your move – drawers have a tendency to “spontaneously” open and empty themselves on moving trucks. We think it could be the work of sock gnomes! You can also tape or ask us to shrink wrap the drawers shut for added security.

It’s preferable, but if it’s a big ask, we’ll settle for only emptying out the top 2 drawers of 4 drawer filing cabinets.

Yes, our movers can help you with most basic furniture dismantling and reassembly. That includes bed frames, bed headboards, shelving, desks and other standard residential and commercial furniture items. If you need more complex furniture disassembly, talk with your moving manager about our custom solutions.

Best practice when moving a fridge is to disconnect and defrost your fridge the night before, load all your food into a sturdy esky and clean and pack your glass shelving securely. More realistically, disconnect and empty everything out into a box at least one hour before the move starts.

Yes, we can usually assist you with a simple disconnection, but not if it’s complicated or requires specialist plumbing equipment. We are also not allowed (legally) to reconnect your washing machine or dishwasher at the new address .

If you’re game to do it yourself, we recommend you empty your washing machine / dishwasher before the move and disconnect the electricity. Then get a bucket and towel ready before you disconnect the hoses because there’s often residual water left inside them. After all the water’s emptied out, we can pad and wrap them up to prevent any external damage during the move.

You bet, we can take the TV off the wall bracket for you, but we can’t remove or install the bracket itself.

Don’t worry if you can’t find the original TV box: we also provide a complimentary plasma and LCD box on move day for maximum protection for your television. In fact, let us know before the move if you’re missing any specialty moving boxes for your equipment. Chances are we have suitable replacements.

Most microwaves have a removable glass plate inside. We recommend removing the plate from inside the microwave and packing it securely with your plates and dishes before the move.

We recommend wrapping your small appliances in bubble wrap before packing them tightly into boxes. If there’s empty space in the box, you can even fill it with clothing, bedding or towels to get a tight, un-moveable fit. You can read more of our pro packing tips here.

Arranging parking for the moving truck is fairly straightforward. If you live in a parking permit area, you can drop in to your council for a temporary or once-off visitor’s permit. If not, we suggest you park your car across 2 parking spaces the night before. It might also be a good idea to inform your neighbours that you need the area clear for the removal truck in the morning.

We can work your moving schedule to coordinate with the clearway zone time.

We don’t charge any extra for stairs or long walkways, but you should allow for a little more time to navigate large items up or down stairs.

It’s not a problem, but moving from an apartment does make a difference to your move. you might consider adding an extra MetroMover to your moving team to save on time (an extra mover might cost more per hour, but could save you more money by getting the move done faster). You may also want to speak with your building manager to book a time slot for your lift to coincide with your move.

We recommend making sure your entrance ways are clear of boxes and furniture. It helps us enter and exit your property faster, speeds up your total move time and lowers your overall moving costs.

If you know your settlement date, great! Make sure you secure your move day with MetroMovers as soon as possible. Most property settlement times are made available about 7 to 10 days before, so when you know the time constraints of the settlements, we can adjust your moving schedule accordingly. Because we’re flexible like that!

MetroMovers’ XL moving trucks are the largest rigid body trucks that can legally be driven in suburban streets. The capacity of our XL trucks is up to 55m³, or 10 tonnes, and they are purpose built so that we can fit more into each truck than would fit into a regular truck of the same size. That means all the contents of a 3 to 4 bedroom house can be transported in one load. MetroMovers’ large trucks are 18m³, or 3.5 tonnes, and usually fits all the contents of a 1 to 2 bedroom home in a single trip.  We also have a medium size truck for smaller moves. You can compare our moving options here.

In over 20+ years of moving, it has almost never happened. But if you happen to be that rare occasion, talk with your moving manager asap: We can organise a second truck be sent out to complete your move, or if you prefer, you can request we stick with the one truck and just do a second (same day) pick up.

Rain doesn’t bother us! Our professional MetroMovers can move you during rain, sleet, or even very hot days.

Sure. You are most welcome to help in carrying smaller items to and from the truck or, if you are fit and able, to assist with the heavier items. But it would be a good idea to leave the loading and stacking inside the truck to our professional MetroMovers.

Sorry, but no. We aren’t licensed to transport customers (or pets).

If our movers take time off for lunch during your move, it’s properly logged and you won’t be charged for that time. And beyond water, providing refreshments for your hardworking MetroMovers team is definitely appreciated, but not a requirement.