Avoiding Unexpected Moving Fees: A Sydney Mover’s Guide

Moving house can be an exciting new chapter — but it often comes with stress, especially when hidden costs start creeping into your budget. At QuickMove®, we believe in transparency from the start. This guide helps you understand where unexpected fees can arise during your Sydney move — and how to avoid them entirely.

1. Understand What You’re Paying For

Many Sydney removalist companies advertise base rates that seem too good to be true — and often they are. The initial price might not include fuel levies, travel time, tolls, insurance, or weekend surcharges. Always request a full breakdown of what’s included before committing to a service.

At QuickMove®, our pricing is simple: $59 per half hour, with no weekend or hidden surcharges. GST applies, and a half-hour callout applies to all moves. We also make it clear when toll roads or long-distance travel will impact your quote.

2. Truck Size Mismatch

Choosing the wrong truck size can cost you. Too small and you’ll need multiple trips (more hours billed). Too large and you may be overpaying for capacity you don’t need.

That’s why at QuickMove®, we calculate the truck size for you. When you make a booking, simply list your larger furniture items, appliances, estimated number of boxes and bags — and we’ll determine the most efficient size truck. It’s one less thing for you to worry about, and it ensures your quote is based on real needs.

3. Extra Charges for Difficult Access

Stairs, steep driveways, or long distances between the truck and your home can all trigger extra charges with some removalists.

While we do charge a one-off surcharge for excessive physical labour (like multiple steep flights of stairs), QuickMove® is upfront about when this applies. Most jobs don’t incur any access fees — and we always advise you in advance if your booking might qualify for a surcharge.

4. Last-Minute Changes

Changing your moving date or details at the last minute can sometimes incur admin fees or rebooking charges with other companies.

At QuickMove®, we offer free rescheduling as long as you notify us at least 24 hours in advance. If your move needs to change, simply submit your update online via the edit booking form — easy, no phone calls required.

5. Furniture Protection & Packaging Costs

Plastic wrapping, moving blankets, and protective covers can sometimes be billed separately.

QuickMove® includes heavy-duty moving blankets on every job free of charge. If you’d like extra protection for delicate items like mattresses, TVs, or lounges, we offer plastic wrapping at just $10 per item. Again — all prices are disclosed up front.

6. Payment Methods and Surprise Fees

Some removalists charge processing fees for card payments or require full payment in cash, which can be inconvenient and insecure.

With QuickMove®, we never accept cash. We offer card or PayID, and payment is taken on the day, in the presence of our team — no surprises. There are no credit card surcharges, and your deposit is securely processed when you book online.

7. Extra Time from Delays

Time-based billing is standard in the industry — but if delays occur due to traffic, poor planning, or incorrect truck size, that time adds up on your bill.

Our removalists are trained to load and unload efficiently. We optimise routes and start every day from 7:00 am, giving your move the full attention it deserves. We also advise all customers to allow a 3-hour window from your selected start time to account for prior jobs and travel time.

8. Moves Outside Sydney

If your pickup or delivery is outside the Sydney region, some companies may add charges without prior warning.

We’re upfront. If either location is outside the Sydney area, we apply a 10% fuel levy to your total and calculate return travel time. This is clearly stated on your quote — no back-to-base mystery fees.

Transparency Saves You Money

At QuickMove®, our goal is to make your move smooth and stress-free — without hidden surprises. We believe clear communication, upfront pricing, and smart planning are the keys to avoiding hidden costs. With us, what you see is what you get.

Whether you’re moving across town or relocating from the Central Coast or Wollongong into Sydney, we’ve got your back.

Make your next move a smart choice hire the right mover – Book Here Today