Put each quote into the same comparison
- Check
- Pricing method
- What to record
- Hourly, fixed, volume-based or estimate
- Why it matters
- Controls who carries time or scope risk
- Check
- Crew and vehicle
- What to record
- Number of movers and truck size
- Why it matters
- Changes speed, capacity and hourly cost
- Check
- Travel
- What to record
- Depot time, kilometres, fuel, ferry and return travel
- Why it matters
- Often explains a large price difference
- Check
- Minimum charges
- What to record
- Minimum hours and rounding increments
- Why it matters
- A short move may still trigger a base charge
- Check
- Included work
- What to record
- Packing, wrapping, dismantling and reassembly
- Why it matters
- Avoids paying extras on moving day
- Check
- Access assumptions
- What to record
- Stairs, lifts, parking and carry distance
- Why it matters
- Incorrect assumptions can change labour time
- Check
- Protection
- What to record
- Liability terms and optional cover
- Why it matters
- Shows how loss or damage is handled
- Check
- Timing
- What to record
- Arrival window and delivery window
- Why it matters
- Important for settlement and long-distance moves
Questions worth asking
- Is GST included in the displayed total?
- What event would allow the final price to exceed this figure?
- Are travel, call-out, fuel, parking, ferry, and depot charges included?
- What happens if the job takes longer than estimated?
- Who is responsible for dismantling, packing, and protecting furniture?
- Are employees, contractors, or another carrier completing any part of the move?
- What is the cancellation or postponement policy?
- How should loss, damage, or a service concern be reported?
A four-part decision
Step 1
Check fit
Can the mover handle your route, date, access, load size, and specialist items?
Step 2
Check completeness
Does the quote clearly cover every service you need and state its assumptions?
Step 3
Check evidence
Review business details, communication quality, relevant experience, and genuine customer feedback.
Step 4
Check value
Choose the strongest combination of price clarity, capability, timing, and confidence—not simply the smallest number.
Watch for an unrealistically low quote
A low figure may be legitimate, but ask what has been excluded. Missing travel, insufficient crew, a small truck, owner packing, broad delivery windows, or an incomplete inventory can make a quote look cheaper than the job will be.