How to choose a reliable removalist

Anyone can put "professional removalist" on a website. The difference shows up on moving day — in whether your things arrive in one piece, and whether the price you were quoted is the price you actually pay. Here's what's worth checking before you book anyone.

1. Ask exactly what they're insured for

"We're insured" isn't a complete answer. Ask specifically about Public Liability (covers damage to property during the move), Goods in Transit (covers your belongings while they're on the truck) and Third Party cover. If a company can't answer clearly, that's worth noting.

2. Get the price in writing before the day

A number given over the phone without knowing how much you're actually moving is a rough guess at best. A company that asks about your home size, access and any extra services before quoting is giving you a real price — not one that "might change" once the truck arrives.

3. Read a few actual reviews, not just the star rating

A 5.0 average with three reviews tells you less than a 4.8 with a thousand. Look at review platforms directly — Google and Airtasker are both good places to check — and read a handful of the actual comments, not just the number.

4. Confirm the team and truck size fit your job

A 2-person team with a small van isn't the right fit for a four-bedroom house, and it'll take far longer — costing you more in the end even at a lower hourly rate. Tell them your home size and ask what team and truck they'd send.

5. Ask what happens if something gets damaged

Every mover should have a clear answer here: how you report it, and how their insurance actually covers it. If the answer is vague, that's a real warning sign.

6. Ask about extra fees upfront

Fuel, tolls, stairs, waiting time — ask what's included in the hourly rate and what isn't. "No hidden fees" should mean the price you agreed to is the price on the invoice.

Where GOAT Removals stands on all six

We're fully insured (Public Liability, Goods in Transit, Third Party), our quotes are based on your actual home size and access, our reviews are real and public on Google and Airtasker, and fuel, tolls and insurance are already included in the hourly rate — no surprises on the day.