Moving house is an extremely stressful and chaotic experience. A big move feels overwhelming, as there is so much to organize and prepare. The biggest decision you’ll need to make is whether to hire professional removalists or do it yourself with the help of packers. Both options have their pros, so understand the differences between packers and removalists before deciding what’s best for your move. 

What do removalists do?

Removalists are professional moving companies that provide a comprehensive house moving service. It includes packing and unpacking your belongings, loading them onto a truck, transporting them to your new home, and unloading them. Many removalists also provide storage services if needed.

• Expertise and efficiency – They are specialists in moving house and will get the job done quickly and securely. Years of experience means they know how to dismantle and reassemble furniture.
• Insurance – Reputable removalists will have insurance to cover any damages during transit, so you don’t have to worry. Make sure to confirm this before booking.
• Heavy lifting – Don’t worry about lugging heavy furniture and appliances up and down stairs. The removalists will have trolleys and lifts to move things safely.
• Packing materials – They supply all the boxes, tape, and protective wrapping required to pack your belongings securely.
• Less stress – You sit back and let the removalists handle everything on a moving day.

What do the packers do?

Packers are the hired hands who come in just to pack up your home in preparation for moving day. They don’t handle any of the actual moving – their role is simply to wrap, box, and label your items so they are ready to go. 

• Pack boxes neatly and securely using quality packing materials
• Carefully wrap and pad furniture, appliances, and fragile items
• Label boxes according to room and contents 
• Provide an inventory list, so you know what is packed where
• Stack and palletize boxes to make them easy to move
• Pack specialty items like paintings, clothing, and computers properly

Key differences between packers and removalists

Now that we understand what each service provides, let’s examine some of the main differences.

• Scope of services – Removalists handle the entire moving process end-to-end. Packers wrap and pack belongings but don’t transport or unload them.
• Cost – Removalists charge a fixed rate based on truck size and distance traveled. Packers charge an hourly rate with no transport fees. 
• Insurance – Removalists should offer insurance covering damages. Packers don’t offer insurance as they are not responsible for transporting items.
• Licensing – Interstate removalists require a license to operate. There are no licenses or qualifications required for packers.
• Experience moving – Moving is a daily task for removalist crews, as well as for professionals. Packers may not have extensive moving experience.
• Responsibility – Removalists are accountable for possessions during the entire move. Packers are only responsible while parking on-site.

For interstate relocations, a specialist interstate removalist like Melbourne to Sydney removalist Grace Removals offers end-to-end service transporting your possessions anywhere in Australia. They provide packing, short or long-term storage, pet transport, and vehicle relocation. Planning is key when undertaking a big move between states.