Helping people move home since 1968
4.9
from 71 reviews
How much does a removalist cost in Cairns?
How much does a removalist cost in Cairns?
If you’re planning a move in Cairns, you’re probably wondering, “How much does it cost?” While many removalists offer competitive rates, not all of them provide a fixed upfront quote, and that’s where the trouble starts.
Some movers advertise cheap hourly rates to draw you in, while others might quote a low total price that sounds appealing, only to hit you with extra charges for stairs, fuel, or even taking longer than expected. Before you know it, your “affordable” move turns into an expensive headache.
That’s why it’s important to understand how moving costs work in Cairns and what to look out for to avoid unexpected surprises.
Factors That Determine the Cost of a Move in Cairns
Size of the Move
More furniture and boxes mean more time, labour, and possibly a larger truck.
Distance
Moving across town is cheaper than a long-distance or interstate move.
Access & Logistics
Stairs, elevators, narrow hallways, or tricky driveways can add time and cost.
Packing Services & Materials
Need professional packing? Extra cost for supplies and labour.
Specialty Items
Moving pianos, large furniture, or fragile items may come with extra handling fees.
Timing & Demand
Moving on weekends, holidays, or peak seasons can be more expensive.
How Long Does a Cairns Move Actually Take?
The time it takes to move depends on the size of your home and access to the property. As a general guide:
- Small moves (studio or 1-bedroom unit) – Expect 2 to 4 hours.
- Medium moves (2-bedroom home/unit) – Usually takes 4 to 6 hours.
- Larger moves (3-bedroom home/unit) – Typically 5 to 8 hours.
- Big moves (4-bedroom house) – Can take 7 to 10 hours.
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Small moves
(studio or 1-bedroom unit) – Expect 2 to 4 hours. -
Medium moves
(2-bedroom home/unit) – Usually takes 4 to 6 hours. -
Larger moves
(3-bedroom home/unit) – Typically 5 to 8 hours. -
Big moves
(4-bedroom house) – Can take 7 to 10 hours.
As a rule of thumb, loading or unloading 10 cubic metres of belongings takes about an hour. These times can vary depending on factors like stairs, elevators, or how well everything is packed.
What’s the Average Price of Hiring a Removalist in Cairns?
Movers in Cairns normally charge $220 an hour for 2 men and a truck or $280 an hour for 3 men and a truck. This means a typical 3-bedroom house/apartment that takes 5-8 hours with 3 movers and a truck would cost between $1400 and $2240. These prices are excluding GST and are from depot to depot.
Unlike other movers who lure you in with a cheap quote only to add unexpected fees later, Butler’s Removals offers upfront, transparent pricing with no hidden costs, so you know exactly what to expect from the start.
Studio/1 Bedroom Unit:
A typical move for a small unit takes between 2–4 hours with a 2-man team at $220 per hour. Expect a total cost between $440 and $880. It's a perfect option for furniture removals and bedroom house moves.
2 Bedroom Apartment/House:
For a move requiring 4–6 hours with a 2-man team, the estimated cost is between $880 and $1320. This option is ideal for those seeking a removalists Cairns service that handles your entire process efficiently.
3 Bedroom House:
Larger moves, such as a 3-bedroom house, typically take 5–8 hours with a 3-man team at $280 per hour, bringing the cost to between $1400 and $2240. Our expert Cairns removalists ensure your household furniture and furniture items are moved safely, making the big move a daunting experience turned into a pleasure.
4 Bedroom House:
For an entire home move taking 7–10 hours with a 3-man team, costs generally range from $1960 to $2800.
Check the Online Reviews Before Hiring a Removalist
When choosing a removalist in Cairns, online reviews can be one of the most valuable tools at your disposal. A company’s reputation is often reflected in what past customers have to say, giving you insight into their professionalism, reliability, and overall service quality.
Look for removalists with consistently positive feedback on platforms like Google Reviews. Pay close attention to comments about punctuality, care in handling belongings, and customer service. While a few negative reviews are normal, a pattern of complaints about damages, delays, or hidden fees is a red flag.
Why We’re the Best Choice for Your Next Move
At Butler’s Removals & Storage, we know that moving isn’t just about shifting boxes, it’s about starting a new chapter with peace of mind. That’s why we’ve spent over 50 years perfecting the moving experience, delivering seamless, stress-free relocations for families across Cairns.
Here’s what makes us stand out:
Backed by an Abundance of 5-star Google Reviews
When you choose Butler’s Removals, you’re choosing a team that has earned hundreds of glowing reviews from happy customers. Our reputation is built on reliability, care, and going the extra mile to ensure every move is smooth and hassle-free. Don’t just take our word for it – our satisfied clients say it best!
Family-Owned, Generations of Expertise
Since 1968, we’ve been a trusted name in the Cairns community. As a second-generation, family-owned business, we take personal pride in every move. Tyson and the team ensure every customer receives personalised attention, not just a generic service.
No Hidden Costs - Just Honest, Transparent Pricing
Some removalists lure you in with a cheap quote, only to sting you with extra fees later. Not us. With Butler’s, you get a clear, upfront price, so you know exactly what to expect – no surprises, no sneaky charges.
More Than Just Moving - We Do It All
Need help packing? Storing items? Moving long-distance? We handle everything, from expert packing and unpacking services to secure storage options. No matter the size of your move, we’ve got the right trucks, equipment, and team to get it done safely and efficiently.
Community-Focused & Customer-First
As a local, community-driven business, we’re not just about moving; we’re about helping people. Our team is friendly and professional and genuinely cares about making your moving day stress-free.
When you choose Butler’s Removals & Storage
You’re not just hiring a removalist; you’re choosing a team that treats your move like their own. Let’s make your next move easy, efficient, and worry-free!
Parking Smarts in Cairns
Securing a good parking spot is key to a smooth move. Whether relocating within Cairns City or to areas like Trinity Beach or Palm Cove, ensuring easy truck access helps your moving company work efficiently. Experienced Cairns removalists make dozens of trips between the truck and the property, so parking close saves time and effort. Reserving a spot or using safety cones can prevent delays, reduce removalist cost Cairns customers may face, and keep your belongings safe.
Check clearance for your furniture removalist if you’re in an apartment or high-rise building. Most movers need at least 3.2 metres, while larger trucks require 3.7 metres. Cairns removalists start with careful planning, ensuring smooth operations and avoiding last-minute issues. Proper access also allows our trusted removalists to work faster, making the process such a pleasure while ensuring your items arrive safely.
For properties with shared driveways or tight access, informing your dedicated move manager in advance helps prevent parking struggles. With great communication and great customer service, our team is extremely helpful in providing an efficient service for your entire move.
Lifts & Stairs Can Impact Removal Services Cost
If your move involves stairs or a lift, it can affect both time and cost. Many Cairns removalists find that lifts slow the process, as movers Cairns must load, unload, and transport furniture multiple times. If you’re in a high-rise with a slow or small lift, this can increase the overall cost. To keep your move hassle-free, an experienced team can speed things up and even help you save money.
Stairs can add more time, especially with heavy furniture and fragile items. Carrying loads up and down all day is exhausting, so requesting an additional local removalist can make the move stress-free. If you’re moving locally, this small step can make a big difference in efficiency.
The best removalists in Cairns start with proper logistics to prevent delays and hidden fees. Whether moving your entire home or just a few items, we ensure your belongings stay safe and reach your new location smoothly.
Transparent, Reliable & Great Service
If you’re ready for your next move, Butler’s Removals & Storage is the perfect partner for you. We’re not just some other removalists; we’re fully equipped Cairns removalists sure to provide reliable service that makes the entire process smooth and stress-free.
Call us and experience the difference with the best removalists in Cairns – where every move is treated as a new opportunity to deliver quality service without compromising efficiency or care.
We are a full-service removals company
and can assist with all of your relocation needs including, but not limited to:
Furniture
Removals
Residential
Removals
Office
Removals
Pre-packing and unpacking
Supply of high quality, packing materials
Storage
Decluttering
Waste
disposal
The removal of specialty items
Join Countless Happy Customers & Book Your Next Move With Butler’s Removals & Storage
Join Countless Happy Customers To Book Your Next Removalists
At Butler’s Removals & Storage, we are dedicated to providing an excellent and high-quality service. We ensure that every aspect of your move is handled with utmost care and professionalism. Whether you’re moving locally, within Queensland, or interstate, we have the skills and experience to make your move a success.
Our hands-on approach and dedication to customer satisfaction are what set us apart from other removalists. Choosing Butler’s Removals & Storage means choosing a furniture removalist that prioritises your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our furniture removals service in Cairns and to organise a quotation.
Let Butler’s Removals & Storage Take Care of Your Next Move
Choosing Butler’s Removals & Storage means choosing a team of dedicated, community-minded professionals who truly care about your moving experience. We take pride in being the trusted Removalists Cairns residents can rely on for efficient, stress-free relocations. Get in touch with us today for a free quote, and let us make your next move the easiest one yet.
