Sales - Heavy Lifting

Heavy lifting charges are additional fees removalists or moving companies charge when they need to move particularly heavy or bulky items. These charges vary depending on the weight, size, and complexity of handling the item. Items like pianos, large furniture, safes, or gym equipment often attract such fees due to the extra effort and equipment required for safe transport.

Common Heavy Items that Incur Additional Charges:

1. Pianos (upright or grand)

2. Pool Tables

3. Large Appliances (fridges, washing machines)

4. Safes

5. Gym Equipment

6. Hot Tubs

7. Large, Heavy Furniture (e.g., wardrobes, large couches)

Typical Costs for Heavy Lifting:

• Pianos:

  • Upright pianos: $300 to $600 for moving, depending on the complexity and distance.

  • Grand pianos: $500 to $1,000 or more, depending on weight, stairs, and how many movers are required.

• Pool Tables:

  • Moving a pool table can cost between $300 and $700 depending on the size, weight, and whether it needs to be disassembled and reassembled.

• Safes:

  • For heavy safes, the cost may range from $200 to $500, depending on weight and complexity.

• Large Appliances:

  • Heavy appliance moves like fridges, washing machines, or dishwashers may incur a charge of $50 to $150 for each item if additional labor or equipment is required.

Factors Affecting Heavy Lifting Charges:

1. Weight and Size:

   • The heavier and larger the item, the higher the fee, especially if specialized equipment (like dollies, hoists, or cranes) is needed.

2. Access Difficulty:

   • If the property has stairs, tight hallways, or narrow doorways, additional charges may apply. Moving items up or down stairs may add $50 to $100 per flight of stairs.

3. Special Handling:

   • Fragile or valuable heavy items, like pianos or artwork, may require careful handling, increasing the costs. Special packing materials or protective covers may also be required.

4. Number of Movers Required:

   • Larger and heavier items may need more movers, leading to higher labor costs. Typically, this would add $50 to $100 per additional mover.

5. Equipment Required:

   • If the move requires specialized equipment like cranes, lifts, or hoists, the charges can be significantly higher. Cranes, for example, can add $500 to $2,000 depending on the job complexity.

Examples of Heavy Lifting Charges in Australia:

• Standard Heavy Item Fee: For items that weigh over 100 kg (220 lbs), removalists may charge an extra $100 to $300 on top of the regular moving fees.

• Stair Fees: If movers need to carry items up or down stairs, you may be charged an additional fee of $50 to $100 per flight of stairs.

• Crane Lift Charges: For extremely heavy items or difficult access (such as moving large furniture into high-rise apartments), hiring a crane could cost between $500 and $2,000.

Ways to Reduce Heavy Lifting Costs:

1. Disassemble Items: If possible, disassemble large items like beds or tables to make them easier to move.

2. Prepare the Space: Clear pathways and ensure access points are wide enough to minimize the difficulty of moving heavy objects.

3. Communicate Clearly: Provide detailed information about the items to be moved, including weight and dimensions, so the removalists can plan properly and avoid unexpected charges.

4. Ask for Quotes: Compare multiple quotes from different moving companies to get the best rate for heavy lifting services.

In summary, heavy lifting charges are extra fees applied to items that require more effort or special equipment to move. These costs can range from $50 to $1,000 or more depending on the item and the complexity of the move.