Melbourne is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of Victoria, and the second-most populous city in Australia. Its urban area spans around 804 square kilometres and encompasses a diverse mix of heritage terraces, modern apartments and bustling commercial precincts. With more than five million residents and a dense network of trams and laneways, navigating this city requires local knowledge and strategic timing.
The city’s weather is famously unpredictable. Melbourne has a temperate oceanic climate, and its conditions often change rapidly because it sits between the hot inland of the continent and the cool Southern Ocean. Cold fronts can bring gales, thunderstorms, hail and heavy rain, while winter days are typically drizzly and overcast. Planning a move here means keeping an eye on the forecast and being prepared for sudden showers or scorching sun.
Urban logistics is equally challenging. The central business district is built on a one-mile grid of narrow streets with limited on-street parking and time-restricted bays. Many inner-city roads become clearways during peak hours, and trams running down the middle of thoroughfares require extra caution when manoeuvring a truck. Add sporting events, cultural festivals and weekday commuter traffic, and it becomes clear why a careful plan is essential for a smooth relocation.
City Logistics And Insights For Melbourne Moves
On-street parking in the City of Melbourne is strictly regulated, with many streets offering only one- or two-hour bays during business hours. Certain roads become clearways during the morning and afternoon peak, meaning no stopping is permitted and vehicles may be towed. When moving, it is essential to arrange a temporary parking permit or secure off-street parking in advance to avoid fines or last-minute scrambling.
Many apartment buildings in Southbank, Docklands and the inner north require residents to book lifts and loading docks for specific time slots. High-rise managers often restrict moves to weekdays or mid-morning windows to reduce inconvenience to other residents. Older Victorian terraces and converted warehouses can have tight staircases, so measuring furniture and planning the path is vital.
Melbourne’s weather adds another layer of complexity. The city’s position between hot inland regions and the cool Southern Ocean leads to rapid shifts in temperature and sudden storms. Winter days are typically drizzly and overcast, which can make outdoor lifting slippery or uncomfortable. Our removalist in Melbourne monitors forecasts closely, carries protective coverings and adjusts schedules when necessary to keep your move on track regardless of conditions.
Expert Melbourne Removalists Tips For A Hassle-Free Move
Avoid Peak Hour Traffic – The city’s roads are busiest on weekdays between roughly 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Schedule your loading and travel outside these periods to reduce time spent sitting in congestion. Early starts or mid-morning departures usually offer smoother runs.
Check Parking Signs And Permits – Time-limited bays, clearways and permit zones are common across the inner city. Contact the local council to arrange temporary parking permits for moving trucks and double-check signage on the day. Being prepared prevents fines and ensures your vehicle can stay put while loading.
Book Lifts And Loading Docks – High-rise apartments often require residents to reserve service lifts and loading areas in advance. Speak to your building manager as soon as you know your move date to secure a slot. Having exclusive access makes the process quicker and safer.
Watch The Weather Forecast – Melbourne’s changeable climate means sunshine can quickly turn to rain. Pack fragile items in waterproof wrapping, have tarps on hand and be ready to adjust your schedule. Our crews monitor conditions and work quickly to protect your belongings.
Plan Around Events And Roadworks – Footy matches at the MCG, concerts at Rod Laver Arena and construction projects can cause road closures and heavy traffic. Check event calendars and traffic updates when setting your moving day. A little research can save hours on the road.
Begin Your Melbourne Relocation With Confidence
Moving in Melbourne can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, it becomes straightforward. Our experienced moving teams understand the quirks of each neighbourhood, from busy laneways and tram-lined streets to leafy outer suburbs. Our furniture removalists Melbourne team listens to your needs, plans carefully and handles your belongings with care so you can focus on the excitement of your new home or office.
Our removalist company offer flexible booking dates to suit busy schedules and accommodate last-minute changes. Whether you are moving during a school holiday, avoiding major events or simply need to coordinate two settlements, we adjust our timetable. Our optional storage solutions and professional packing services give you greater control when settlement dates don’t align.
If you are ready to take the next step, contact us at 1300 400 874 for a free quote and personalised advice. We will answer your questions, provide a transparent estimate and suggest the best strategies for your unique situation. Let’s make your Melbourne move a success.
Request a Quick Quote
My partner and I have just used Optimove removals for a double move – stuff out of my house to storage whilst another truck at his place to bring his furniture and belongings to here and more to storage. We went with them based on price and a promise of ‘great care’
The removalist service has been fantastic. The boys all moved fast on both crews, were so easy to deal with, and I’ll be honest I can’t remember the last time I saw everything plastic and or blanket wrapped so well to completely protect everything we have. I would HIGHLY recommend these guys. Jacqueline Nagle
“By far the best removalists I have used. Adam and Chris were fantastic. On time, polite, energetic, fast and careful with all of my furniture. Reasonably priced and very efficient .” Jessie Mariee Watson, 29 August 2016
“I couldn’t have been happier with my choice of Optimove to shift a lot of my precious belongings into storage. The removal team phoned me to give an estimated time of arrival and when they arrived no time was wasted. The 2 removalists were fast and efficient. I was very impressed and would certainly recommend them to anyone looking for removalists and would have no hesitation in employing their services again.” Sue Bertram, 19 August 2016
“Best removal company we have ever used. Optimove removals is a great moving company, two nice lads who moved at a good pace. Everything was well looked after and arrived in perfect condition. Very good prices, next time you are looking to move to a new location check these removalists out. Better than a hiring a truck and moving your own stuff by a long way. On time, polite, no hidden costs – the most energetic men ever!!!!!” Kirsten Maria Corin, 2 August 2016
“On Saturday just gone, Adam and Chris from Optimove did an outstanding job in moving us from Burleigh Heads to Cornubia. They worked tirelessly without stopping for 5-6 hours until the job was done, whilst taking absolute care of all our possessions. They were friendly, honest and just downright good blokes. I high recommend Optimove.” Glen Read, 18 July 2016
“Just wanted to take a second to say a big thank you to the team at Optimove. The guys that arrived on the day were so friendly, helpful and professional. I couldn’t believe that when they said everything would get wrapped and protected that it actually happened. I have moved several times in the past but I found these guys definitely stood out amongst the rest with their speed and professionalism…” Carly Turner, 9 July 2016
Visit our Facebook Page
Don’t just take our word for it, view our customer review videos to hear and see for yourself what our customers have to say about Optimove.
Our Furniture Removalist Services In Melbourne
We deliver a full suite of moving services designed for homes and businesses throughout Melbourne’s metropolitan area and its expanding suburbs.
Our professional removalists handle relocations within the CBD and surrounding suburbs with ease. We navigate narrow laneways and timed parking zones, and help you organise loading spaces. From terrace houses in Carlton to family homes in the east, your belongings travel safely and efficiently.
Melbourne’s economy thrives on its corporate hubs in the CBD, Southbank and Docklands. We schedule moves outside standard business hours to minimise disruption and coordinate lift bookings and loading docks in high-rise towers. Our furniture removalists in Melbourne have a track record of relocating professional offices, medical practices and boutique studios without fuss.
Whether you are planning to move interstate to Sydney or west to Adelaide, our team plans every kilometre of your interstate journey. We map the best routes, manage rest stops and handle the paperwork for cross-border transport. Your goods arrive on time and in perfect condition no matter the distance.
Moving homes might require storage solutions. Our secure, climate-controlled facilities keep furniture, documents and equipment protected from moisture and heat. Access your stored items when it suits you and enjoy peace of mind while in transition.
Protecting belongings from jostling on tram-lined streets starts with quality packing. Our trained team uses sturdy cartons, wrapping materials and inventory systems to prepare your possessions. At your new address, we unpack and place everything so you can settle in right away. Call our packing and unpacking services now.
Moving pianos through Victorian terraces or up modern apartment stairwells demands specialised equipment and skill. Our piano movers use ramps, hoists and protective blankets to keep your instrument safe at every stage. Years of experience mean we can tackle grand and upright pianos without compromise.
Why Hire Us For Melbourne Removals
Relocating in Melbourne involves more than just lifting boxes; it demands foresight, timing and respect for the city’s quirks. Our approach sets us apart because we focus on both care and efficiency.
Careful Handling
We treat your possessions as if they were our own. Each item is wrapped, secured and loaded using equipment designed to reduce movement and prevent scratches. The result is a damage-free move no matter how challenging the route.
Punctual Timings
Time restrictions on parking and loading zones in Melbourne mean there is little room for delay. Our Melbourne removalist team arrive when promised and completes the job within the agreed window, coordinating with building managers and councils. You can relax knowing we keep everything on schedule.
Transparent Quotes
Nobody likes hidden fees, especially with so many variables involved in an urban move. Our leading removalists in Melbourne assess your inventory, access points and timing requirements before providing a detailed quote. You will understand exactly what you are paying for and can budget with confidence.
Insurance Options
Despite careful planning, unforeseen incidents can occur in a busy city environment. We offer comprehensive insurance cover so your furniture and valuables are protected from start to finish. This added layer of security brings extra peace of mind.
Trained Crews
Our movers are experienced professionals who know Melbourne’s suburbs and council regulations. Ongoing training ensures they pack, lift and transport safely while providing friendly service. Their expertise translates into an efficient and pleasant move.
Route Planning
Traffic congestion, road works and event closures can catch unprepared movers off guard. We use real-time data and local knowledge to choose the best routes and avoid delays. Your belongings arrive sooner and you avoid the stress of unexpected holdups.
Answers To Your Melbourne Moving Questions
How do I secure a parking spot in Melbourne’s CBD for my removalist truck?
Most streets in the central business district have strict time limits or clearway periods. You should contact the City of Melbourne in advance to apply for a temporary parking permit for moving vehicles and consult your building’s management for access to private loading bays. On the day, clearly display the permit and park within the allocated zone to avoid fines.
Do I need a permit to stop in a clearway while moving?
No stopping is permitted in a declared clearway during its operational hours, even for loading or unloading. If your move requires parking in a clearway zone, you must schedule your move outside those times or arrange an alternative spot. Failure to comply may result in towing and hefty penalties.
What is the best day of the week to move in Melbourne?
Midweek moves tend to be quieter, especially Tuesday to Thursday when fewer events and commuters are on the road. Removalists also have more availability, making it easier to secure your preferred time slot. Weekends can be congested due to sporting fixtures and shoppers.
How does the tram network affect moving day?
Many major roads have tram tracks down the centre, and trams cannot swerve to avoid obstacles. Our crews exercise extra care when driving in these areas, ensuring vehicles stay within their lane and do not block tram routes. Planning ahead avoids conflicts and keeps both passengers and your belongings safe.
Are there particular suburbs where moving is more challenging?
Inner-city neighbourhoods like Fitzroy, Carlton, Port Melbourne and Southbank have narrow streets, limited parking and high pedestrian traffic. Moves in these areas require careful coordination with residents and building managers. By contrast, outer suburbs generally offer easier access and more spacious driveways.
How do you protect my belongings during Melbourne’s unpredictable weather?
We use high-quality packing materials and waterproof wraps to safeguard furniture and boxes. On rainy days we deploy protective coverings over doorways and floors and work efficiently to minimise exposure. Our trucks are sealed to keep moisture out during transit.
Will you handle my high-rise apartment move?
Yes, our team regularly manages relocations to and from high-rise buildings across the city. We coordinate lift bookings, comply with building rules and use specialised equipment to manoeuvre furniture through tight spaces. Our goal is to complete the move quickly without disturbing neighbours.
What happens if building lift access is delayed?
Delays can happen if another resident runs over time or if a lift is temporarily out of service. Our crews maintain communication with building management, and we may adjust our loading sequence to work around the issue. Where necessary we allocate extra staff to use alternative stairs or wait until the lift becomes available, ensuring your move still finishes as scheduled.
We are Melbourne's Most Trusted Furniture Removalists
Optimove has a quality, reputable, reliable removalist team with more than 20 years of experience in Melbourne. All our moves are covered with comprehensive insurance, and we are always willing to go the extra mile for our customers.
Absolutely fantastic. I chose them as our removalist because they had such great reviews. They took half the time we had expected. It took them 2 hours from start to finish to move our 2 bedroom apartment from New Farm to Albion. And that's with a lot of walking through basements to the lift! Great guys, kind and considerate! Their names were Hina and Rod. High recommended!!
Rebecca May
Highly recommended!!
After getting quotes from a few companies and reading their reviews, I decided to go with Optimove as our furniture removals company even though their quote was higher than others. Juliana from Optimove was able to accommodate my request on short notice and secured a slot. On the day of the move, Damien and Max arrived a bit early and, after having a quick walk around, started loading this into the truck without wasting any time. Both of them were very professional and efficient. They moved our stuff within a few hours without damaging any item or the property. I...
Sandeep
Very Happy with the Service
I had a great experience with the team at Optimove. Complete rush job from my side to pack and move our office within one week. Fatin was great in the office, booking quickly and slotting in. Pam packed everything quickly and well, and Mana and the boys moved and packed everything with care and professionalism. Very happy with the moving process.
Kathleen Kolanek
Polite, Efficient and Respectful.
I simply can't speak highly enough of the job Optimove did for our family. An impressive experience from initial contact to completion. Mana, Tane & Winta were fantastic. Polite, efficient and respectful. Nothing was too much trouble. We would definitely use these guys again.
Joe Crouch
Great Sense of Humour
A big thank you to both the Optimove teams on Nela’s truck and Hina’s truck for their epic effort in moving me from Brisbane to the Gold Coast. I have moved many times, but these guys are absolutely the best of the best👌Always extreme care is taken when handling all my furniture and boxes, the removalists have a great sense of humour and are super hard working. Thank you so much🙏🏻 Could not recommend them more highly!
JM C
Best Movers we’ve ever had
Mana and the team were brilliant. Best movers we’ve ever had. Polite, enjoyed a joke and just cracked on and got the job done. We have a massive amount of stuff (even for their biggest truck) and they came back and did a second load. Will only use Optimove for future moves. We’ve since had the unpacking service as well. They did a good job but the only criticism is that they didn’t take the boxes and packaging with them. Seems a key thing to do if you’re paying for unpacking as well!
Joe Perkins
Extremely Efficient and Professional
Mana and Tane were extremely efficient and professional and managed quite a complex job intuitively and easily. I really appreciated their help today. I will definitely be recommending Optimove to everyone and will use them again myself, Mana and Tane made a potentially stressful day run very smoothly. Thanks so much :)
Nicola Sockhill
Move Great unreal workmanship.
The joy of having these 2 guys to move my massive 4 bedroom home into a 2-bedroom apartment. So impressed and overwhelmed happy and hardworking disposition. Love your moving company. Absolutely incredible. They also had to put up with me nagging them during their work:-) I will be using this company again and will be family and friends.
Paula
Very Quick and Efficient
Great service, very quick and efficient. Came early and were very patient with all the bumps along the way. BEST MOVING COMPANY WE HAVE EVER USED! I highly recommend Reno and Damian through Optimove, as it was the easiest move we have ever done in Australia. Excellent communication and timing as well. Lovely guys!!!
Angela Thompson
Satisfied with the Service
This is our 3rd time using Optimove, and we are always satisfied with the service. Damien and Ben were both outstanding. Arrived early, well organised and worked nonstop for 4hrs straight, lots of heavy lifting. I’ve never seen someone carry a massive queen-size mattress on their back before and then throw it up one story; Ben, you’re a legend! Both guys are highly professional and for the amount of physical labour they do, I think the boys deserve some sort of bonus or reward, a pay rise! For our next move we will definitely be asking for these two again....
Libby Lee
Fantastic, quick & easy move!!! Great fun guys to deal with!
I couldn't have made this move without you guys being so professional and pleasant. Will use it again in a heartbeat for my area Great work guys!!! Deserve more than you get paid I bet!!
Chantel
Friendly and Super Efficient
We used Optimove for the second time in 2 months to move house. As with our previous experience, everything associated with the move was first class. A special shoutout to Macca, Michael and Ben, who were fantastic….friendly, super efficient and worked like Trojans all day… a great effort.
Peter Priddle
Careful and Efficient
Truly a perfect moving experience. These guys weren't just big and strong, they were careful, efficient and very fun and friendly. Would recommend it to literally anyone who needs a mover, can't fault them on a thing!
Geordie McGrath
Awesome guys! Nothing is too much trouble.
Guys were really thorough wrapping our furniture and making sure no mess was made. Really good booking experience. Will use these guys again for sure!!
Michael
Professional and Very Friendly
Good communication from booking to day the day of move. The guys, Hina, Mel’s and Tala were on time, professional, very friendly and easy to deal with. They worked so hard and kept us upbeat on what is usually quite a stressful day (move day). I have no hesitation in recommending this company to all my friends and family.
Jacqui Blackmore
Careful and Very Efficient
A wonderful experience. Damian, Tilly and Tahnee were polite, careful and very efficient. They worked quickly and methodically to complete the job. Thank you.
Linda Bykersma
Excellent service!!
Very fast service from TJ, Reno, and Lago. Showed up on time and got the job done perfectly with only a day's notice. Highly recommend.
Charlotte
Totally Impressed with the Move
I was totally impressed with the move with Optimove Removals. Ryan and Asha truly went the extra yard. Nothing was too much trouble for them. They are both a credit to the company.
David Casey
Communication was Excellent.
Mama and his team were absolutely BRILLIANT! They were strong and efficient and took excellent care of our fridge and were a delight to work with. Communication was excellent. Highly recommend it to anyone having their new fridge delivered. Other movers refuse to get it upstairs.
Will Gower
Treated everything with Great Care.
Great team. Very professional and treated everything with great care. I would recommend Optimove for any move. They made moving house really easy.
Ben Luck
Friendly and Really Responsive.
Nela and Dan were awesome - fast, professional, friendly, and really responsive. Would highly recommend this company and these guys, and will definitely use them in future moves. Thanks!!
Caitlin Scarr
No Damage or Breakages
The team at Optimove were amazing, we had 7 guys working on our job, and they got the whole move done on 3 hours, amazing! They were high energy, fun and careful with our belongings, with no damage or breakages. They even manoeuvred our very large fridge into a very tight spot! I would definitely use these guys again, and highly recommend them - even to my Mum who is very fussy!!!! Thanks Nela, Mia, John, Dave, Tom and Sio!
Natasha McKean
Use your Services again
I can’t thank enough the guys who helped us move our donated not-for-profit furniture this week. They were faced with previously-flooded land which was still boggy and had to carry the furniture much further than thought through the mud, but still persisted. Even getting their truck bogged was not too much for these guys to handle - they continued to be friendly and insist they would sort it out. All 3 of these guys went above and beyond for us and continued to be friendly despite the issues, and we will use your services again for sure. Thank you!
Elissa Holswich
Impressed with the Overall Service
We were really impressed with the overall service we received from Optimove. From the initially booking process to the big move & deliver. Brad & Tony were our moving men & what a great team! Brad started with a good walk through of the property, sized everything up & together with Tony they had the truck packed as neatly as Tetris. They worked very quickly but carefully, leaving kids bikes & all the pot plants to the very end. I've seen other removalist tossing items in trucks and dragging big things but not these guys. They were just the best!
Stacey Santos
Fast, Friendly, Efficient
Tony and Steve in Sydney were brilliant. They were fast, friendly, efficient and accommodating. I was amazed at how quickly they worked without any fuss at all. If I move again I will definitely use Optimove and I would definitely want Tony and Steve again! 5 stars for sure!
Jamie Wahab
Tips & Tricks By Optimove Experts For Your Melbourne Move
Check out our tips and tricks to guide you and your family on saving money and settling when moving in Melbourne.