How early should I book movers?

It’s best to book your movers at least 1–2 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date. During busy periods like weekends or end-of-month moves, booking 3–4 weeks earlier is recommended. However, if you have any urgent requirements, reach out to us and we will try our best to accommodate them.

How much do movers near me cost?

The cost depends on factors such as the size of the move, distance, number of movers, and time required. Most local moves in Melbourne are charged on an hourly basis, with a clear quote provided before the move. At Yes Movers, our hourly rate starts at $120/hour. We will be sure to offer you a transparent quote at the beginning itself.

What is the cheapest day to move?

Weekdays (Monday to Thursday) are usually the most affordable days to move because demand is lower compared to weekends and end-of-month dates.

What makes Yes Movers the best movers in Melbourne?

At Yes Movers, we stand out for reliable service, experienced removalists, transparent pricing, and careful handling of belongings, ensuring every move is smooth, safe, and stress-free.

How far in advance should you plan a move?

We generally suggest planning your move around 2-4 weeks in advance where possible. That gives you enough breathing room to organize packing, sort out utilities, and lock in your preferred moving date. In Melbourne, weekends and end-of-month slots tend to book out quickly. At Yes Movers, we always try to help with last-minute moves too, but earlier planning usually makes the whole process easier.

What is the hardest room to pack when moving?

From our experience handling over 7000 moves across Melbourne, the kitchen is usually the hardest room to pack. It contains many fragile and oddly shaped items like glassware, plates, and small appliances. We often suggest starting with items you rarely use first. Packing the kitchen gradually makes the process much more manageable.

Is it worth paying for a moving company?

For many people, it really is. Moving involves more heavy lifting and logistics than it first appears. When you work with a professional team like ours at Yes Movers, we handle the loading, transport, and careful placement of your belongings. It usually saves a lot of time and reduces the risk of damage or injury along the way.

What should you not pack when moving?

There are a few items that shouldn’t go into a moving truck. Hazardous materials such as fuel, paint, gas bottles, or strong chemicals are generally unsafe to transport. We also suggest keeping valuables, important documents, medications, and personal electronics with you. That way you know exactly where they are during the move.

Moving Van Rental Melbourne 2026: Sizes, Prices & Hidden Fees

Updated May 2026. A moving van rental is the cheapest way to move a small load in Melbourne — studio fit-outs, single-room moves, IKEA flat-pack pickups, marketplace furniture collection. Skip the removalist for jobs under 10 m³ and you’ll save $300–$500. Here’s the 2026 Melbourne moving van rental guide from Yes Movers.

Moving van rental prices in Melbourne 2026

Small van (8–10 m³) — Toyota HiAce, Ford Transit Custom — $90–$140/day
Medium van (12–14 m³) — Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit LWB — $130–$180/day
Large van (15–17 m³) — Mercedes Sprinter XL, Iveco Daily — $180–$230/day
Trailer (towed, 4–6 m³) — $40–$80/day

Day rate covers 24 hours, usually 100km included, additional km at $0.30–$0.45.

What you can move in each van size

Small van (8–10 m³) — Toyota HiAce class

Studio fit-out, single mattress + bed frame, 2-seat couch, dining table + chairs, 1–2 bookcases, ~30 boxes. Perfect for solo move or marketplace pickup.

Medium van (12–14 m³) — Mercedes Sprinter class

1BR unit contents, queen bed + frame, 3-seat couch, fridge, washing machine, dining set, 40+ boxes. Best size for a confident DIY mover.

Large van (15–17 m³) — Sprinter XL / Iveco

1BR house, king bed, large 3-seat lounge, white goods, wardrobe, 60+ boxes. Larger than this you’re better off with a pantech truck.

Hourly vs daily rental — when each wins

Hourly rental (some Melbourne operators offer 4-hour minimum)

Toyota HiAce hourly — $20–$35/hr (min 4 hours = $80–$140)
Sprinter hourly — $25–$40/hr (min 4 hours = $100–$160)

Best for tight jobs under 4 hours where you know you’ll finish fast.

Daily rental

Best for jobs over 5 hours, multi-stop pickups (e.g. furniture from 3 marketplace sellers), or anyone uncertain about timing.

What you need to legally drive a moving van in Victoria

All standard moving vans (under 4.5-tonne GVM) are legal on a regular Victorian Car (C) licence. Anything over 4.5 tonnes needs a Light Rigid (LR) licence — but virtually no Melbourne van rental falls into this category.

Most rental companies require: minimum 21 years old (some 25), full Australian licence (no Ps), credit card for $300–$800 pre-auth bond, and a clean driving record.

Top Melbourne van rental companies in 2026

Budget Van Rental — biggest fleet, multiple depots, best one-way deals
Hertz Van Rental — premium pricing, well-maintained, easy app booking
Europcar Vans — competitive on weekly rates, good for multi-day projects
SIXT Van Rental — newer fleet (Sprinters dominant), best for premium need
Local Brunswick / Yarraville van hire — cheapest cash deals, older fleet

Hidden fees to ask about BEFORE you book

Insurance excess — typically $3,000–$5,000 unless reduced ($30–$50/day extra)
Refuel fee — return on the same fuel mark or pay $3.50/L admin penalty
Kilometre overrun — $0.30–$0.45/km past the included 100km
One-way drop fee — $200–$500 if returning to a different Melbourne depot
After-hours return — $50–$100 surcharge
Cleaning fee — $80–$150 if returned with mess or pet hair

How to book a moving van in Melbourne — step by step

Estimate volume — measure your biggest piece of furniture, count boxes, add 20% buffer
Pick van size (round UP)
Get 2 quotes — major chain (Budget/Hertz) + one local for price benchmark
Ask for the all-inclusive quote: day rate + km + insurance reduction + fuel option
Book online (most chains have $20–$40 online discount vs walk-in)
Day-of: photograph the van from 6 angles BEFORE driving off the lot. Saves arguments later about damage.

When the van rental DOESN’T make sense

If you have no helpers — solo loading a fridge or king bed is a back injury waiting to happen
If your move is over 2BR — you’ll need a pantech, not a van
If you have stairs/long carries — a removalist’s trolleys + experience save you hours
If you value your weekend — a 6-hour DIY move uses up most of your Saturday

If you’re hitting any of those, get a small-move quote from Yes Movers — for jobs under 2BR our all-inclusive price often beats van hire + petrol + lunch + your time.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a moving van rental cost in Melbourne in 2026?

$90–$140/day for a small van (Toyota HiAce class, 8–10 m³), $130–$180/day for a medium van (Mercedes Sprinter, 12–14 m³), $180–$230/day for a large van (Sprinter XL, 15–17 m³). Trailers cost $40–$80/day.

Can I drive a moving van on a regular car licence in Victoria?

Yes — all standard rental vans in Melbourne are under 4.5-tonne GVM, which is covered by a Victorian Car (C) licence. You typically need to be 21+ (some companies 25+), have a full licence (no Ps), and provide a credit card for the bond.

What size moving van do I need for a 1-bedroom move?

A medium van (12–14 m³) like a Mercedes Sprinter handles most 1-bedroom moves — queen bed, 3-seat couch, fridge, washing machine, dining set, and 40+ boxes.

Is van hire cheaper than hiring a removalist in Melbourne?

For studio and 1BR moves under 4 hours, yes — van hire saves $200–$400. For 2BR or larger moves, factor in fuel, your time, helpers, and damage risk — the saving often disappears.