How to become a Furniture Removalist
Furniture removalists move domestic and commercial furniture between different locations, within the state or territory and nationwide.
Personal requirements for a Furniture Removalist
- Enjoy practical work
- Mechanical aptitude
- Safe driving record
- Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- Good communication skills
Education & Training for a Furniture Removalist
You can work as a furniture removalist without formal qualifications. You will probably get informal training on the job.You can also become a furniture removalist through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Additional information
You must hold the appropriate licences to drive vehicles and operate machinery.You may become an accredited furniture removalist with the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA). For more information, please contact the organisation.
Duties & Tasks of a Furniture Removalist
Furniture removalists:
- Inspect the house or office at the pick-up address to see what has to be moved, then pack and label items if required
- Load goods onto the truck either by hand or using a forklift, trolleys, lifting straps or lifting hooks
- Use pads and pieces of hessian to ensure items such as fridges, couches and beds are not damaged
- Ensure the load is correctly placed and secured to avoid any damage to the truck or to the goods
- Drive defensively and handle all types of road conditions
- Unload goods and move them into the drop-off address, unpacking if required
- Check items against inventory, noting any wear and tear or damage
- Conduct a general maintenance check of the truck and clean the vehicle
- Provide customer service.
Tasks
- Observes safety requirements when loading and unloading vehicles.
- Loads and unloads vehicles using lifting and tipping devices.
- Manoeuvres vehicles into position for loading and unloading.
- Ensures goods are stowed and securely covered to prevent loss and damage.
- Verifies loading documents, checks condition of goods and obtain certification of deliveries.
- Estimates weights to comply with load limitations and ensure safe distribution of weight.
Working conditions for a Furniture Removalist
Furniture removalists may work long hours and be away from home for extended periods, especially for interstate and international removals.
Employment Opportunities for a Furniture Removalist
Most furniture removalists work as contractors for large removal companies. Some are owner-operators working for themselves. A small number are company employees, although this is becoming increasingly rare.Most furniture removalists work in the metropolitan area.
Specializations
Furniture Removalist Offsider
A furniture removalist offsider drives in the truck alongside a furniture removalist and assists with furniture removal duties at a junior level.
Furniture Removalist
Furniture removalists move domestic and commercial furniture between different locations, within the state or territory and nationwide.
Average age
34 years
Future Growth
Moderate
Gender Share
5% female
Average full-time
44 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,509
Skill level rating
Lower skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
53% Full-Time
Employment Size
5,200 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 2.2%
NSW: 31.9%
NT: 1.1%
QLD: 21.0%
SA: 7.2%
TAS: 1.8%
VIC: 23.8%
WA: 11.1%
Age brackets
15-19: 4.7%
20-24: 17%
25-34: 30.1%
35-44: 20.2%
45-54: 16.7%
55-59: 5.6%
60-64: 3.8%
65 and Over: 1.8%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 4.7%
Bachelor degree: 6.5%
Certificate III/IV: 16.5%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 1%
Year 10 and below: 34%
Year 11: 9.9%
Year 12: 27.4%
