Brisbane, QLD  — If you’ve ever tried to handle a house move yourself, you’re not alone—but new findings suggest you might want to think twice before going full DIY. According to a comprehensive survey conducted across Brisbane in 2024–2025, a staggering 58% of self-managed movers reported damage to their belongings or unexpected delays during the relocation process.

A new report from Shift Buddies, one of Brisbane’s leading Brisbane Removalists, reveals that over half of local movers experienced avoidable issues—including broken furniture, delays, and last-minute chaos—by trying to manage their move solo or with underqualified help.

The report, compiled by one of Brisbane’s leading full-service removalist companies, sheds light on the top regrets faced by DIY movers—and why more homeowners are now turning to professional support to avoid unnecessary chaos.

The Top 3 DIY Moving Regrets: It Wasn’t Supposed to Be This Hard

When asked what went wrong, Brisbane’s DIY movers didn’t hold back:

• 64% underestimated the time and effort involved in packing, lifting, and coordinating the move.
• 39% damaged valuables due to inadequate packing materials or haphazard loading.
• 28% faced rental truck issues, including unexpected charges, mechanical problems, or last-minute unavailability.

“I thought I could save money by doing it all myself,” said one respondent from Indooroopilly. “But after dropping our TV, pulling a muscle, and getting hit with late fees on the truck—I would’ve paid double just to avoid the stress.”

The Professional Advantage: Only 17% of Issues Reported by Full-Service Clients

In contrast, just 17% of people who hired full-service removalists reported any form of damage or delay.

“Most people don’t realise how complex a move can be until they’re knee-deep in bubble wrap and back pain,” said the manager of Shift Buddies, a Brisbane-based removalist company. “Our team helps Brisbane families move without the mayhem. We’ve built systems to ensure every item is accounted for, packed properly, and arrives on time.”

Expert Tips: How to Avoid a Moving Day Meltdown

While hiring pros takes the pressure off, Shift Buddies still believes that a well-prepared client leads to the smoothest possible move. Here are their top tips for Brisbane movers planning ahead:

1. Declutter First: Don’t pay to move items you no longer need. Donate or sell them before moving day.

2. Book Early: Especially in peak seasons (like end of lease or school holidays), trucks and teams get booked quickly.

3. Label Everything: It seems simple, but clear labelling can cut unpacking time in half and prevent fragile items from being mishandled.

4. Insure Valuables: Even with pros, it’s smart to protect high-value items with appropriate insurance coverage.

5. Get a Pre-Move Inspection: Many companies offer a walk-through to help you estimate cost and plan logistics. Take advantage of it.

Expert Tips: How to Avoid a Moving Day Meltdown

While hiring pros takes the pressure off, Shift Buddies still believes that a well-prepared client leads to the smoothest possible move. Here are their top tips for Brisbane movers planning ahead:

1. Declutter First: Don’t pay to move items you no longer need. Donate or sell them before moving day.

2. Book Early: Especially in peak seasons (like end of lease or school holidays), trucks and teams get booked quickly.

3. Label Everything: It seems simple, but clear labelling can cut unpacking time in half and prevent fragile items from being mishandled.

4. Insure Valuables: Even with pros, it’s smart to protect high-value items with appropriate insurance coverage.

5. Get a Pre-Move Inspection: Many companies offer a walk-through to help you estimate cost and plan logistics. Take advantage of it.

Industry Insight: Why DIY Still Appeals—And Why It’s Risky

The appeal of DIY moving often comes down to cost. But as this report shows, short-term savings can lead to long-term losses. Broken furniture, lost time, injuries, and unexpected fees can easily outweigh the cost of hiring a professional removalist.

“People assume moving is just about muscle,” said the manager. “But there’s a huge difference between dragging a couch through a hallway and professionally wrapping, lifting, and transporting it.”

Plan Your Stress-Free Move in 2025

As Brisbane’s moving season approaches, Shift Buddies is urging all residents planning a move to start with a free consultation. Their team will assess your needs, provide a transparent quote, and help design a custom moving plan—whether you need full-service support or just a helping hand.

“This report confirms what we’ve always known,” said the manager. “A smooth move isn’t just luck—it’s planning with professionals.”

Don’t let your move become another DIY disaster statistic. Brisbane homeowners deserve better—and now they have the data to back that decision.

About Shift Buddies 

Shift Buddies is a trusted Brisbane-based removalist company known for delivering seamless, stress-free relocations for homes and businesses. With a focus on personalised service, punctuality, and professional care, the team handles everything from packing to transport with precision. Whether it’s a local move or interstate relocation, Shift Buddies ensures your belongings are treated like their own. Their transparent pricing, friendly crew, and 5-star customer support make them a go-to choice for Brisbane movers.

Shift Buddies
Phone No – 0411 713 380

Mail – info@shiftbuddies.com.au

Address- Unit 29/97 Creek St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia