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Furniture Removalist

Furniture removalists move domestic and commercial furniture between different locations, within the state or territory and nationwide.

Furniture removalists may work long hours and be away from home for extended periods, especially for interstate and international removals.

TASKS

Furniture removalists may perform the following tasks:

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

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical work
mechanical aptitude
safe driving record
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
good communication skills

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Furniture Removalist Offsider - drives in the truck alongside a furniture removalist and assists with furniture removal duties at a junior level.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

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 in Furniture Removal.

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.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Transport and Logistics Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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.