Frequently Asked Questions

How much will it cost?
In order to answer this question we need to know
1. What you are moving.
2. Where you are moving from and to.
3. Access for loading and unloading.
4. What materials you require
5. What additional services you require (packing, unpacking, storage etc.)
6. Manual handling risks
7. Other expenses (Tolls, Parking etc.)
Quantifying the above factors requires experience and skill.

Firm Price Quotes are usually only provided after an on site inspection by our professional estimators.
Estimates may be given over the phone or in response to email. (An estimate is an assessment based on the information we receive. It is not a firm price quote. You will be charged on an hourly rate plus materials, tolls & parking if applicable).

Click here to request a Estimate or Quote
Do you charge travel time?

Yes we calculate our charges from when we leave our base in Botany to the estimated time of return to Botany. Our quotes include travel time.
China Bear is strategically located to provide fast access via major motorways to Sydney’s CBD, Eastern, Inner Western, North Shore, Northern and Southern Suburbs.
If you are not comfortable with this arrangement ask us to quote a set fee for "call out" and we will then calculate charges from time of arrival to time of departure plus that call out fee.
Do I need Insurance?

The short answer is yes. It is possible that there may be damage to your goods in spite of the best intentions of the best removalists. Furniture designers and manufacturers often place a higher priority on aesthetics and cost than on transportability. Furniture was not designed to be moved and was not built to withstand being jolted in a truck, even with the best packing.
What happens if my furniture is damaged or broken?

If it can be proved that the removalist was negligent in causing the damage or that he did not use due care and skill, you may be able to request that they repair any damage. However, if there is damage and there was no negligence displayed, the repair will need to be paid for by insurance. If you are not insured, you will have no recourse to any compensation.
Should I choose hourly rate or firm price quote?

Hourly rate is flexible and suitable for small, straightforward or short notice removals. We can provide an estimate based on the information you provide to us but charges will be calculated on the actual time taken.
Quotations on the other hand are advantageous for larger more complex removals. These may involve supply of specialized materials or pre-packing. Quotations are free of charge and obligation. To obtain a quotation, simply phone us to arrange a time for our estimator to call.
The estimator will need to view all items to be moved including the contents of cupboards and storage areas. Access for loading and unloading will be a consideration so you will need to provide details with regard to; truck parking, distances to entrance, internal and external steps or any other relevant factors at other locations. Our estimators are very experienced and have a background of physically performing removals in the field. We will advise you, make recommendations and discuss options.
Can I use my own cartons?
Yes but be aware that not all cartons are suitable for furniture removals. Cartons should be strong, sealed and of standard sizes. Using inappropriate cartons may cause damage to the contents and make handling difficult and slow.
Can I pack myself?
If you have the time, skills and materials you can pack your own boxes. However if there are any breakages in those boxes, the removalist will take no responsibility nor will these items be covered by insurance except in the event of total loss of the carton (in which case claims are limited to $500.00 unless an itemized valued list of contents is supplied prior to the commencement of the transit).
Please refer to our Packing and Unpacking Page
Do I need to be present during the move?
Yes it is your obligation under our standard contract conditions.
“3.3 Presence at Loading/Unloading. You will ensure that you or some person on your behalf is present when the Goods are loaded or unloaded, except if they are being unloaded into or loaded from store.”
You or your agent should be on site and available to liaise with removalists. It is your responsibility to ensure to the best of you ability that all Goods to be removed (other than Goods being removed from store) or stored are uplifted by us and that none is taken in error.
You need to be available to instruct the removalists on positioning furniture.
You may need to be present to sign for the receipt of goods.
Do you place everything in position in my new home?
Our removal crews will place and reassemble furniture in your new home according to your instructions.
You will need to measure and plan in advance for the placement of furniture.
Indecisiveness resulting in additional time taken to reposition furniture may incur additional charges on quoted removals.
Is there anything I have to do to prepare appliances such as washing machines before removal?
You should always refer to the manufacturers instructions. It is imperative that washing machines be prepared properly as these are easily damaged. It is not the removalist’s responsibility to do this and any damage resulting will not be the removalist’s responsibility.
How should I prepare my fridge?
This should be emptied and wiped clean throughout. If it is going into storage, wiping the interior with vanilla essence will help keep any mildew at bay.
What advantages does China Bear’s storage offer over Self storage?

When you use a self storage facility you rent an area in which you store your own goods. It is your responsibility to ensure that these goods are properly stowed and adequately protected against damage and deterioration. Self storage facilities offer flexible hours of access and you provide your own key to your lockup, but if you plan to access your storage, you will need to allow for the cost of extra area to de-stow to and the cost of getting labour on site. Unless you are prepared to pay a premium price your storage unit may be situated a long way from loading facilities increasing handling risks and expense.

When you use China Bear’s storage we are responsible for the care of your goods. We therefore do much more than provide an empty room. Included in our storage charges we provide all protective covers and carefully stow storage in sealed crates (Storage Modules). We also have dedicated areas for soft furnishings, appliances, marble and glass.

Storage Modules have many advantages. Modules can be moved close to the vehicle to minimize handling risks and cost when loading in or out of store. Modules provide additional protection against dust, water penetration, temperature variation, loss and pilferage.

China Bear can arrange access to your storage and has labour on site to assist you. We charge a de-stow fee to bring your storage forward to the loading area and an hourly rate for any labour you require.

Using China Bears storage is both flexible and economic because you do not pay for unused area. You only pay for the volume taken up by your stored goods for the time they are in store. Goods can be taken out or added and the charges are adjusted accordingly.
What Sydney suburbs do you service for local removals?
Sydney CBD, Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, North Shore, Inner West, South Sydney, Sutherland, St George.
Sydney Suburbs include Abbotsford, Akuna Bay, Alexandria, removalist Allambie, Allambie Heights, Annadale, removals Artarmon, Asquith, removalist Avalon, removalists Avalon, mover Balgowlah, removals Balgowlah Heights, Removalist Balgowlah Heights, removals Balmain, Balmoral, Bayview, Beacon Hill, Bellevue Hill, Belrose, Be, Bilgola, Bilgola Plateau, Birchgrove, Birkenhead Point, Bobbin Head, removals Bondi, removalist Bondi Beach, Bondi Junction, Broadway, Bronte,removalist Brookvale, Camellia, Cammeray, Camperdown, Campsie, Canada Bay, Castle Cove, Castlecrag, Centennial Park, Chatswood, Chippendale, Chiswick, Church Point, Circular Quay, Clareville, Clifton Gardens, Clontarf, Clovelly, Collaroy, Collaroy, Coogee, Cottage Point, Cremorne, Cremorne Point, Cromer, Cronulla, Crows Nest, Curl Curl, Dangar Island, Darling Harbour, Darling Point, Darlinghurst, Davidson, Dee Why, Double Bay, Dover Heights, Drummoyne, Duffys Forest, East Killara, East Lindfield, East Roseville, East Sydney, East Wahroonga, Edgecliff, Elanora Heights, Elizabeth Bay, Erskineville, Fairlight, Five Dock, Forestville, removalists Frenchs Forest, Gladesville,removals Glebe, moving house Glebe Point, Gordon, Gore Hill, Greenwich, Haberfield, Harbord, Henley, Homebush, Homebush Bay, Homebush West, Hornsby, Hornsby Heights, Hunters Hill, Ingleside, Kensington, Killara, Killarney Heights, Kings Cross, Kirrawee, Kirribilli, Lane Cove, Lavender Bay, Leichhardt, Removalists leichhardt, Lilyfield, Lindfield, Linley Point, Longueville, Macquarie Park, Manly ,Removalist in Manly , Manly removalists, Maroubra,
McMahons Point, Middle Cove, Milsons Point, Mona Vale, Moore Park, Mosman. Removalists Mosman, Naremburn, Narrabeen, Narraweena, Neutral Bay, Newport, removalists Newtown, Normanhurst, moving house North Balgowlah, North Bondi, North Curl Curl, North Manly, North Narrabeen, Northbridge, Oxford Falls, Paddington, Palm Beach, Petersham, Point Piper, Potts Hill, Potts Point, Putney, Pymble, Pyrmont, Queens Park, Queenscliff, Randwick, Redfern, Regents Park, Riverview, Riverwood, Rose Bay, Roseberry, Roseville, Roseville Chase, Rozelle, Ruse, Rushcutters Bay, Russell Lea, Scotland Island, Seaforth, Spit Junction, St Ives, St Ives Chase, St Leonards, Stanmore, Strathfield, Summer Hill, Surry Hills, Tamarama, Terrey Hills, The Rocks, The Spit, Thornleigh,
Turramurra, Ultimo, Vaucluse, Wahroonga, Waitara, Warrawee, Warriewood, Warringah mal, Warwick Farm, Waterloo, Watsons Bay, Waverley, Waverton, West Killara, West Lindfield, Whale Beach, Wheeler Heights, Willoughby, Wollstonecraft, Woollahra, Woolloomooloo, Woolwich, Zetland.
Am I expected to provide food or drinks for the removalists?
You should provide fresh water and toilet facilities. Tea or coffee break is not expected but is certainly appreciated particularly on long jobs. Under no circumstance should alcohol be provided.
Can you move plants?
Plants generally do not travel well. They cannot be stacked and occupy expensive volume during transport. However provided it is a case of all care and limited responsibility China Bear is prepared to move plants when requested. There are quarantine restrictions when moving interstate and more importantly soil cannot be moved to certain agricultural regions. Ceramic pots become brittle with age and exposure to the elements. Proper preparation and packing is seldom an economic alternative but potted plants can be moved provided it is at the owners' risk.
When will China Bear pack the cartons?
Due to time constraints packing may need to be done before the moving day. Some planning and preparation will ensure that those things you need are not pre-packed. Loading packed cartons the day before clears the residence of clutter and reduces the amount of work needed on moving day. Loaded trucks are safely parked in our secure depot overnight.
Can I access my goods whilst they are in storage?
Yes, you can access your goods whilst in store. You will need to book a time with our office so that we can bring your storage forward. There is a charge applicable for unstowing and storage retrieval. We will need to schedule staff to ensure your safety and provide assistance
I want to do my own packing but am not sure how many cartons I will need.
Estimating how many cartons you will need is difficult for professionals and virtually impossible for amateurs.

We use 3 basic types of cartons. Prices and a picture are shown on our Packaging Material page Removal Packing & Unpacking
1. Standard (T) carton - used for crockery, glassware, folding clothes
2. Book/Crystal carton – half size carton used for heavy goods like wine, books or sealed groceries. Also used to pack very fragile goods that cannot be layered like crystal glasses
3. Porta-robe carton – used for hanging clothes and holds ~ 2 linear foot.
  Portarobe cartons are brought on the day of removal and taken back by our crews at the end of unloading. A hire fee is charged for each Porta-robe used. If you require Porta-robes to be left on site we require a deposit which is refundable when returned.
We are happy to deliver cartons and packing materials to you in advance and charge only for those materials actually used.
You will need to give back the unused cartons to our removal crew before loading commences so they can keep track of the returns.
We also ask that you order more than enough cartons to avoid the necessity of an additional delivery.
How long will your quote be valid?
Our quotes are valid for acceptance within 28 days from the above date, provided we are permitted to commence work within 60 days of acceptance.
Quoted storage prices are valid for 26 weeks from commencement of storage after which time prices will be reviewed based on current advertised rates and the actual cubic volume.
What happens to the cartons after I move?
Used cartons and wrapping can be a nuisance to deal with after a move. China Bear has an environmentally responsible policy of keeping our packaging out of landfill. We will reuse or recycle packaging material wherever possible. When you are unpacked simply phone us to arrange a pickup of materials. You will need to ensure that cartons are emptied, flattened, grouped in sizes and stacked out of the weather.
Hint: When unwrapping articles wrapped in butchers' paper, flatten the paper. This reduces the chance of throwing things out with crushed paper. It is less work than crushing up the wrapping again. The paper can be reused and takes up much less space. Don't bother to flatten crushed paper used as cushioning. It should be squashed into as few cartons as possible to facilitate handling.