Moving house checklist (2026)

8 weeks before you move

• Set your moving date and budget.
• Get quotes from a few removalists and compare what is included.
• Declutter: sell, donate or throw out what you no longer need.
• For a rental: tell your landlord or agent, and check your lease for the notice period.

4 weeks before you move

• Book your removalist and confirm the date in writing.
• Start packing things you rarely use.
• Collect boxes, tape and labels. Write the room on each box.
• Arrange transit insurance if your removalist's cover is not enough.

2 weeks before you move

• Update your address with your bank, employer, doctor, school, the ATO and the electoral roll.
• Arrange electricity, gas and internet at the new address, and disconnection at the old one.
• Book the lift or loading dock if you live in or move to an apartment.
• Arrange child and pet care for moving day.

1 week before you move

• Pack most rooms. Keep one box of essentials: kettle, phone chargers, medicines, toilet paper, bedding.
• Defrost the freezer and use up food.
• Confirm the time and access details with your removalist: stairs, parking, gate codes.
• Book a bond clean if you are leaving a rental.

On moving day

• Be ready when the truck arrives: every box packed and taped.
• Check every room, cupboard and the garden before the truck leaves.
• Take meter readings and photos of the empty home.
• Keep valuables, documents and keys with you, not in the truck.

After the move

• Check furniture and boxes for damage and report it to the removalist quickly.
• Unpack the kitchen and bedrooms first.
• Check that mail is coming to your new address.
• Meet your neighbours and find your local tip and services.

Questions about moving house

What should I do first when moving house?

Set your date and budget, then get quotes from a few removalists. Good removalists book out weeks ahead, especially at the end of the month and in summer.

How do I declutter before moving house?

Go room by room and sort into keep, sell, donate and throw out. Everything you get rid of is less to pack and less to pay for on moving day.

How do I pack my house to move?

Start with rooms you use least, pack heavy items in small boxes, and label every box with the room it goes to. Keep one box of essentials for the first night.

What does moving house cost?

A local move of a 3-bedroom home usually costs $920 to $2,300 with removalists. See our removalist costs guide for all prices.

Checked in October 2026.

Moving companies near you

• Removalist costs in Australia
• Removalists Sydney
• Removalists Melbourne
• Removalists Brisbane