Moving House Checklist Australia (Printable)

Moving house is one of those life admin projects that feels manageable - until it’s suddenly two weeks out and you’re surrounded by half-packed boxes, missing paperwork, and a growing list of 'oh, we should probably…' tasks. This Australia-specific moving house checklist gives you a clear timeline (from 8+ weeks out to after you’ve moved in) plus a printable-style set of tick boxes you can work through without overthinking.

Moving house checklist (Australia) - at a glance

8+ weeks before

Choose dates, compare removalists, declutter, plan your budget.

6-4 weeks before

Book services (removalists, cleaners), start packing non-essentials, organise storage if needed.

3–2 weeks before

Change addresses, redirect mail, confirm utilities and internet, gather moving-day supplies.

1 week before

Pack essentials, confirm access/keys, finalise cleaning, prep kids/pets.

Moving day

Meter reads, check inventory, protect floors, do a final walkthrough.

First week after

Update licences/rego, unpack priority rooms, troubleshoot utilities, set up bins and security.

Before you start: set up your ‘moving folder’

Create one place (a folder, notebook, or a notes app) where every moving detail lives. When you’re tired and time-poor, this prevents duplicated calls, missed bookings, and last-minute panic.

• Key dates

• Settlement/lease end, moving day, cleaning day, utility connection dates.

• Contacts

• Real estate agent/property manager, conveyancer/solicitor, removalist, cleaners, storage facility.

• Quotes and invoices (and what’s included)

• Insurance, stairs/long carry fees, packing materials, bond clean.

• Access details

• Building manager, lift bookings, parking permits, key collection and return process.

• Important documents

• Lease, contract, strata by-laws (if relevant), appliance manuals, warranties.

Printable moving house checklist (Australia): timeline

8+ weeks before you move

• Lock in your moving date (and a backup date if possible).

• Set a rough moving budget: removalists/truck, packing supplies, cleaning, storage, pet/childcare, utility connection fees.

• Decide whether you’ll use professional removalists, a DIY truck, or a mix (e.g., removalists for big items, car loads for the rest).

• Get 2-3 removalist quotes and ask about: insurance, weekend rates, stairs, long carry, heavy/awkward items, and minimum hours.

• Start decluttering room by room (donate/sell/recycle). Less stuff = cheaper and faster move.

• If you’re selling, confirm your handover plan (settlement timing, keys, final inspection) with your agent and conveyancer.

• If you’re renting, check your lease end date, notice requirements, and end-of-lease cleaning expectations.

• If moving into an apartment/townhouse, contact strata/building management about lift bookings and moving time restrictions.

6–4 weeks before

• Book your removalists or truck (and confirm the arrival window).

• Book cleaners (bond clean/end-of-lease clean) if you’re renting, or a pre-sale clean if you’re selling.

• Organise storage if there’s a gap between moving out and moving in.

• Order or collect packing supplies: sturdy boxes, tape, markers, labels, bubble wrap, mattress bags.

• Start packing non-essentials (out-of-season clothes, books, décor) and label boxes by room & contents.

• Photograph valuable items for insurance and keep receipts/warranties together.

• Plan furniture layout for the new place (measure doorways and big pieces so nothing gets stuck).

• Begin using up freezer and pantry items to reduce what you need to transport.

3–2 weeks before

• Arrange Australia Post mail redirection (even if you’re confident you’ve updated everyone - something always gets missed).

• Update your address with banks, insurers, super, subscriptions, and any regular service providers.

• Contact your electricity/gas provider(s) to schedule a final read/disconnection and connection at the new address.

• Book internet early (NBN appointments can take time, especially if a technician visit is needed).

• Update or schedule changes for water if applicable (in many areas this is handled through the owner/agent/council so check your setup).

• Notify your childcare/school and transfer records if moving suburbs.

• Organise time off work and line up help for moving day (or book pet/childcare).

• Create a ‘Do not pack’ zone (or a labelled tub) for essentials you’ll need right up to the end.

• Start packing kitchen backups (spare appliances, servingware) and reduce what you keep accessible to daily basics.

1 week before

• Confirm bookings: removalists, cleaners, storage, and building lift/parking access.

• Pack an essentials box (see list below) and keep it with you, not in the truck.

• Pack a first-night bag for each person: toiletries, a change of clothes, chargers, medications.

• Defrost the freezer (if required) and start emptying/dismantling outdoor items.

• Separate important documents (ID, lease/contract paperwork) so they don’t get lost in boxes.

• Dispose of hazardous items properly (paint, chemicals, gas bottles). Removalists often won’t take them.

• Do a quick hard rubbish / council collection check if you’re getting rid of bulky items.

• Charge tools/devices and set aside: Allen keys, screwdrivers, scissors, tape, and a marker.

Moving day

• Take electricity/gas meter reads (photos) at the old place (and the new place if accessible).

• Do a final walkthrough: cupboards, dishwasher, oven, garage, shed, and behind doors.

• Keep keys, fobs, remotes, and access cards on you.

• Protect floors and corners in high-traffic areas (old towels or cardboard work well).

• If using removalists, confirm: which items are fragile, what goes first, and which boxes are “open first”.

• Do a quick inventory check as items are loaded (photos help if something goes missing).

• On arrival, direct boxes to the right rooms so you’re not moving the same box twice.

• Assemble beds first, then focus on the kitchen and bathroom (comfort + function).

First week after you move

Update your address for driver licence and (if needed) vehicle registration with your state/territory road authority.

• Update your address on the electoral roll.

• Confirm your utilities are active and troubleshoot early (hot water, gas, internet, mobile reception).

• Locate water shut-off, switchboard, and gas shut-off (and label them if helpful).

• Work out bin days and bin types (especially if you’ve moved councils or into strata).

• Unpack priority zones: beds, bathroom, kitchen basics, then one living space.

• Check smoke alarms, locks, and consider re-keying if you don’t know who has copies.

• Keep all moving receipts and invoices together (useful for budgeting and, in some cases, record-keeping).

Printable tick-list: address changes (Australia)

• Australia Post mail redirection

• Bank(s) and credit cards

• Home and contents / car / health insurance

• Superannuation fund(s)

• Medicare details (if you need to update contact address)

• Employer payroll and HR records

• Childcare, school, GP, specialists

• Subscriptions (streaming, delivery services, memberships)

• Online shopping accounts (to avoid parcels going to the old address)

• Any regular services: cleaners, gardeners, pest control

Printable tick-list: utilities & services

• Electricity: final read & connection date

• Gas (if applicable): final read & connection date

• Internet/NBN: order date & appointment time (if needed)

• Water: confirm who manages the account (owner/agent/council/provider)

• Mobile service: check coverage, update billing address

• Home security: alarms/cameras, codes, access

• Waste/bins: council info or strata process

Printable tick-list: packing supplies

• Small & medium boxes (heavy items like books go in small boxes)

• Large boxes (light items like linen)

• Strong packing tape & tape gun

• Thick marker & labels

• Bubble wrap / packing paper

• Butcher’s paper for glasses and fragile items

• Mattress and sofa covers

• Zip-lock bags (for screws, remotes, small parts)

• Stretch wrap (great for drawers and bundled cords)

• Basic toolkit, box cutter & scissors

Open-first essentials box (don’t pack this into the truck)

• Phone chargers & power board

• Toilet paper, hand soap, towels

• Basic cleaning kit: wipes, spray, garbage bags, paper towel

• Kettle/tea/coffee, water bottles, snacks

• One plate/bowl/cup and cutlery per person (or disposables)

• Medications, a basic first-aid kit

• Sheets for each bed & pillows

• Scissors/box cutter, tape, marker

• Spare light globes

• Keys, fobs, important documents

Common moving house ‘gotchas’ in Australia (and how to avoid them)

Apartment moves often need approvals

Many buildings require lift padding, a booked time slot, and proof of removalist insurance - ask early.

NBN can be the slowest link

Order internet sooner than you think, especially if you’re switching providers or moving into a new build.

Council bin days change

If you’ve moved councils (or into strata), don’t assume the same collection days or bin types.

Removalists can’t take everything

Flammables, aerosols, gas bottles, some plants/soil, and chemicals may be refused - plan disposal or transport separately.

Access affects the quote

Stairs, no parking, long corridors, or narrow driveways can add time (and cost). Share photos with your removalist so the quote is realistic.

Overlapping homes costs money fast

If you’re between settlement dates, price storage & short-term accommodation early so it’s not a last-minute premium.

How to make moving cheaper (without making it harder)

Declutter first

Every box you don’t move saves time, fuel, and removalist hours.

Move mid-week if you can

Weekends and month-end dates are popular (and can be priced accordingly).

Pack yourself - strategically

Pay for professionals only where it helps most (fragile items, full kitchen pack, or the day-before sprint).

Use uniform boxes

Same-sized boxes stack better, reduce damage, and speed up loading/unloading.

Create an ‘open-first’ plan

If you’re not searching for essentials on night one, you’ll be more efficient (and less likely to reorder things you already own).

Label for the new home

Use room names that match your plan (e.g., 'Bedroom 2 / Office') so boxes land in the right place.

FAQ: moving house in Australia

When should I start packing?

Ideally, start 4-6 weeks out with non-essentials (books, décor, spare linen). Leave everyday kitchen items, key toiletries, and work/school essentials until the final week, then pack them into clearly labelled 'open first' boxes.

Is mail redirection worth it?

Yes - mail redirection is a low-effort safety net. Even if you update your address everywhere, there’s almost always one missed statement, medical letter, or renewal notice that would otherwise end up at the old address.

How far ahead should I connect electricity, gas and internet?

Electricity and gas can often be connected quickly, but it depends on your provider and whether a meter access/technician visit is required. Internet (especially NBN) can take longer, so it’s smart to organise it 2-3 weeks ahead where possible.

What’s the easiest way to move with kids or pets?

If you can, organise childcare or a pet sitter for moving day. If not, set up one safe room with familiar items (bed/toys/food) and keep doors closed. The calmer the environment, the easier it is for everyone - including you - to get the essentials done.

What should I unpack first?

Prioritise beds, the bathroom, and the kitchen basics. Once you can sleep, shower, and make a cup of tea, everything else becomes far more manageable. Then unpack one room at a time to avoid creating chaos throughout the house.

Final tip: print this checklist and tick it off in real time

The best moving plan is the one you can actually follow when you’re busy. If you want to make this post 'printable', copy the checklist sections into a one-page document (or print this page) and keep it on the fridge. Then choose just three tasks to complete each week. You’ll be surprised how quickly the move becomes straightforward.