Essential moving house checklist

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Why is moving house so stressful?”, then chances are you’ve been missing an essential tool – a moving house checklist. Sure, it can feel like there are a million things to do when moving home, but being organised can take away some of the stress. Planning, a few packing tricks and our handy checklist will help you stay on track and on budget. Let’s get started!

Six to eight weeks before your move…

1. Record a plan

Moving day can come around quickly, so it’s helpful to create a calendar with key tasks and dates to avoid last-minute stress. We’ve compiled a moving checklist (PDF 70KB) to help – download, print and stick it to the fridge, so you can tick off tasks as you complete them.

2. Set a moving budget

It’s essential to do your sums – moving house can be expensive. How expensive depends on the size of your move and the distance between locations, and on how much professional help you intend on enlisting. A Budget Planner can help you work out how much you can comfortably afford. 

3. Create a household inventory

This will help you get an accurate quote from a removalist. List furniture room by room and use the opportunity to declutter – you don’t want to pay to move things you plan on getting rid of. Estimate how many moving boxes you’ll need for items such as clothing and books. There are apps available to help with this process.

4. Get quotes and book a removalist

DIY moving is a great choice for small or short moves. However, if you are moving long distance or have a big house, a professional removalist can help make your move go smoothly. 

Make sure you get several quotes to satisfy your budget and needs. Here are a few things to consider before accepting a quote:
 

• Do you want the removalist to pack and unpack boxes?
• Do you need packing materials provided?
• Do you have any large or dangerous items that need special handling?
• Do you need separate transport of cars, trailers, boats or pets to your new home?

Most removalists charge by the hour and it takes approximately three to five hours to move one 4.5 tonne truckload of furniture locally. To maximise the space in the truck, it’s best to have all your items packed in boxes, as loose items take up more space. The quicker your removalist can work and the less trips they take, the lower the cost for you. 

Four weeks before your move…

5. Check your home and contents insurance

Check your existing home and contents insurance policy to see whether it covers goods in transit, or whether you need to arrange a separate policy. Notify your insurance provider of your new address and any changes you need to make to your policy for your new home.

Your removalist should also have an insurance policy – ask to see it before you book.

6. Arrange cleaning

Decide whether to clean the home you’re leaving yourself or hire a professional. Consider your time and energy versus cost. 

If you’re moving out of a rental, a professional bond clean can help ensure your bond is released without delay. End of lease cleaning is also a courteous gesture for the new residents. It’s best to book this clean for a time when the house is empty of your furniture – ideally, in the week after you’ve moved out.

7. Start packing

It’s never too early to get a jump on this mammoth task. Start by packing non-essential items that you don’t use often – think books, decorative items on walls and shelves, and valuables. 

Two weeks before your move…

8. Pack a ‘first night box’ and ‘unpacking box’

Make a ‘first night box’ of items you’ll need right away once you’ve moved. Include plates, cups and utensils. Don’t forget towels, toiletries and toilet paper; and pack any medications, a phone charger and bed linen. 

Set aside the kettle, toaster and an esky with essentials such as tea, coffee, milk, bread and butter. Don’t tape up the box since you’ll likely be adding to it right up until your move.

An ‘unpacking box’ can also be helpful. Include tools such as Allen keys, screwdrivers, box cutters, scissors, a measuring tape and cleaning supplies. Having these items easily accessible will save you time and frustration as you settle into your new home.

9. Update your address

Make a list of the key people and organisations you need to inform about your change of address. Most companies can receive notifications and updates online. Here’s a list to get you started:
 

• Australia Post, to have your mail forwarded to your new address
• Energy suppliers
• Council and water rates
• Internet and phone providers
• Bank and credit card provider
• Workplace
• Superannuation provider
• Car, health and personal insurances
• Driver’s licence
• Car, trailer, caravan, or boat registrations
• Centrelink
• MyGov
• Medicare
• ATO
• Electoral roll
• Regular internet shopping sites
• Online payment services such as PayPal
• Family and friends

10. Organise your utilities

Moving house is a great time to take stock. Research the various utilities that you need to connect at your new home and look into possible deals. Set up final meter readings at your current home. And make sure to connect utilities such as electricity, gas and internet at the new place.

11. Organise kids and pets

Having your little ones or your pets clear of the removalist will keep everyone safe. If possible, let kids spend the day with a family member, friend or babysitter. For pets, consider a cattery or kennel.

The kids might like to pack their own small bag with a few favourite things that they can easily access on the first night in the new house. Similarly, pets will appreciate familiar bedding and some extra TLC to help them settle in.

The week of your move and beyond…

12. Create a ‘final week’ to-do list 

There are a few essential tasks that need to be done just prior to moving. Make a separate checklist and allocate who’s doing what. Put the list somewhere visible so everyone in your household can see what they need to do – and when.
 

• Clean your fridge and defrost the freezer.
• Prepare appliances such as the washing machine, dryer and microwave for moving.
• Empty gas cylinders and drain fuel from the lawnmower and other machinery.
• Prepare TVs, routers and printers, and label all cables and remote controls. Take pictures on your phone before dismantling so you can remember where the wiring goes.
• Back up important computer files, put important documents in a safe place and store passwords securely.
• Collect and identify all keys ready for delivery to the real estate agent or your conveyancer.
• Have somewhere to charge your phones – you don’t want to run out of power on moving day.
• Take photos of the old house for your memory bank.

13. Moving day!

If you’ve hired a removalist, be available for any questions but give them space once packing begins. Before the truck leaves, check your home, garage and shed to ensure everything is packed.

Before you start unpacking at the new place, do a walk-through to make sure everything is how it should be. Renting? This is a good time to complete the condition report.

14. Enjoy your new home 

You’ve earned it!