What to Move First When Moving a House?

“Moving is similar to playing Tetris in real life, except that you have to move your furniture and time is running out.”If you’ve ever stared at a mountain of boxes wondering where on earth to start, you’re not alone.Whether you’re relocating across Sydney or just down the street, one question keeps popping up:“What should I move first when moving a house?”It sounds simple. But get the order wrong and you’ll face chaos, clutter, and unnecessary stress.According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 43% of Australians move house every five years. Yet, most admit the process feels overwhelming. How you plan, what you pack first, and who you hire can make a big difference between a smooth move and a stressful one.Let's talk about why, how, and what moving is. Starting with what to move first, what not to do, and how to make moving day easy for Sydney homeowners.

Why the Order of Moving Matters

The order in which you move is very important. Packing rooms in the wrong order takes longer, makes a mess, and raises the chance of losing important things in the process.Professional movers in Sydney, like Men in Black Removals, know that having a good plan can help you move up to 30% faster. The plan is simple: pack and move in a certain order, starting with the rooms you use the least and ending with the rooms you use the most.But why does it matter so much?

• It prevents last-minute scrambling for everyday items.
• It keeps your new home neat and tidy from the start.
• It makes loading and unloading faster for your removalists in Mount Druitt and across Sydney.
• It protects fragile and high-value belongings from damage.

What to Do First When Moving a House

Here’s the golden rule: start with what you use least, and end with what you need most.

Guest Rooms and Storage Areas

If you’ve got a spare room, garage, attic, or storage shed - start there. These spaces often hold non-essentials like seasonal clothing, sports gear, and decorations.Packing these areas early helps declutter your home and gives you a psychological win with progress you can see.

Decorative and Sentimental Items

You don't need picture frames, art, souvenirs, or decorations to make your house feel like home before you move in. Wrap them carefully, label the boxes as “FRAGILE,” and set them aside for transport.Tip: Removalists recommend using bubble wrap for glass frames and sturdy boxes for keepsakes to prevent damage in transit.

Books, Media, and Extra Linens

These are light but bulky. Pack them early and stack boxes neatly in a corner. Remember, heavy boxes go at the bottom of moving stacks.

Out-of-Season Clothing and Shoes

Sydney’s weather can be unpredictable, but if you’re moving in summer, pack your winter gear first (and vice versa). Use vacuum bags to save space.

The Kitchen - Last but Most Strategic

Many people wonder whether the kitchen should be packed first or last. Here’s the trick, start two weeks before your move. Pack unused gadgets, serving dishes, and pantry items you won’t need right away.Save daily-use items like utensils, plates, and the coffee machine for the final days.

The Bedroom

Once your essentials are ready for moving day, start packing clothes and bedding. Keep a small suitcase with sleepwear, toiletries, and essentials for the first night in your new home.

How Soon Should You Start Packing to Move a House?

A common mistake Sydney homeowners make is waiting until the last minute. The result? Panic.Here's a smart moving house timeline to help you stay ahead:

Timeframe	What to Do
8 weeks before	Make a list of things to do, hire movers in Sydney, and get rid of things you don't need.
6 weeks before	Start packing rooms that aren't necessary, like the garage, guest room, and storage.
3 weeks before	Put away clothes, books, and decorations that are only used during certain times of the year.
2 weeks before	Get the kitchen ready by packing things you don't use often.
1 week before	Confirm utilities and change of address notifications.
Moving week	Pack the things you need and make a "first-night" kit.

 If you stick to this schedule, you'll never have to look for your kettle or toothbrush at midnight.

What Not to Do When Moving a House

Even the most organised homeowners can fall into these traps. Avoiding them will save time, money, and frustration.

• Don’t leave packing to the last minute.

It increases costs if your removalists have to wait around.

• Don’t overfill boxes.

Heavy boxes risk breaking mid-move. Always use small boxes for heavy items.

• Don’t forget to label everything.

Label by room and by contents, it’ll save hours during unpacking.

• Don’t pack hazardous materials.

Removalists can’t legally transport flammable or pressurised items like paint cans or aerosols.

• Don’t skip insurance.

Even with the best Sydney movers in Dulwich Hill or other suburbs, protection gives peace of mind.

What to Cancel When You Move House (Australia-Specific)

Before moving day, make sure you cancel or transfer:

• Electricity and gas
• Internet and pay TV
• Water services
• Mail redirection with Australia Post
• Gym or local memberships
• Any scheduled home deliveries or subscriptions

Tip: Do this one week before your move to avoid double billing or service gaps.

Who to Notify When Changing Address in Australia

Here’s a quick checklist of who to inform after your move:

• Australia Post (for mail forwarding)
• NSW Roads and Maritime Services (update licence and registration)
• Australian Electoral Commission
• Banks and insurers
• Medicare and Centrelink
• Employer and school administration
• Utility providers and subscriptions

Moving is also the perfect opportunity to declutter your admin life - unsubscribe from outdated services!

What to Leave for New Home Owners

Good moving etiquette goes a long way.Leave behind:

• Instruction manuals for appliances
• Spare keys and garage remotes
• Leftover paint tins for touch-ups
• Council bins and garden tools (if included in sale)
• A small welcome note - it’s a nice human touch!

It’s also part of good moving house etiquette to leave the property clean and tidy.

What Is the Hardest Room to Pack When Moving?

Ask any Sydney removalist, and they’ll tell you - it’s the kitchen.Why? Because it’s full of fragile items, odd shapes, and daily essentials.How to handle it:

• Start early.
• Use dish dividers and bubble wrap.
• Pack pots and pans vertically.
• Keep an “essentials” box for your first meal in your new home.

Stat to know:Around one in four homeowners report broken kitchenware during a move, mostly from poor packing. With the right materials and care, professional removalists in cabramatta and across Sydney can help lower that risk.

What to Do as Soon as You Move Into a New House

When your boxes arrive, don't open them all at once. Start off on the right foot:

• Check your utilities to make sure the water, power, and internet are all working.
• First, take out the things you need, like kitchenware, bedding, toiletries, and chargers.
• Check for safety: smoke alarms, locks, and circuit breakers.
• Clean before unpacking: It’s easier before furniture goes in.
• Meet your neighbours: A friendly introduction goes a long way in Sydney communities.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Move in Sydney?

It depends on what you want to do when you move.

• March to May: Mild weather and fewer rain delays.
• Winter (June to August) is the off-peak season for movers, so rates are lower.
• Spring (September to November): A great time for families with kids who are off from school.
• Summer (December to February) is the best time for quick settlements, but it can be hot.

If you can, plan your move for the middle of the week and the middle of the month so you don't have to pay extra on the weekends.Related: What’s Best for House Moving

Pro Tips from Sydney Removalists

• Book early. Reputable removalists in Sydney get busy fast - especially in peak months.
• Declutter before packing. Why pay to move things you don’t use?
• Use quality packing materials. Fragile items need proper cushioning.
• Take photos of electronics before disassembly. Makes setup easy.
• Pack an overnight bag. Include essentials, snacks, and important documents.

Final Thoughts: Move Smart, Move First, Move Stress-Free

It doesn't have to be hard to move.It's important to plan ahead, pack with a goal in mind, and hire experienced movers in Sydney who know the city's streets, weather, and problems.If you're not sure what to pack three weeks before your move, want to know which rooms to pack first, or want to know what to cancel when you move, following these steps will make the process go smoothly and be fun.We've helped thousands of Sydney families move quickly, safely, and without any stress at Men in Black Removals. We can help you pack up the hardest rooms and then unpack in your new home.So take a big breath. You can do this, and we're here to help.