Complete House Moving Checklist

How to Use This Moving Day Checklist

Planning a move can be daunting, but being prepared makes all the difference. Our step-by-step moving checklist guides you from six weeks before moving day through your first week in your new home, so nothing gets missed. Whether you’re renting or buying, it helps you stay organised and stress-free. Read this free resource packed with tips and tricks to make moving easier.
Your moving day minus the mayhem.

This checklist is organised by timeline, so you’ll always know what to do and when. Just follow the steps and tick each task off as you go. Prefer something portable? Download the moving checklist PDF to carry with you. Simple, practical, and proven: it’s your tried-and-true plan for a smoother move.

6 to 4 Weeks Out

Give yourself a head start, more time now means a smoother move later.

• Set your timeline & budget: Lock in key dates about six weeks out and decide how much you’ll spend.
• Choose your move style: Compare a DIY truck hire with a full-service removalist and pick what suits your time, budget, and effort.
• Shortlist removalists (3–4): Get quotes from Sydney providers and compare inclusions, availability, and insurance cover. If you have delicate or bulky items (e.g., a piano, large TV, or artwork), ask specifically about their experience handling them.
• Create an inventory & packing plan: List your belongings and map out a room-by-room approach so packing stays organised.
• Measure for access: Check your largest furniture against doorways, stairwells, and elevators at both your current and new home to avoid move-day surprises.
• Arrange care for kids & pets: Line up childcare or pet care so you can focus on the move.
• Prepare a first-week essentials box: Include cleaning supplies, fresh sheets, a kettle, snacks, and other comforts you’ll want immediately in the new place.

2 Weeks Out

The big day is nearly here: now’s the time to lock in bookings and finalise the admin.

• Confirm insurance coverage: Make sure your contents/moving insurance covers in-transit damage and moving-day liability; note the excess and any exclusions.
• Reconfirm your removalist: Double-check date, time, inventory, special-item handling, access notes, parking restrictions, and payment details.
• Book building access: Arrange elevator pads, loading bay times, and any parking permits; notify the building/strata manager if required.
• Update your address with key authorities: Update your driver licence and vehicle rego with your state roads authority (e.g., VicRoads/Service NSW), then notify the ATO, Medicare, banks, health funds, insurers, and your employer/payroll.
• Notify subscriptions & memberships: Update deliveries, streaming services, clubs, and any recurring services tied to your address.
• Schedule utilities: Set firm dates for electricity, gas, internet/NBN, and water disconnection/reconnection at both properties.
• Tell your network: Let family, friends, and regular service providers (gardeners, cleaners, pet sitters) know your moving date and new address.

1 Week Out

It’s packing-with-a-plan week. Finish strong and set yourself up for a calm moving day.

• Pack room by room: Label every box with contents and destination room; add “Fragile” or “Open First” where relevant. Colour-coded stickers speed up unloading.
• Disassemble big items: For beds, bookshelves, etc., put screws/bolts in labelled zip bags and tape them to the item (or keep in a clearly marked hardware box). Snap a quick photo before disassembly to guide reassembly.
• Tidy the pantry & freezer: Plan simple meals to use up perishables and reduce waste; dispose of expired items.
• Don’t move hazardous items: Arrange safe disposal for paint, aerosols, gas cylinders, and fuels via your local council rather than packing them.
• Prep the fridge/freezer: Empty, defrost 24–48 hours before moving, and clean/dry to prevent odours and leaks.
• Make a “Day One Box” + toolkit: Include toiletries, chargers, mugs, kettle, towels, fresh bedding, basic pantry items, wipes, scissors/box cutter, tape, Allen keys, and screwdrivers. Keep it with you.
• Confirm with your Sydney removalists: Recheck arrival window, access/parking details, lift instructions, special-item handling, and best contact number for move day.

Moving Day

The day has finally come, and it’s important to be organised. Keep essentials handy, and lead the move with confidence.

• Secure access early: Reserve parking and lift access first thing; put up simple signs so movers can find entrances and the best loading route.
• Brief the crew: Walk movers through fragile items, your colour-coding system, and preferred load order (e.g., heavy furniture first, “Open First” boxes last on).
• Keep essentials with you: Carry IDs, meds, valuables, chargers, paperwork, your toolkit, and the “Day One Box.”
• Protect the property: Use blankets or cardboard to shield floors, door frames, and walls where traffic is heaviest.
• Do a final sweep: Check every room, cupboard, garage/shed, balcony, and under the house. Photograph gas, electricity, and water meter readings for your records.
• Shut down & hand over: Turn off appliances, lock windows/doors, and pass keys/garage remotes to the agent or new owners; note your forwarding address if needed.
• Direct the unload: At the new place, guide movers on where furniture and boxes go; easier now than reshuffling later.
• Set up the basics first: Assemble beds, stock one bathroom, and connect the kettle/kitchen essentials so you’re functional even if unpacking takes a few days.
• Check & confirm: As items come in, flag any damage, tick off inventory, and finalise paperwork/payment; request a receipt for insurance records.

First Week In

The first week in your new home is all about getting used to it and making sure everything is in order.

• Safety & security first: Test smoke alarms and replace batteries as needed. Consider changing locks (and garage keypad codes) for peace of mind.
• Insurance & paperwork: Confirm your home and contents policy is updated to the new address and current replacement values. File receipts, meter photos, and your moving inventory for records.
• Utilities check: Make sure electricity, gas, water, and internet are active. Test hot water, stove, heating/cooling, and note any faults to report.
• Address updates: If not already done, update driver licence/vehicle rego, banks, Medicare, ATO, health funds, and employer. Set up/confirm mail redirection.
• Healthcare & emergency contacts: Register with a local GP and dentist; update emergency contacts and preferred pharmacy.
• Trades & setup: Book any needed help; curtains/blinds, TV mounting, locksmith, pest control, or a post-move clean.
• Property check & defects: Walk through each room, photograph issues, and list fixes.
  Renting: complete and return your condition report within the required window.
  Owning: note warranty items and contact builders/suppliers if needed.
• Unpack with priorities: Bedrooms, one bathroom, and the kitchen first. Break down boxes and assign a spot for recycling/rubbish (check your council bin schedule).
• Pets & family admin: Register pets with your local council, update microchip details, and finalise school/daycare arrangements.
• Know your neighbourhood: Pin nearby supermarkets, pharmacies, parks, public transport, and any go-to cafés. Introduce yourself to neighbours.

Get the Printable Moving Checklist (PDF)

To keep everything in one place, download our PDF of moving checklist that you can print out. This moving checklist for Australia is the perfect tool to help you stay on track. It is in A4 format and has room for you to write your own notes. Print it out, check things off as you do them, and relax knowing that you haven’t forgotten anything.