Moving House Checklist Australia: The Complete Timeline Guide (2026)

1. 1

   Set your moving date and budget

   Confirm your settlement date (if buying) or lease start date (if renting). Set a realistic moving budget that includes removalist quotes, packing materials, cleaning costs, mail redirection, and a contingency fund. Weekend and end-of-month moves are the most expensive — a mid-week, mid-month move can save you 20-30% on removalist fees.

2. 2

   Get quotes from removalists

   Obtain at least three written quotes from licensed removalists. Ask whether quotes are fixed-price or hourly, whether they include insurance, and what happens if the move runs over time. Check online reviews and ensure the company has appropriate insurance coverage. For interstate moves, get quotes from companies that specialise in long-distance relocations.

3. 3

   Decide between removalists and DIY

   A professional removalist typically costs $400-$800 for a local move (2-bedroom home) and $2,000-$7,000+ for interstate. DIY with a hired truck costs $100-$400 per day for the vehicle plus fuel. DIY is cheaper but riskier — you bear the cost of any damage, and heavy lifting increases injury risk. For large or fragile moves, professional removalists are usually worth the investment.

4. 4

   Start decluttering room by room

   Moving is the perfect time to declutter. Go through each room and sort items into keep, sell, donate, and discard piles. List items on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or eBay at least 4-6 weeks before moving day to allow time for sales. Donate usable items to charities like Salvos, Vinnies, or local op shops. The less you move, the less it costs.

5. 5

   Notify your landlord or agent (if renting)

   If you are a renter, provide written notice to your landlord or real estate agent in accordance with your lease terms. In most states, you need to give 14-28 days notice for a periodic lease. Check your lease for the specific notice period and any break lease fees that may apply.

6. 6

   Start collecting packing materials

   Gather sturdy cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, butcher paper, and markers. Ask local businesses (bottle shops, supermarkets) for free boxes, or purchase moving kits from removalist companies or Bunnings. You will need more boxes than you think — a 3-bedroom home typically requires 50-80 boxes.

1. 1

   Set up Australia Post mail redirection

   Lodge a mail redirection through Australia Post online or at any post office. Redirection can be set up for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. Costs range from approximately $37 for 1 month to $297 for 12 months (2026 prices). Set the start date to your moving day. This catches any mail from organisations you forget to update directly.

2. 2

   Update your address with banks and financial institutions

   Contact every bank, credit card provider, superannuation fund, and insurance company you deal with. Most allow address changes through online banking or their app. Do not forget investment accounts, share registries, cryptocurrency exchanges, and any buy-now-pay-later services.

3. 3

   Update government agencies

   Notify the following government agencies of your new address: the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) — update via myGov; Medicare — update via myGov or a Medicare office; Centrelink (if applicable) — update via myGov; your state electoral commission and the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) — update your electoral enrolment within 8 weeks of moving (it is compulsory); your state transport authority for your driver's licence — each state has different timeframes (typically 14-28 days); the Department of Veterans' Affairs (if applicable).

4. 4

   Update your driver's licence

   In most states, you must update your licence address within 14 days of moving. In NSW, update through Service NSW (online or in person). In Victoria, visit a VicRoads office or update online. In Queensland, visit a transport and motoring customer service centre. If moving interstate, you generally need to obtain a new licence from your new state within 3 months.

5. 5

   Notify your employer and payroll

   Update your address with your employer for payroll, tax, and superannuation purposes. If you are changing your commute significantly, discuss any flexible work arrangements early.

6. 6

   Transfer or cancel subscriptions and memberships

   Update or cancel gym memberships, streaming services, magazine subscriptions, loyalty programs, meal delivery services, and any other recurring subscriptions tied to your address. Some gym chains allow location transfers; others may charge early termination fees.

1. 1

   Arrange utility transfers or connections

   Contact your electricity, gas, and water providers to arrange disconnection at your old address and connection at your new address on your moving day. In most states, water is connected to the property, but electricity and gas need to be actively transferred. Comparison sites like Energy Made Easy or Victorian Energy Compare can help you find the best deal at your new address.

2. 2

   Set up internet and phone at the new address

   Internet connections can take 2-4 weeks to activate, especially if a new NBN connection is required. Contact your provider early or shop around for a new plan. If you work from home, arrange a mobile hotspot or temporary internet solution for the first few days.

3. 3

   Update home and contents insurance

   If you own the property, update your building and contents insurance with the new address. If you are renting, update your contents insurance policy. Your premium may change based on the new location, property type, and security features.

4. 4

   Arrange pet and child care for moving day

   Moving day is chaotic and potentially dangerous for children and pets. Arrange for them to stay with family, friends, or a pet sitter on the day. If you have pets, update their microchip registration details with your new address.

5. 5

   Begin packing non-essential items

   Start packing items you will not need in the next two weeks: books, seasonal clothing, decorative items, spare linen, and rarely used kitchen items. Label every box clearly on at least two sides with the contents and the destination room in your new home. Number your boxes and keep an inventory list.

6. 6

   Arrange parking permits for the removalist truck

   If your old or new home has restricted street parking, contact your local council to arrange temporary parking permits for the removalist truck. Some councils require 5-10 business days notice. Fees vary from free to $50-$100 depending on the council.

1. 1

   Finish packing everything

   Pack remaining items room by room. Wrap fragile items individually in butcher paper or bubble wrap. Use towels and linen as padding for breakables. Disassemble furniture where possible and place screws and bolts in labelled zip-lock bags taped to the furniture piece. Take photos of how electronics are connected before unplugging them.

2. 2

   Confirm removalist booking

   Call your removalist company to confirm the date, time, and any special requirements (piano, pool table, narrow staircase access). Confirm the final quote and payment method. Ask what time they will arrive and how long they expect the move to take.

3. 3

   Clean the old property (renters)

   If you are renting, arrange a professional end-of-lease clean to meet bond cleaning requirements. Most agents expect the property to be returned in the same condition as documented in your condition report (minus fair wear and tear). A professional bond clean for a 2-3 bedroom home typically costs $300-$600. Keep receipts as evidence of cleaning for any bond disputes.

4. 4

   Conduct a condition report comparison (renters)

   Compare the property's current condition against the entry condition report. Take dated photos and videos of every room, including inside cupboards, ovens, and wet areas. This documentation is essential if there is a dispute over your bond refund.

5. 5

   Defrost the fridge

   If you are taking your fridge, defrost it 24-48 hours before moving day. Wipe it clean and leave the door slightly ajar to prevent mould. Removalists may refuse to transport a fridge that has not been defrosted.

6. 6

   Read metre readings

   Take photos of your electricity, gas, and water metre readings on your last day at the old property. This ensures you are not charged for usage after you leave.

1. 1

   Do a final walkthrough of the old property

   Before the removalists finish loading, walk through every room, check every cupboard, and look in the garage, shed, laundry, and outdoor areas. Check the letterbox. It is remarkably easy to leave items behind, especially in hard-to-see spots.

2. 2

   Supervise the loading process

   Be present to direct removalists on which items need special care. Point out fragile boxes and ensure heavy items are loaded first. If you have an inventory list, check items off as they go on the truck.

3. 3

   Lock up and return keys (renters)

   Once loading is complete, lock all doors and windows, and return keys to the real estate agent or landlord as specified in your lease. Get written confirmation that keys have been returned.

4. 4

   Direct unloading at the new property

   At the new property, direct removalists to place boxes in the correct rooms based on your labels. Place furniture in its intended position first — it is much harder to rearrange once boxes are stacked everywhere. Check all items against your inventory as they come off the truck.

5. 5

   Check for damage

   Inspect your belongings and the new property for any damage caused during the move. Report any issues to the removalist company immediately and take photos as evidence. Most removalist insurance claims must be lodged within a specified period (often 7-14 days).

6. 6

   Secure the property

   Change the locks or re-key the locks on your new home. You do not know how many copies of the old keys exist. A locksmith typically charges $150-$300 to re-key standard locks. Alternatively, check that all locks are functioning and consider upgrading security over the coming weeks.

1. 1

   Verify all utilities are connected

   Confirm electricity, gas, water, and internet are all working. Test all power points, light switches, taps, and the hot water system. If anything is not connected, contact your provider immediately.

2. 2

   Locate the metre box, fuse box, and water shut-off valve

   Know where your electrical switchboard (fuse box), water mains tap, and gas metre are located. In an emergency (burst pipe, electrical fault), you need to be able to shut off services quickly.

3. 3

   Test smoke alarms and safety equipment

   Test all smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed. Locate the fire extinguisher and check its expiry date. If the property does not have working smoke alarms, install them immediately — it is a legal requirement in all Australian states.

4. 4

   Update your address on remaining accounts

   Go through your wallet, email subscriptions, and online accounts to update any addresses you missed during the pre-move phase. Common ones people forget: vehicle registration, roadside assistance (NRMA, RACV, RACQ), health insurance, pet insurance, professional registrations, and online shopping accounts.

5. 5

   Meet your neighbours

   Introduce yourself to immediate neighbours. Good neighbour relationships make for a better living experience and can be invaluable in emergencies. They can also fill you in on local tips — bin collection days, parking rules, the best local shops and restaurants.

6. 6

   Register with local services

   Find and register with a local GP, dentist, and pharmacy. If you have children, enrol them in their new school or childcare centre. Register your dog with the local council if required (registration fees vary by council, typically $30-$200 per year).

Frequently Asked Questions