Moving house is exciting, but let’s be honest—it’s also one of the most logistically demanding things you’ll do all year. Between booking removalists, packing, transferring utilities, and updating your address across a dozen accounts, it’s easy for something important to slip through the cracks.
That’s exactly why a solid moving checklist matters. This guide is a complete moving house checklist built around a realistic timeline, so whether you’re after a general moving-to-do list, planning your moving-day checklist, or specifically searching for a moving checklist Australia-style guide with local details like Medicare and the Australian Electoral Commission included, you’ll find it all here.
And if you’re still deciding on a moving company checklist of what to look for and questions to ask before booking, we’ve included that too.
6–8 Weeks Before Moving Day
This is the planning stage. The more you sort out now, the calmer the final weeks will feel.
- Set a moving date and confirm it with everyone involved (landlord, agent, family)
- Start decluttering and sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, and toss piles
- Research and request quotes from at least two or three removalists
- Start a “moving folder” (physical or digital) to keep quotes, receipts, and important documents together
- Begin using up food from the freezer and pantry so there’s less to move or waste
What to Look for in a Moving Company
If you’re comparing quotes, a good moving company checklist should cover:
- Are they insured, and what does the insurance actually cover?
- Do they charge by the hour or a fixed rate?
- Are they experienced with your specific needs—stairs, heavy items, interstate distance?
- Do they provide a written quote, not just a verbal estimate?
- What’s their cancellation or rescheduling policy?
If you’re moving around Melbourne, Ashville Removals offers fixed, transparent pricing with no surprise fees, and our local removalist services are fully insured for peace of mind.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Book your removalist and confirm the date in writing
- Order packing supplies: boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers
- Start notifying utility providers of your move-out and move-in dates (electricity, gas, water, internet)
- Begin packing items you don’t use often: out-of-season clothes, decor, books
- If you have kids or pets, start planning arrangements for moving day itself
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Continue packing room by room, labeling boxes clearly with contents and destination room
- Confirm final details with your removalist access, parking, and lift bookings if you’re in an apartment
- Arrange mail redirection through Australia Post
- Start working through the list of things to do when moving house that involves your official address. See the full checklist below
- Book end-of-lease cleaners if you’re renting, or arrange cleaning for your current home
1 Week Before Moving Day
- Confirm your removalist’s arrival time and any last-minute details
- Finish packing everything except daily essentials
- Defrost and clean out the fridge and freezer (give this at least 24 hours before moving day)
- Take photos of meter readings at your current home
- Pack a clearly labelled “first night” essentials box: toiletries, chargers, snacks, bedding, and any medication
Update Your Address: The Full List
This is the step most people underestimate. Here’s a solid starting point for your address update:
- Australian Electoral Commission
- Medicare and MyGov
- ATO and superannuation fund
- Bank, credit cards, and insurance providers
- Driver’s license and vehicle registration
- Employer and payroll
- School, TAFE, or university
- Subscriptions and streaming services
- Gym memberships and any regular deliveries
Moving Day Checklist
- Confirm the moving truck that shows up matches the company you booked
- Do a final walkthrough of your old home: check cupboards, under beds, the garage, and outdoor sheds
- Take photos of empty rooms for your records (especially useful for rental bond returns)
- Keep your essentials box, important documents, and valuables with you rather than on the truck
- Note down final meter readings before you leave
- On arrival, do a walkthrough of your new place before unloading, checking utilities are working
If you want a deeper breakdown of the day itself, our moving day checklist and moving day tips guides walk through the whole process hour by hour.
Your First Week in the New Home
- Unpack essentials first: kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom before anything else
- Check that all utilities are connected and working properly
- Test smoke alarms and locate the fuse box and water shut-off valve
- If it’s a previously owned property, consider changing the locks
- Update your address with anyone you missed
- Take a break settling in properly; it takes weeks, not days, so don’t rush it
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far in advance should I start my moving checklist? Ideally 6–8 weeks before your move date. This gives you time to declutter, compare removalist quotes, and spread tasks out rather than cramming everything into the final week.
- What’s the most commonly forgotten item on a moving checklist? Updating your address with less obvious places—the Australian Electoral Commission, superannuation fund, and streaming subscriptions—tends to get missed. A dedicated address-update list helps avoid this.
- What should be in my moving day essentials box? Toiletries, a phone charger, a change of clothes, bedding, snacks, any medication, and important documents. Pack it last and keep it with you rather than loading it onto the truck.
- Do I need professional removalists, or can I move myself? It depends on your budget, the size of your move, and whether stairs or heavy items are involved. Professional removalists reduce the risk of injury and damage, and many offer fixed pricing that makes budgeting easier.
- How do I choose a reliable moving company? Compare at least two or three quotes, check they’re insured, ask whether pricing is fixed or hourly, and read recent reviews. A written quote (not just a verbal estimate) is a good sign you’re dealing with a professional outfit.
Ready to book your move? Get a free quote from Ashville Removals and let Melbourne’s trusted local removalists help you tick off your moving checklist stress-free.