The Complete Moving House Checklist for a Stress-Free Move
Moving house in Australia involves a lot of small tasks that are easy to forget until the last minute. Whether you need an Urgent Electricity Connection at the last minute or just want to stay organised, this moving house checklist breaks the whole process into four simple phases, from six weeks out to your first night in the new place.
Print it, screenshot it, or bookmark it. Every task is listed in the order in which you should do them.
6 Weeks Before Moving Day
This is when the big-ticket planning happens. Starting early here saves a lot of stress later on:
Get quotes from at least three removalist companies: Prices for a three-bedroom house move range from $2,600 to $5,850 interstate, so comparing matters.
Audit your belongings: If you haven't used something in a year, sell, donate, or recycle it. Every item you get rid of now is one less thing to pack and unpack.
Start a folder (physical or digital) for all moving documents: Lease agreements, removalist quotes, and utility confirmations. Keep everything in one place.
If you have kids, research schools in your new area: Some schools have long waiting lists. Submit applications early for popular ones.
Book pet transport if needed: and make sure vaccinations are up to date.
This is the right time to start thinking about your moving checklist of Australian admin tasks, too, such as which government agencies and service providers need your new address.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
The admin phase. This is the part most people underestimate.
Utilities and Energy:
Contact your current electricity and gas providers: To schedule disconnection at your old address. Give at least five business days' notice.
Set up electricity and gas connections at your new address: Arrange a connection for one day before you move in so the power is on when you arrive.
This is a good window to compare plans: if you want to compare options, look at Energy Australia Energy Plans and other retailers before you commit.
If you are running behind on this step and need power connected fast: Most retailers offer an urgent electricity connection with as little as one business day's notice if you call before the cut-off time.
Address Updates:
Set up mail redirection with Australia Post for at least 3 months.
Update your address with your bank, health fund, car insurance, and home and contents insurance.
Update your driver's licence. Most states require this within 14 days of moving.
Notify your employer, superannuation fund, and the ATO.
Update your vehicle registration details.
Internet:
NBN connections can take up to two weeks, so book this now. Check the type of connection at your new address (fibre, fixed wireless, or satellite) using the NBN address checker.
1 Week Before Moving Day
The packing and preparation phase:
Start eating through your freezer: Less food to move means less risk of spoilage on the day.
Defrost and clean your fridge: At least 24 hours before the move.
Pack a "first night" box: with essentials: toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers, basic tools, toilet paper, snacks, and the kettle. You will want a cup of tea before you unpack anything else.
Label every box: with its contents and the room it belongs to at the new house.
Confirm your removalist booking: one last time. Check the arrival window and any access restrictions at either property.
Take photos of your electricity and gas meters: at the old property for your final bill records.
Moving Day
Do a final walkthrough of your old property: Check every cupboard, the shed, the garage, and under the stairs.
Record final meter readings: at the old address. Take photos as a backup.
Lock all windows and doors: Hand over keys to the landlord or agent if renting.
At the new property: Check that electricity and gas are connected before the removalists start unloading. If something has gone wrong and there is no power, call your retailer and request an urgent electricity connection so you are not stuck without lights on your first night.
Test smoke alarms: and locate the main water shut-off valve.
Introduce yourself to the neighbours: It goes a long way.
Conclusion
Moving house always comes with a long to-do list, but breaking it into manageable stages makes the process far less overwhelming. By organising utilities early, updating your details ahead of time, and planning for moving day essentials, you can avoid last-minute stress and settle into your new home much faster. Keep this moving-house checklist handy, tick tasks off as you go, and you will make the transition smoother from start to finish.

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