The Ultimate Moving House Checklist (Step-by-Step Guide)

Moving house is one of those life events that feels exciting and overwhelming all at once. You’re starting a new chapter, but before you can enjoy your new space, there’s a mountain of things to organise. From sorting through years of belongings to making sure utilities are connected at your new home, it’s easy to forget important steps along the way.

That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate moving house checklist — a step-by-step guide that takes you from two months before moving day right through to settling in after the move. Whether you’re moving across town or interstate, this detailed timeline will help you stay organised, reduce stress, and avoid last-minute chaos.

8 Weeks Before Moving Day – Start Early

The earlier you start planning, the smoother your move will be. At this stage, your main goal is preparation and organisation.

1. Create a Moving Binder or Digital Folder

Keep all moving-related documents, quotes, and checklists in one place. This could be a physical binder, a Google Drive folder, or even a moving app. Having everything in one spot prevents panic later when you need to track down a receipt or contract.

2. Research and Book Your Movers

Good moving companies book out quickly, especially during weekends and end-of-month dates. Start researching now:

Read Google reviews.
Compare quotes.
Confirm services included (packing, storage, heavy lifting).
Ask about insurance coverage.

Pro tip: If you’re moving in Australia, the busiest times are typically December–January (school holidays) and May–June (end of financial year). Booking early can save you money.

3. Sort and Declutter

Now is the time to lighten the load:

Create three piles: keep, donate, toss.
Sell items you no longer need on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree.
Drop unwanted clothes and household goods at local charities.

Decluttering before you move means fewer boxes, less stress, and potentially lower moving costs.

6 Weeks Before Moving Day – Get Organised

You’re still in planning mode, but now it’s time to take action.

4. Take Inventory

Walk through your home and make a list of major items you’ll be moving. This will help movers give you accurate quotes and prevent anything from getting lost in the process.

5. Collect Packing Supplies

Gather boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers. You can buy boxes from Bunnings, removal supply shops, or ask local stores for free ones. Don’t forget specialty boxes for wardrobes, glassware, or artwork.

6. Notify Schools and Workplaces

If you have children, arrange school transfers and request records. Inform your workplace if you’ll need time off for moving day.

7. Plan Your Meals

Start using up pantry items, frozen food, and cleaning supplies. This saves you from moving half-empty bottles and perishables.

4 Weeks Before Moving Day – The Packing Begins

With one month to go, it’s time to start boxing things up.

8. Begin Non-Essential Packing

Pack items you won’t need over the next month:

Seasonal clothes.
Books.
Decorative items.
Extra kitchenware.

Label boxes clearly with the room and a short description of contents.

9. Organise Important Documents

Gather passports, birth certificates, rental agreements, mortgage papers, and medical records. Keep them in a folder you’ll carry with you — not in the moving truck.

10. Arrange Utilities

Contact your electricity, gas, internet, and water providers to schedule disconnection at your old home and connection at the new one.

11. Book Extra Services

If you need professional cleaners, storage, or pet transport, now’s the time to book.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day – Final Preparations

Things are getting real. With two weeks left, focus on essential arrangements.

12. Confirm with Your Movers

Call your moving company to reconfirm date, time, and services. Provide details like access points, parking restrictions, and any heavy or fragile items.

13. Arrange Insurance

Check if your home and contents insurance covers moving. If not, ask your mover about additional transit insurance.

14. Notify Change of Address

Update your address with:

Banks and credit cards.
Medicare and health funds.
Driver’s licence.
Australia Post (you can set up mail redirection).

15. Pack an Essentials Box

This box should include everything you’ll need on the first night in your new home:

Toiletries.
A few changes of clothes.
Bedding.
Phone chargers.
Snacks and basic kitchen supplies.

1 Week Before Moving Day – Final Countdown

Now it’s about tying up loose ends.

16. Finish Packing

Pack everything except daily essentials. Clearly mark fragile boxes and items that should be loaded last (like kitchen basics).

17. Defrost the Fridge and Freezer

Do this at least 24–48 hours before moving day. Wipe down appliances to prevent mould and bad smells.

18. Organise Payment

Check your mover’s payment terms (cash, card, transfer). Have everything ready to avoid delays.

19. Childcare and Pets

Arrange for children or pets to stay with family/friends on moving day. This reduces stress and keeps them safe.

Moving Day – Stay Calm and Focused

The big day is here.

20. Do a Final Walkthrough

Before the movers arrive, walk through your home and check:

Windows closed.
Lights off.
Nothing left in cupboards or drawers.

21. Supervise the Move

Be available to answer questions and guide movers on fragile items, furniture placement, and access.

22. Check Inventory

Tick items off your inventory list as they’re loaded onto the truck.

23. Keep Essentials Handy

Carry your essentials box, important documents, and valuables with you.

After the Move – Settling In

You made it! But there are still a few things to do to make your new house a home.

24. Inspect Your Belongings

Check for any damage and report it to your movers immediately.

25. Unpack Essentials First

Start with the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. This makes the first few days much more comfortable.

26. Test Utilities

Make sure electricity, internet, hot water, and gas are working.

27. Update Your Details

Confirm your new address with your employer, doctor, and local council.

28. Explore Your Neighbourhood

Take a walk around, meet your neighbours, and locate the nearest shops, schools, and parks.

Bonus Tips for a Stress-Free Move

Colour-code your boxes: Assign each room a colour and put matching stickers on boxes and doors at your new home. This makes unpacking faster.
Take photos of electronics: Snap a photo of the back of your TV or computer before disconnecting wires — it saves time when setting up again.
Pack a tool kit: Keep a screwdriver, Allen keys, and scissors handy for furniture assembly and box cutting.
Don’t overload boxes: Keep them under 20kg each so they’re safe to carry.

Moving house doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you break it down into steps. By following this checklist, you’ll stay organised from the first day of planning right through to settling in your new home.

At Hyper Movers, we’ve helped hundreds of Australians move smoothly and stress-free. Whether you need full-service packing and moving or just a reliable team to handle the heavy lifting, we’ve got you covered.

👉 Ready to make your move easy? Contact Hyper Movers today for a free quote and let us handle the hard work while you focus on your fresh start.