Ultimate moving guide: Moving house checklist

Moving house is an exciting time but can also be overwhelming and stressful. With so much to organise, plan and pack, it’s easy to lose track of the to-do list.

As always, good preparation and planning will make the whole process smoother. This is where a moving house checklist can be a lifesaver. Staying organised and tackling tasks step by step can make your move less stressful and start a new chapter in your life feeling excited.

Here’s our comprehensive guide and moving checklist to ensure your move goes off without a hitch.

What to buy before moving house

Preparation is key when it comes to moving and having the right supplies on hand can save you a lot of stress. Here’s what you should consider buying well in advance:

• Moving boxes: Stock up on sturdy boxes in various sizes. You can often find free ones at local stores or buy specialised moving boxes for fragile items.
• Packing bags: Large moving bags are ideal for moving soft items like bedding, kids’ soft toys or towels.
• Packing tape and dispenser: Invest in good-quality packing tape and a dispenser to seal boxes securely.
• Bubble wrap and packing paper: Protect fragile items like glassware and electronics with plenty of cushioning.
• Labels and markers: Clearly label your boxes with their contents and the rooms they belong in to make unpacking easier.
• Furniture covers: Use plastic or fabric covers to protect furniture from dirt and scratches during transit.
• Cleaning supplies: Ensure you have all-purpose cleaners, sponges, paper towels and trash bags for last-minute cleaning tasks.
• Tool kit: Keep a basic tool kit handy for dismantling furniture or fixing minor issues.

The ultimate moving house checklist – for moving day and after

It’s easy to forget even some obvious tasks when you’re busy and stressed.

“A solid checklist when you’re relocating makes moving much more manageable,” says Ed Burton, the chief executive of Upmove, a company helping Aussies move by connecting them with removalist companies.

Besides the critical tasks on the checklist, he has a few tips on making your move smoother and more manageable.

“Prepare a ‘first-night box’ with essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, chargers, snacks and important documents. My pro tip is to also pack a kettle and a few teabags and keep this box in your car or somewhere easy to grab,” he says.

Once the move is done, the unpacking makes up the biggest task. Burton recommends starting from the essentials and worrying about the rest later.

“When it’s time to unpack, prioritise unpacking your essentials like the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom first – so you can settle in without the chaos.”

To avoid forgetting critical tasks, use this checklist to ensure everything is in order after your moving day and during your first week at the new house.

On moving day

• Ensure water, electricity and gas are turned off at the old house.
• Confirm utilities are set up and running at the new house.
• Return keys to the landlord or real estate agent.
• Collect all keys for your new property.
• Check that all appliances are turned off and unplugged.
• Ensure the fridge and freezer are empty, clean and defrosted.
• Sweep or vacuum floors.
• Wipe down surfaces and ensure rubbish is removed.
• Verify that all doors and windows are locked at the old property.
• Set up smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, if not already done so, in the new house.
• Cross-check your moving inventory to ensure all items have been packed and loaded.
• Double-check the moving truck to confirm nothing is left behind.
• Ensure the essentials box is easily accessible.
• Set up basic items like toiletries, bed linen and snacks at the new property.

After moving day

• Notify Australia Post to forward your mail to the correct address.
• Update your address with banks, insurance providers and utility companies.
• Update your driver’s licence and vehicle registration with your new address.
• Unpack room by room to stay organised.
• Recycle boxes, bubble wrap and other materials responsibly.
• Return rented moving equipment or donate unused supplies to someone else preparing to move.
• Introduce yourself to your new neighbours.
• Register pets with your local council: if you have pets and changed councils when moving, cancel their old registration and register them at your new council.

Packing tips

Packing is often the most time-consuming part of moving, but with a little planning, you can make it efficient and hassle-free. Here are some tips to streamline the process:

• Start early: Begin packing non-essential items weeks in advance. This includes out-of-season clothing, books and decorative pieces.
• Declutter as you go: Use the opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need. Donate, sell or recycle what you don’t plan to take with you.
• Pack by room: Pack one room at a time to keep things organised and make unpacking easier.
• Use what you have: Instead of buying extra packing materials if you don’t need them, use towels, blankets and clothing to wrap fragile items first.
• Label everything: Clearly mark each box with its contents and destination room. For example, “kitchen – plates and glasses”.
• Pack perishable goods in their own boxes: This is the box you’ll want to unpack first when you get to your new home.
• Don’t overpack boxes: Keep boxes light enough to carry safely. For heavy items like books, use smaller boxes to avoid injuries.

Things to remember on moving day

Moving day can be chaotic, but staying organised and following a schedule will help keep things running smoothly.

• Get an early start: Begin the day early to give yourself plenty of time for unexpected delays.
• Wear comfortable clothing: Choose practical clothing that allows easy movement.
• Supervise the movers: If you’ve hired professional removalists, provide them with clear instructions and point out fragile items.
• Protect floors and walls: Use mats, old towels or cardboard to prevent damage during the move.
• Keep important documents safe: Gather all essential documents, such as rental agreements, contracts and IDs, and keep them in a secure place.
• Check the old house: Before you leave, do a final walkthrough to ensure nothing is left behind. Don’t forget to check cupboards, pantry, drawers and storage areas.