The complete moving house checklist for Australia

The most effective way to reduce moving costs and stress is to thin out your possessions at least two months before the move. Start by categorising items into keep, sell, donate, and discard piles. Selling high-value items on platforms like Home24 when you are listing your property can help offset moving expenses, while local charities often accept quality furniture and clothing. Consider the dimensions of your new home to ensure large items like modular sofas or king-sized beds will fit through doorways and into designated rooms.

Once you have a clearer idea of your remaining inventory, obtain at least three quotes from reputable removalists. In Australia, removalists may charge by the hour for local moves or by cubic metre for interstate relocations. Ensure the quotes include insurance for transit damage and clarify if there are extra fees for stairs, heavy items like pianos, or difficult access. If you prefer a budget-friendly approach, look into truck rentals, but remember to factor in the cost of fuel, insurance excess reducers, and equipment like trolleys and blankets.

Utility providers generally require at least one week of notice to disconnect services at your old address and connect them at the new one. Contact your electricity, gas, and water providers to schedule these changes for the day after you leave and the day before you arrive. In some states, water accounts stay with the property owner and are settled during the conveyancing process, while tenants may only be responsible for usage charges. Confirm these arrangements with your property manager or solicitor.

Internet and telecommunications often require the longest lead times, particularly if you are moving to a new development or changing NBN technologies. Check the serviceability of your new address on the NBN Co website to see if a technician visit is necessary. For mail, Australia Post offers a redirection service for various durations, which is a vital safety net to ensure you do not miss bank statements, fine notices, or government correspondence while you are updating your address manually with individual organisations.

Updating your address with government agencies is a legal requirement in Australia. You must update your driver licence and vehicle registration with the relevant state authority, such as Service NSW, VicRoads, or the Department of Transport and Main Roads in Queensland, usually within 14 days of moving. Failure to do so can result in fines or missed renewal notices. You should also update your details on the MyGov portal to ensure Medicare, the Australian Taxation Office, and Centrelink have your current residency information.

Private institutions also require prompt notification to prevent identity theft and service interruptions. Contact your bank to update your credit card and savings account billing addresses. Review your insurance policies, including car, health, and life insurance, as your premiums may change based on your new postcode. Most importantly, ensure your home and contents insurance covers you during the move itself, as many standard policies only cover items once they are inside the new premises.

For those moving out of a rental property, the end-of-lease clean is critical for the full return of the bond. Each state has specific residential tenancy laws regarding the condition a property must be left in. Generally, the premises must be reasonably clean, but some old leases may still contain clauses about professional carpet cleaning if pets were present. Check your specific state's tenancy authority website for the latest rules, as some jurisdictions have recently limited the ability of landlords to mandate professional services unless necessary.

If you are selling your home, a professional 'settlement clean' is a courtesy that ensures the buyers move into a welcoming environment. This typically involves cleaning inside cupboards, wiping down skirting boards, and ensuring all rubbish is removed from the property. Costs for a professional move-out clean for a standard three-bedroom home usually range between $400 and $900, depending on the level of detail required and whether steam cleaning is included. Always keep receipts for these services to provide as evidence to the property agent.

The final week involves packing an essentials box that stays with you rather than on the truck. This should include basic tools, chargers, medications, toiletries, and enough clothing for the first few days. If you have children or pets, prepare a separate kit with their specific needs to keep them comfortable during the transition. Clear out the pantry and fridge, aiming to consume perishable items to avoid waste, and defrost the freezer at least 24 hours before the removalists arrive to prevent leaks during transit.

Walk through your old home one last time to check all cupboards, the dishwasher, the oven, and outdoor storage areas. Take photos of the empty rooms and meter readings for electricity and gas to resolve any potential disputes with utility companies or landlords. Ensure all sets of keys, including window locks and garage remotes, are labelled and left in a secure location as agreed with the new owner or property manager. Lock all windows and doors and turn off the hot water system if required by the local regulations.

Upon arriving at your new home, the first priority is to inspect the property to ensure it matches the condition promised in the contract of sale or lease agreement. Test the lights, taps, and toilets to confirm everything is functional. If you find significant issues that were not present during the final inspection, contact your conveyancer or property manager immediately. It is much easier to address these concerns before you have fully unpacked your belongings and obscured the floors or walls.

Begin the unpacking process by setting up the beds and the kitchen first. This ensures you have a place to sleep and the ability to prepare meals, which helps the new house feel like a home quickly. Take the time to familiarise yourself with the location of the main water shut-off valve and the electrical switchboard. If you have moved to a new council area, check the local council website to find your bin collection days and learn about local regulations regarding noise, parking, and pet registration.