Moving house is consistently rated one of life’s most stressful events — but it doesn’t have to be. Most of the stress comes from poor planning, not from the move itself. A solid moving home checklist Australia-wide can turn what feels overwhelming into a series of simple, manageable steps.
Whether you’re moving from Sydney to Melbourne or just around the corner on the Sunshine Coast, this guide walks you through exactly what to do — and when to do it.
Why a Moving Checklist Makes Such a Big Difference
People who plan their move in stages feel significantly less stress on moving day. When you know what’s happening and when, nothing falls through the cracks.
This moving house guide covers:
- What to do 4 weeks out
- How to prepare in the final week
- What to check on moving day
- Common mistakes to avoid
- How to settle in quickly after the move
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
This is when serious planning begins. Don’t skip this stage.
Book Your Removalist Early
The most common regret? Booking too late. Popular moving dates — school holidays, end of month, summer — fill up fast across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and beyond.
When getting quotes:
- Get at least 3 written quotes
- Confirm the cubic metre estimate for your home
- Ask about transit insurance cover
- Lock in your moving date in writing
Tip: Booking 4–6 weeks out gives you better availability and often better pricing.
💡 Ready to Get Moving? Lock In Your Date Today.
Two Men and A Truck services all major Australian cities — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Sunshine Coast, and more. 📞 Call 1300 880 412 or Get a Free Quote Online — it takes less than 2 minutes.
Declutter Before You Pack
Moving fewer items lowers your truck size, packing time, and overall cost. It’s one of the best house moving tips you’ll receive.
Use three simple categories:
- Keep — used in the last 12 months
- Donate — good condition but no longer needed
- Dispose — broken, outdated, or no longer useful
Be honest with yourself here. Every box you don’t pack is money saved.
Estimate Your Packing Supplies
Most people underestimate how many boxes they need. Use this as a starting guide (estimates only — volume varies based on storage habits):
| Home Size | Estimated Boxes Needed |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | 15–25 boxes |
| 2-bedroom | 25–40 boxes |
| 3-bedroom | 40–60 boxes |
| 4-bedroom+ | 60–80+ boxes |
Two Men and A Truck sells 100% recyclable moving boxes if you need them. Browse boxes here.
3 Weeks Before Moving Day
Create a Packing Station
Pick one room — a spare bedroom or corner of the garage — to stage everything:
- Boxes (various sizes)
- Packing tape and dispenser
- Markers (at least 2)
- Bubble wrap or packing paper
- Labels
Start packing non-essential items first: books, off-season clothing, décor, spare linen.
Label Every Box Properly
Each box should include:
- Destination room (e.g., “Master Bedroom”)
- Brief contents (e.g., “Winter clothes, spare blankets”)
- “Fragile” sticker if required
Clear labelling speeds up unloading dramatically and means your removalists can place items in the right room from the start.
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
Sort Your Utilities
This is where people lose money and time. Contact providers early — NBN connections in particular can take 2–4 weeks to activate at a new address.
Services to arrange:
- Electricity3
- Gas
- Water (confirm responsibility with landlord or agent)
- Internet/NBN
- Phone plan (if changing)
Two Men and A Truck also offers a free Utility Connections service that handles this for you in one call.
Update Your Address
Notify the following of your new address:
- Banks and credit card providers
- Insurance providers (home, car, health)
- Your employer (HR/payroll)
- Schools or childcare
- Subscriptions (streaming, magazines, deliveries)
- Services Australia — if you receive Centrelink payments, you must update your address within 14 days
Set up mail redirection through Australia Post to catch anything you miss. It typically costs around $35–$55 for 3 months (as of 2025 — confirm current pricing at auspost.com.au).
1 Week Before Moving Day
Create a “Do Not Pack” Zone
Set aside a dedicated spot for items that must travel with you — not in the truck:
- Passports and ID
- Medications (especially time-sensitive ones)
- Phone chargers and power banks
- School or work documents
- Daily toiletries
- Children’s comfort items or toys
- Car keys, house keys
This prevents last-minute panic and keeps critical items accessible.
Prepare Your Appliances
- Defrost the fridge at least 24 hours before moving
- Empty fuel from lawn mowers, generators, or other equipment
- Disconnect and drain washing machine hoses
- Secure loose cables from TVs and electronics
Moving Day Checklist
Moving day runs smoothly when everyone knows the plan.
Before the Truck Leaves Your Old Home
- Do a full walk-through of every room
- Open cupboards, wardrobes, and drawers
- Check sheds, garages, and outdoor storage
- Take metre reading photos (electricity and gas)
- Photograph empty rooms — especially useful if you’re a renter claiming your bond
When You Arrive at Your New Home
Test these immediately:
- Lights and power points
- Stove and oven
- Hot water system
- Internet connection
- Smoke alarms
If anything isn’t working, contact the relevant provider or your property manager straight away. Document it in writing.
Direct Furniture Placement on the Day
Have a simple floor plan ready — even a rough sketch on paper. Tell the removalists which room each piece goes in before they start unloading. It saves time and avoids heavy lifting twice.
📦 Pack Smarter with Professional Help
Need a hand with packing? Two Men and A Truck offers professional packing and unpacking services — they’ll declutter, pack, and organise everything, so you don’t have to. 📞 1300 880 412 | Request a Quote
Your First Night Essentials Box
Keep one box (or a bag) with you in the car — not on the truck. You will be tired. Make night one easy.
Include:
- Toiletries and medications
- Pyjamas and a fresh change of clothes
- Toilet paper (always forgotten)
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Phone chargers
- Kettle, mugs, and teabags or coffee
- Bedding and a pillow
- Snacks and water
Security Checklist After Moving In
Don’t skip this. You have no way of knowing who previously had keys to your new home.
- Change all external door locks — this is non-negotiable
- Test every smoke alarm (replace batteries if needed)
- Check all window locks are working
- Inspect outdoor lighting
- Confirm fencing and gates are secure
If you’re renting, speak to your property manager about lock changes — you may be able to request them formally.
Moving Cost Breakdown: What to Budget For
Costs vary based on distance, home size, and services. These are general ranges to help you plan (not fixed quotes):
| Service | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Local move (2-bed home, half day) | $450 – $900 |
| Local move (3-bed home, full day) | $900 – $1,600 |
| Interstate move (Sydney–Melbourne) | $1,500 – $3,500+ |
| Professional packing service | $300 – $800+ |
| Moving boxes (full set) | $80 – $200 |
| Mail redirection (3 months) | $35 – $55 |
| Transit insurance | Varies by value |
These are estimates only. Get a written quote for accurate pricing for your specific move.
Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking removalists too late Peak periods book out weeks in advance. End of month, school holidays, and summer are especially busy.
- Underestimating how many boxes you need Most people run short mid-pack. Order more than you think and return unused ones.
- Forgetting to arrange utilities before moving NBN can take 2–4 weeks. Don’t assume it transfers automatically.
- Not decluttering early enough Packing everything you own wastes money and time. Do it 4 weeks out, not the night before.
- Mixing rooms in boxes One box, one room. Always. It makes unpacking far faster.
- Skipping the final metre reading photos This protects you from being billed for someone else’s usage.
- Not changing locks on arrival Previous tenants or owners may still have spare keys. Change them immediately.
Your Moving Timeline at a Glance
| Timeframe | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| 4 Weeks Out | Book removalist, start decluttering, order boxes |
| 3 Weeks Out | Set up packing station, pack non-essentials |
| 2 Weeks Out | Arrange utilities, update your address |
| 1 Week Out | Pack essentials, prep appliances, confirm booking |
| Moving Day | Final check, test all utilities, direct placement |
| After Moving | Change locks, test alarms, unpack priority rooms |
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Home in Australia
- When should I start packing before moving?
Start packing non-essential items 3 weeks before your move date. Leave daily-use items until the final week. Books, seasonal clothing, and décor are good items to pack first. - How many boxes do I need for a 3-bedroom home?
As a general estimate, a 3-bedroom home requires 40–60 boxes. This varies based on how much you’ve accumulated over time. It’s better to order slightly more than you think you’ll need. - Should I change the locks after moving in?
Yes. You cannot verify who has copies of keys from previous occupants. Changing all external locks is a basic security step that’s easy to overlook in the chaos of moving. - How early should I book a removalist in Australia?
Book 4–6 weeks in advance for a standard move. During peak periods — school holidays, December–January, and end of month — book even earlier. - What should I unpack first in my new home?
Start with the kitchen (essentials only), then bathroom, then bedrooms. Get the basics working first so you can eat, sleep, and shower comfortably. Leave less-used rooms for later. - How do I reduce moving stress?
Break the move into weekly stages and start 4 weeks out. The biggest source of moving stress is leaving decisions too late. A clear checklist, booked early, removes most of that pressure. - Does Two Men and A Truck offer insurance for my belongings?
Yes. Free basic insurance is included with every move. Additional comprehensive insurance cover is also available for higher-value items. - Can Two Men and A Truck help with packing?
Yes. Their professional packing service covers full or partial packing, including fragile and specialty items.
Ready to Make Moving Day Easy?
Two Men and A Truck has helped over 250,000 Australians move since starting in a Cammeray backyard 35+ years ago. With 85+ trucks, 330+ removalists, and 4.8 stars from over 10,000 reviews, they’re one of Australia’s most trusted moving companies.
Whether you’re moving locally or interstate, their experienced teams handle everything — from packing to placement — so you can focus on settling in.
🚛 Get Your Free Moving Quote Today
No obligation. No hidden fees. Just clear, honest pricing. 📞 Call 1300 880 412 🌐 Get a Quote at twomen.com.au Servicing Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Sunshine Coast & Mornington Peninsula.