Moving House Checklist Australia

Quick Answer:

Moving house in Australia involves more steps than most people plan for, and most problems happen not on moving day but in the weeks before it. Start at least eight weeks out: confirm your move date, get removalist quotes, give notice to your landlord, and start decluttering. This checklist organises every task by timeline, from eight weeks out to your first week in the new home.

Removalists book out weeks in advance. Notice periods expire unnoticed. Utilities get disconnected at the wrong time, and address changes chase you for months. The following week-by-week checklist covers every stage of a move in Australia planning, packing, address changes, moving day, and settling in.

If your move involves temporary storage, see StorHub moving services and the storage section later in this guide. State-specific requirements are noted with [NSW], [VIC], [QLD], [ACT] always verify the current rules with your state's tenancy authority, as they change.

Moving House Checklist at a Glance

Use this timeline table to track your move at a high level. Detailed tasks are in the sections below.

When	Key tasks	Who	Done?
8 weeks out	Set move date, get removalist quotes, give rental notice, identify storage needs	You / removalist	☐
6 weeks out	Declutter, notify utilities and internet, book council waste collection	You / providers	☐
4 weeks out	Update address myGov, AEC, bank, licence, super, employer, insurers	You	☐
2 weeks out	Pack non-essential rooms, set up mail redirection, confirm all bookings	You / Australia Post	☐
Week before	Pack daily-use rooms, confirm access and keys, arrange parking permit for truck	You / council	☐
Moving day	Meter readings both properties, direct removalists, sign off paperwork	You / removalist	☐
First week	Confirm all utilities, register for bins, update remaining addresses	You / council	☐

8 Weeks Before Moving Day

This is the planning and booking phase. Decisions made now determine whether everything that follows runs smoothly. Removalists and storage units both have limited availability — the further out your book, the more choice you have.

Moving decisions

☐ Confirm your move date work backwards from lease end date, settlement date, or building access

☐ Get at least three quotes from licensed removalists verify their AFRA membership or state licence if moving interstate

☐ Decide what you will move yourself versus what the removalists handle hire van or full service?

☐ Assess everything in the home: keep, donate, sell, or dispose less to move means a faster, cheaper move

☐ If moving interstate: confirm the removalist holds an interstate transport licence.

Rental notice renters only

Notice period requirements vary by state, lease type, and reason for leaving. The table below shows indicative requirements always check your lease and contact your state tenancy authority for the rules that apply to your situation.

State/Territory	Indicative notice (end of fixed term)	How to notify	Official source
NSW	14 days	Written notice to landlord or agent	nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property
VIC	28 days	Written notice to landlord or agent	consumer.vic.gov.au
QLD	14 days Form 13 for periodic	Written notice; Form 13 for periodic tenancy	rta.qld.gov.au
ACT	3 weeks	Written notice to landlord or agent	accesscanberra.act.gov.au
SA / WA / TAS / NT	Varies	Written notice to landlord or agent	Contact your state tenancy authority

These are indicative only. Break-lease notice periods differ from end-of-fixed-term periods. Your lease may specify different requirements. Always verify with your state tenancy authority before giving notice.

Storage decisions

☐ Identify items that won't fit at the new property or need interim storage furniture, vehicles, business stock. See StorHub storage solutions.

☐ Book a storage unit early if needed early booking secures the right size and floor level. Facilities: NSW | QLD (North Lakes) | VIC (Braeside, Seaford) | ACT (Fyshwick).

☐ Order packing materials boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers. StorHub Box Shop stocks what you need.

6 Weeks Before Moving Day

Declutter and sell

☐ Go room by room keep, donate, sell, or dispose. The less you move, the faster and cheaper moving day is

☐ List and photograph high-value items for insurance and inventory purposes

☐ Book a council bulky waste or hard rubbish collection most councils require 1–2 weeks' notice [check your local council website for current dates and rules]

☐ List furniture for sale on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree allow 2–3 weeks for items to sell

☐ Arrange charity pickup for donated items Salvos, Vinnies, and The Smith Family offer furniture collection in most metro areas [check availability in your suburb]

Utilities and internet start notifying now

☐ Electricity: contact your retailer to arrange disconnection at current address and connection at new address on moving day

☐ Gas: arrange disconnection and connection if gas is connected at both properties

☐ Internet and NBN: check NBN availability at new address via nbnco.com.au if switching providers, book now (allow 5–10 business days for NBN connections, longer for some areas)

☐ Water: in most states, water is managed through the landlord, or strata confirm who is responsible at the new property

☐ Cancel or update Pay TV, streaming, and other subscription services

4 Weeks Before Moving Day

Government services update via myGov where possible

☐ ATO, Centrelink, Medicare: update via my.gov.au one login updates multiple agencies simultaneously

☐ Electoral roll: update at aec.gov.au legally required within 8 weeks of moving

[NSW] Service NSW

☐ Update your driver's licence, vehicle registration, and other NSW state services at service.nsw.gov.au — many can be done in one transaction online

[VIC] VicRoads / VicRoads Connect

☐ Update driver's licence at vicroads.vic.gov.au required within 3 days of moving

[QLD] Transport and Main Roads

☐ Update driver's licence and vehicle registration separately at tmr.qld.gov.au

[ACT] Access Canberra

☐ Update driver's licence and registration at accesscanberra.act.gov.au

Financial and personal address changes

☐ All bank accounts update online or via app for every account

☐ Credit cards update billing address

☐ Superannuation update via your super fund's portal or via myGov

☐ Health insurance notify your provider; some policies have address-dependent benefits or network restrictions

☐ Home and contents insurance notify insurer of move date; failure to notify may affect cover

☐ Car insurance notify of new address; garage location affects your premium

☐ Employer payroll update address for pay slips and tax purposes

☐ Loyalty programs, subscriptions, and clubs search your inbox for your old address in confirmation emails

2 Weeks Before Moving Day

Packing non-essential rooms first

☐ Pack spare bedrooms, study, garage, attic, and storage areas leave daily-use rooms until the final week

☐ Label every box: ROOM + brief contents ("Kitchen pots and pans" is more useful than "Kitchen")

☐ Pack heavier items in smaller boxes do not make any box too heavy to carry safely

☐ Photograph the back of all electronics before unplugging you will know how to reconnect at the new home

☐ Defrost fridge and freezer at least 24 hours before the move transport upright

☐ Pack your essentials box (see packing section below). Need more boxes? StorHub Box Shop

Mail redirection

☐ Set up Australia Post mail redirection at auspost.com.au/receiving/mail-redirection-mail-hold allow at least 3 full business days before moving day; from $34/month

Confirm all bookings

☐ Confirm removalist booking time, both addresses, any special items (piano, artwork, gym equipment, pool table)

☐ Confirm access and key handover arrangements for new property who has keys, and at what time?

☐ Arrange a parking permit for the removalist truck if needed contact local council at least 5 business days in advance

☐ Confirm StorHub storage unit booking and access details see keyless SmartLock entry

The Week Before You Move

☐ Pack all remaining daily-use rooms leave only what you need for the next 7 days unpacked

☐ Confirm all utilities are switching on moving day electricity, gas, internet

☐ Check that your vehicle has fuel you may be making multiple trips

☐ Arrange for someone to watch children or pets on moving day if possible it simplifies logistics significantly

☐ Return any borrowed items; collect anything of yours from friends or neighbours

☐ Prepare an inventory list of everything going into storage, if using a storage unit

☐ Confirm removalist and storage access for moving day. Check StorHub moving services for free move-in van availability at your facility

☐ Pack the essentials box last it loads last, unloads first

Moving Day Checklist

Before removalists arrive at the old property

☐ Walk through entire property: all rooms, wardrobes, cupboards, roof space, under-stair storage, shed, and outdoor areas

☐ Take electricity and gas meter readings at the old property photograph them

☐ Ensure essentials box is clearly labelled and easily accessible it goes on the truck last

☐ Collect all keys, garage remotes, security fobs, and mail keys keep them with you, not in a box

At the new property

☐ Take electricity and gas meter readings at the new property before unpacking photograph them

☐ Check that all inclusions listed in the contract or lease are present

☐ Locate the fuse box, water mains shutoff, and gas shutoff

☐ Confirm electricity, gas, and internet are connected and working

☐ Direct removalists to specific rooms supervise the unload so heavy items end up in the right place

☐ Check every item off your inventory list as it comes off the truck

☐ Sign removalist paperwork and note any damage before removalists leave photograph any damage

☐ If using StorHub storage: confirm your PIN code access or SmartLock setup see keyless entry

Vacating a rental exit checklist

☐ Deep clean the entire property: oven, rangehood filter, bathroom grout, skirting boards, inside all cupboards

☐ Steam clean carpets if required by lease keep the receipt as evidence

☐ [NSW] Complete bond claim via NSW Fair Trading or use the Rental Bonds Online portal

☐ [VIC] Submit Condition Report comparison; claim bond via RTBA Online through Consumer Affairs VIC

☐ [QLD] Complete Form 4 (Refund of Rental Bond) with your agent; bond is managed by the

☐ [ACT] Lodge bond claim via ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal process if needed

☐ Return all keys, garage remotes, intercom fobs, and access cards keep written record of return

☐ Cancel direct debits for rent

☐ Get written confirmation from agent that the property has been accepted in agreed condition

First Week in Your New Home

☐ Confirm all utilities are running correctly electricity, gas, water, internet

☐ Register for council waste and recycling bins if required some councils require separate registration for a new address

☐ Check local parking restrictions, street sweeping days, or resident permit requirements

☐ Locate nearest GP, hospital, dentist, pharmacy, and council waste centre

☐ Confirm electoral roll update at aec.gov.au if not completed before moving day required within 8 weeks [FACT CHECK REQUIRED]

☐ Continue updating remaining subscriptions and memberships as your old address surfaces

☐ If using StorHub: visit your unit to confirm everything arrived safely and note any items you'll need in the first month. See StorHub storage services

Australian Address and Service Changes

Utilities, internet and essential services

● Electricity and gas: notify your retailer 2–4 weeks before moving day arrange disconnection at old address and connection at new address for the same day

● Internet / NBN: check NBN availability at the new address before booking allow 5–10 business days for connections; some areas need longer

● Water: responsibility for water accounts varies by state and property type confirm with your landlord, strata manager, or the new property's water authority

● Australia Post mail redirection: set up at least 3 full business days before moving day; runs for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months

Government, licence and electoral details

● myGov: updates ATO, Centrelink, and Medicare simultaneously the most efficient single step in this category

● Electoral roll: required within 8 weeks of moving update at aec.gov.au [FACT CHECK REQUIRED]

● Driver's licence: requirements vary by state NSW (Service NSW), VIC (VicRoads within 3 days, QLD (TMR), ACT (Access Canberra). Each state has different timeframes and methods

● Vehicle registration: update separately from licence in most states confirm current process with your state transport authority

● Passport: update your address with the Australian Passport Office if applicable

Banks, insurers, healthcare and subscriptions

● Banks and credit cards: update online or via app do all accounts in one session to avoid missing one

● Superannuation: update via your fund's portal or through myGov if your fund is linked

● Health insurance: notify your fund some extras cover is linked to hospital networks that may differ at your new address

● Home and contents insurance: your policy is address-dependent notify insurer of your move date to avoid gaps in cover

● Car insurance: garage address affects your premium — update immediately

● GP, specialists, dentist: if changing providers, request your records be transferred Medicare records are held centrally

● Subscriptions and loyalty programs: search your inbox for your old postcode or street name to find accounts you might otherwise miss

Packing and Labelling Checklist

Room labelling system

Label every box on two sides (one label may face the wall). Use this format: ROOM / CONTENTS / PRIORITY for example: "Master Bedroom / Winter clothes / Low" or "Kitchen / Kettle, mugs, coffee / Open first."

Colour-code by room using coloured tape or markers agree the colour scheme with your removalist before moving day so boxes go directly to the right room.

Essentials box pack this last, unload first

This box survives moving day without unpacking anything else. Label it "OPEN FIRST" in large letters.

☐ Toilet paper

☐ Kettle, mugs, tea, coffee, sugar, milk (if travelling short distance)

☐ Phone chargers and a power board

☐ One set of bed linen per person

☐ A change of clothes and pyjamas per person

☐ Towels

☐ Toiletries soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo

☐ Any daily prescription medications

☐ Snacks, water bottles

☐ Wi-Fi router and credentials

☐ Pet food, bowls, lead, and litter tray if applicable

☐ Important documents passport, lease, insurance, settlement papers

☐ Basic tools screwdriver, allen key for flat-pack reassembly

☐ Notepad and pen

General packing tips

● Pack heavy items (books, crockery) in small boxes never make any box too heavy to carry safely

● Wrap breakables individually in paper or bubble wrap stack plates vertically, not horizontally

● Fill empty spaces in boxes with scrunched paper or clothing to prevent items shifting

● Seal all boxes fully with tape partially open boxes collapse under weight

● Do not pack anything flammable, corrosive, or perishable removalists cannot transport these

Packing supplies: StorHub Box Shop stocks boxes in multiple sizes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers.

Moving With Children, Pets or Apartments

Moving with children

☐ Involve children in decisions where practical let them pack their own "essentials bag" with favourite toys and comfort items

☐ Arrange childcare for moving day, if possible, it significantly reduces stress and safety risk on the day

☐ Pack children's beds and bedroom items last on the truck, so they can be set up first in the new home

☐ Locate the nearest school enrolment office, GP, and child health centre for the new area before moving

☐ Notify school of the new address and, if changing schools, request school records and enrolment paperwork in advance

Moving with pets

☐ Keep pets secured and away from the activity on moving day consider asking a friend to supervise them or using a pet sitter

☐ Update pet microchip registration with the new address via your state's registry

☐ Pack pet essentials in the essentials box food, bowls, lead, litter, bedding, and any medications

☐ Find a local vet in the new area before moving; request vaccination and health records from your current vet

Moving in or out of apartments

Apartments have building-specific requirements that standard house moves do not. Check with the strata manager or building manager for your current and new building, as requirements vary.

☐ Book the building's service lifts many buildings require advance booking and have restricted hours (check your building's rules)

☐ Arrange a parking permit or loading zone exemption for the removalist truck contact your local council at least 5 business days before moving

☐ Check whether the building requires lift padding or floor protection this is the removalist's responsibility to supply, but confirm in advance

☐ Notify the building manager of your moving date and time

☐ Arrange access to the building outside standard hours if your move extends into the evening

When Temporary Self Storage Can Help

Self-storage is not necessary for every move, but it solves a specific and common problem: the gap between leaving your old home and your belongings being ready for the new one.

● Settlement delay: you must vacate your rental but settlement on the new purchase is delayed by 1–4 weeks furniture needs somewhere secure in the interim

● Renovation before moving in the new property needs 4–8 weeks of work before it's habitable storage holds your furniture safely while tradies work

● Downsizing: moving from a larger home to a smaller one; some furniture won't fit the new space, and storage bridges the decision period sell, donate, or keep?

● Decluttering in stages: you need to move quickly but don't have time to sort everything storage takes the overflow while you make deliberate decisions over the following weeks

● Interstate move: your belongings arrive before you are ready to receive them a local StorHub unit at the destination holds everything securely until you're ready

● Staged delivery: new furniture is arriving over several weeks storage holds existing items safely while deliveries roll in

StorHub provides short-term moving storage with no deposit and month-to-month terms. Free move-in van is available at select facilities. Find your nearest location: NSW (Forestville, Homebush, Revesby, Miranda, Rouse Hill) | QLD (North Lakes) | VIC (Braeside, Seaford) | ACT (Fyshwick).

For contents protection on stored items during a move, see StoreProtect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do first when moving house in Australia?

A: Start at least eight weeks before moving day. Confirm your move date, get at least three quotes from licensed removalists they book out weeks in advance for weekends and end-of-month dates — give formal notice to your landlord, and begin assessing what you are keeping versus donating or selling. The earlier you start, the more choice and leverage you have over every other part of the move.

Q: When should I start packing for a house move?

A: Start packing non-essential rooms spare bedrooms, study, garage, and attic storage at least two weeks before moving day. Pack rooms you use daily last, in the 48–72 hours before the move. Pack your essentials box last of all so it unloads first at the new home.

Q: Who needs my new address when I move house in Australia?

A: Update the ATO, Centrelink, and Medicare via my.gov.au; the electoral roll at aec.gov.au; your state transport authority for your driver's licence and vehicle registration; all bank accounts, credit cards, and superannuation; your employer; your health insurer and car insurer; and Australia Post for mail redirection. Check your lease or strata rules for any building-specific requirements.

Q: What do I need on moving day?

A: Have your essentials box accessible and clearly labelled it loads last and unloads first. Take electricity and gas meter readings at both properties and photograph them. Locate the fuse box, water mains shutoff, and gas shutoff at the new property. Have all keys, remotes, and access cards ready to hand over when leaving the old property.

Q: What should be in an essentials box when moving house?

A: Toilet paper, kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, phone chargers, a power board, one set of bed linen per person, a change of clothes and pyjamas, towels, toiletries, any daily medications, snacks and water, the Wi-Fi router and credentials, pet essentials if applicable, important documents, and basic tools. Label the box "OPEN FIRST" in large text.

Q: When is temporary self-storage useful during a house move?

A: Storage is most useful when there is a gap between leaving your old home and the new one being ready for example, a settlement delay, a renovation period, or an interstate move where belongings arrive before you are ready to receive them. It also helps when downsizing, where some furniture won't fit the new property and you need time to decide what to do with it. Find a StorHub facility near you no deposit, month-to-month terms.

Need moving storage? StorHub provides short-term storage for the gap between your old home and your new one. No deposit, month-to-month terms, free move-in van at select facilities. Find your nearest StorHub facility and see live availability today. Check current promotions for the best available rate.