House Moving Checklist – 2025 Edition

Moving house is exciting—new beginnings, fresh surroundings, and a space to make your own. But it’s also stressful, time-consuming, and full of forgotten tasks. That’s where this house moving checklist comes in. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or moving across states in Australia, this ultimate checklist for moving home will guide you step-by-step. From 8 weeks out to moving day and beyond, we’ve got every detail covered.

8 Weeks Before Moving – The Planning Phase

Start Your House Move List

• Create a moving house to-do list in a notebook, app, or download a printable moving house checklist for Australia.
• Decide on your moving date.
• Check your lease notice period or settlement dates.
• Create a moving folder (digital or physical) to track quotes, receipts, and paperwork.

Research and Book a Removalist

• Compare quotes from at least 3 professional removalists.
• Ask about packing services, insurance, storage, and hidden charges.
• If moving interstate, confirm timelines and delivery dates.

6 Weeks Before Moving – Declutter and Sort

Declutter Your Home

• Go room by room: keep, donate, sell, discard.
• Hold a garage sale or list items on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree.

Start Using Pantry and Freezer Items

• Begin eating food that won’t travel well.
• Avoid bulk grocery shopping.

Update or Collect Important Documents

• Birth certificates, passports, school reports, medical and dental records.
• Scan copies and save them securely online.

4 Weeks Before Moving – Notify and Organise

Notify Change of Address

irect your mail via Australia Post. Update your address for:

• Banks and cit cards
• Insurance (home, car, health)
• Subscriptions and memberships
• Government services (ATO, Centrelink, Medicare)
• Schools and universities

Organise Utilities

Book disconnection at the old home and reconnection at the new home:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• Internet and phone
• Pay TV

Hire or Gather Packing Supplies

• Boxes of different sizes
• Packing paper, bubble wrap
• Packing tape and scissors
• Labels or permanent markers

2 Weeks Before Moving – Pack and Finalise

Begin Packing Non-Essentials

• Start with items you don’t use daily: books, décor, seasonal clothes.
• Label boxes clearly by room and content.
• Create a priority “unpack first” box.

Organise Care for Pets and Kids

• Arrange babysitting or pet-sitting for moving day.
• Prepare pet travel crates and update microchip details.

Service Your Car (Especially for Long-Distance Moves)

Confirm Moving Day Details

• Confirm booking with removalist and cleaners.
• Arrange time off work if requi.

1 Week Before Moving – Final Prep

Pack Daily Use Items

• Keep out essentials (toiletries, chargers, minimal clothing).
• Pack a “first night” box with:
  • Bedding and towels
  • Snacks, kettle, mugs, tea/coffee
  • Toilet paper and cleaning supplies

Defrost the Freezer

Unplug and clean fridge/freezer 48 hours before moving.

Clean the House or Book Exit Cleaners

Especially important for renters—protect your bond.

Dispose of Hazardous Materials

Safely dispose of paint, gas bottles, chemicals that removalists won’t carry.

Create a Detailed Inventory of Your Belongings

To avoid disputes and simplify insurance claims:

• Photograph high-value items.
• Make a list of the box contents for each room.
• Label boxes with priority levels (Fragile, Open First).
• Cross-check with your mover’s inventory sheet.

Moving Day – The Big Move

Early Morning Checklist

• Pack last-minute essentials.
• Turn off all appliances and switches.
• Record meter readings.
• Lock all windows and doors.

Coordinate with the Movers

• Walk them through the house.
• Highlight fragile or priority boxes.
• Provide a clear moving path.

Keep Essentials With You

• Personal ID
• Medications
• Laptop, phone, chargers

Conduct a Final Walkthrough

• Check cupboards, doors, garage.
• Ensure zero items are left behind.

After the Move – Settling In

Unpack Essentials First

Focus on kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms.

Reconnect Utilities and Internet

If not done earlier, contact providers.

Re-register Your Address

Update electoral roll, driver’s licence, state registrations.

Check Mail irection

Meet the Neighbours

A friendly introduction helps.

Do a Safety Check

• Test smoke alarms
• Check locks
• Locate emergency exits

Expert Strategies to Stay Ahead on Moving Day

Even with a solid checklist in place, moving day can throw curveballs. That’s why having smart habits and practical tactics up your sleeve is just as important as packing boxes. Here are some expert strategies to make your move smoother and smarter:

1. Photograph Setup-Heavy Electronics

Before disconnecting your TV, modem, or gaming setup, take clear photos of the wiring configurations. These visuals will act as a reference when reconnecting devices at your new place—saving you time and frustration.

2. Label Boxes Thoughtfully

It’s common advice to label boxes—but where and how you label matters. Write on the sides of the boxes, not the top, so you can identify contents even when they’re stacked. Include room names and a brief list of contents (e.g., “Kitchen – Pans, Utensils”) to make unpacking systematic.

3. Keep a Handy Toolkit Accessible

The first thing you might need upon arrival isn’t your toiletries—it’s a toolkit. Pack a small bag with essentials like a screwdriver, Allen keys, a measuring tape, masking tape, and a torch. Whether it’s tightening screws or adjusting furniture, this toolkit becomes your go-to during setup.

4. Document the Condition of Your Old Home

Before handing over the keys, take timestamped photos of every room, wall, appliance, and fixture. This protects you in case of disputes with landlords, buyers, or property managers over cleanliness, damage, or bond refunds.

5. Pack a ‘First 24-Hour’ Survival Box

Include bedding, towels, basic cooking utensils, a few snacks, pet food, chargers, and toiletries. After a long moving day, digging through sealed boxes is the last thing you’ll want to do.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a first-time mover or a seasoned pro, this moving home checklist Australia 2025 edition covers everything you need. From prepping two months ahead to settling in, following a structure house moving checklist makes the entire journey smoother. Don’t wing it—download your printable moving house checklist Australia, stick it on the fridge, and tick off tasks as you go.