The moving house checklist for Australians

Moving house gets much easier when everything you need to do sits in one timeline instead of being scattered across different notes, emails and reminders.

This moving house checklist covers the essentials from six to eight weeks before your move through to your first week in your new home. It includes budgeting, removalists, utilities, packing, address changes and moving-day tasks.

Planning your full moving budget early can also help you spot extra costs before they become last-minute surprises.

Use this moving checklist Australia guide as your master checklist and tick off each task as moving day gets closer.

1. 6–8 weeks before moving

• Confirm settlement, lease-end and key-handover dates.
• Create a budget covering removalists or truck hire, boxes, cleaning, storage, utility costs and a contingency buffer.
• Declutter and sell, donate or dispose of things you don't need.
• Decide whether you'll use removalists, move yourself or combine both.
• Compare written removalist quotes and check what's included.
• If you're renting, check your lease, notice requirements and original condition report.
  
  

Starting early can be especially useful for interstate moves or busy moving periods.

2. 3–4 weeks before moving

• Book cleaning, storage, pet care and other services you may need.
• Arrange electricity, gas and internet connection and disconnection dates.
• Check your home and contents insurance dates.
• Start your moving house change-of-address checklist.
• Order boxes and packing materials.
• Start packing rooms and items you use less often.
  
  

3. 1–2 weeks before moving

• Consider Australia Post mail redirection.
• Update important addresses, including relevant myGov-linked services, the AEC, your licence and registration, banks, insurers and employer.
• Pack most remaining belongings and label boxes by room.
• Prepare a first-night box.
• Keep medication, identification, important documents, chargers and valuables with you.
• Confirm the removalist's date, arrival window, parking and access requirements.
• If renting, finish cleaning and repairs and prepare to take final photos and meter readings.
  
  

MyGov currently recommends updating your address with relevant government services, electoral enrolment, driver licence and vehicle registration when moving.

4. The day before moving

• Finish packing.
• Clearly label anything that shouldn't go in the moving truck.
• Defrost and clean your fridge or freezer if required.
• Back up important computers and devices.
• Confirm access and keys for your new home.
• Keep your moving-day essentials separate.
  
  

5. Moving day

• Check cupboards, wardrobes, the garage, balcony, shed and storage areas.
• Take final photos and meter readings where relevant.
• Keep keys, medication, documents, phones and valuables with you.
• Direct labelled boxes to the right rooms.
• Check large items for obvious damage as they're unloaded.
• Set up beds, bathroom essentials and basic kitchen items first.
  
  

6. First week after moving

• Finish any outstanding address changes.
• Check your electricity, gas, internet and insurance are active and correctly billed.
• If renting, complete the required entry-condition process for your state or territory.
• Update schools, childcare, healthcare providers and pet details where relevant.
• Cancel services that are still charging you for your previous property.
• Compare your final moving costs with your original budget.
  
  

Moving house change-of-address checklist

Wondering who to notify when moving house? Your list may include:

• myGov-linked services, Medicare, Centrelink/Services Australia and the ATO
• Australian Electoral Commission
• your state or territory's driver licence and vehicle registration authority
• banks, lenders, super funds and insurers
• employer and payroll
• GP, dentist, pharmacy and private health insurer
• electricity, gas, water and internet providers
• council, strata or body corporate
• schools, childcare and vets
• online retailers and subscription services.
  
  
  

Australia Post also offers paid mail redirection for eligible letters and parcels, which can provide a useful backup while you work through your list of change of address when moving house.

Packing checklist: what to keep with you on moving day

Your moving house packing checklist doesn't need to be complicated. Keep important documents and ID, medication and first aid, keys, phones and chargers, valuables, toiletries, first-night clothing and bedding, basic food and drinks, and essential items for children or pets with you rather than putting them on the truck.

If you are renting: moving-out checklist

Before leaving a rental, check your lease and original condition report. Remove your belongings and rubbish, clean the property to the required standard and account for fair wear and tear under the rules applying in your state or territory.

Take date-stamped photos or video once the property is empty, record relevant meter readings and return keys and remotes. Follow your state or territory's bond process rather than assuming the same rules apply across Australia.

How to keep moving costs under control

Moving costs can add up quickly. Moneysmart recommends working out what you can afford before moving, rather than looking only at rent or the most obvious expenses.

A few practical ways to manage your budget include decluttering before you pay to move unwanted items, comparing written removalist quotes, packing yourself where practical and avoiding unnecessary storage.

Book early if you can, and leave some room in your budget for unexpected expenses rather than budgeting right to the dollar.

What if moving costs are higher than expected?

First, revisit the budget. You may be able to reduce the scope of the move, compare other quotes, sell unwanted items, use available savings or check whether employer or government support applies to your situation.

If there's still a genuine shortfall, borrowing may be one option for eligible Australians. Consider the fees, interest and repayments carefully and whether they comfortably fit your budget before applying.

Credit24 Personal Loans for moving expenses

A Credit24 personal loan may help with eligible moving-related expenses if you've assessed the total cost of the move and your ability to manage repayments.

Credit24 personal loans range from $500 to $10,000, subject to eligibility, credit assessment and responsible lending requirements. Applications are 100% online, with applicable costs provided before you borrow.

Learn more about Credit24 personal loans for moving house.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I start planning a move?

Around six to eight weeks before moving day is a useful starting point. Consider starting earlier if you're moving interstate, relocating a large household or moving during a particularly busy period.

Who should I notify when moving house in Australia?

Your moving house address change checklist should generally cover relevant government services, the AEC, driver licence and vehicle registration, banks, insurers, utilities, your employer, healthcare providers and important subscriptions.

What should I pack separately for moving day?

Keep identification, documents, keys, medication, valuables, phones and chargers, toiletries, first-night clothing and bedding, plus essential child or pet supplies with you.

How can I reduce the cost of moving house?

Declutter before moving, compare written removalist quotes, pack yourself where practical, minimise unnecessary storage and overlapping services, and book ahead where possible.




Sources

For more information about planning a move and updating your details, see:

• myGov – Moving house
• Australia Post – Redirect and hold mail
• Moneysmart – Moving out of home
• Australian Electoral Commission – Change my details