Great moves aren't lucky — they're planned. Use this countdown to stay ahead of the chaos. Tick items off as you go and you'll walk into moving day calm, packed and confident.
6 weeks before
Get 2–3 quotes from local removalists
Compare hourly rates, minimum hours, and what's included (trucks, blankets, insurance).
Book your removalist and lock in the date
Notify landlord / list your current home
Sort every room: keep, donate, sell, bin
Start using up freezer and pantry stock
4 weeks before
Order boxes, tape, butcher paper and bubble wrap
Redirect mail with Australia Post
Update address: bank, insurance, Medicare, licence, electoral roll
Book time off for move day + the day after
Arrange schools, childcare and vet records if moving suburbs
2 weeks before
Pack non-essentials (books, décor, out-of-season clothes)
Confirm truck size and crew with your removalist
Book lift, loading dock or parking permit if needed
Arrange disconnection + reconnection of utilities
Plan the freezer defrost 24h before move day
1 week before
Pack an essentials box
Kettle, mugs, chargers, meds, toilet paper, snacks, a change of clothes.
Disassemble what you can (bed frames, table legs)
Label every box: room + priority (1 = open first)
Confirm arrival time and access with your removalist
Withdraw a bit of cash for tips or last-minute costs
Moving day
Be up early and dressed for lifting
Keep essentials + valuables with you, not on the truck
Do a final walk-through of every room and cupboard
Take meter readings (electricity, gas, water)
Direct the crew at the new place — you know where things go
Key takeaways
- Book the removalist 6 weeks out — good crews fill fast
- Declutter before you pack, not after
- Label boxes by room AND priority
- Essentials box travels with you, not the truck