Whether you're moving interstate or just a few blocks away, moving day can be daunting. But there's no need to worry; this article will walk you through how to get ready for your big move with our moving house checklist. Let us help take the stress out of moving.

There are a lot of things to keep track of when moving into a new home. Use this checklist to stay on top of it.

2 Months Before Moving House

Book Your Removalists

We always recommend getting several removalist quotes from reputable companies and choosing the one which best suits your needs. With Up Move, you can complete a quick quote request form and receive the best offer straight to your inbox. One platform, all the best companies.

Check With Your Insurance

Find out if your insurance policy covers you if anything is damaged or stolen during the move. Also, it’s a good idea to make a list of your most valuable items and get an estimate of what they're worth if you have to file an insurance claim.

Plan for Your Pets and Family

If you have pets or children, make a plan for them on the day of the move; this could be to have someone supervise them in another room or even to take them away temporarily while the move is in process.

Plan for the Packing

The best would be to arrange for professionals to do the packing for you. Let’s face it, they do this every day - way faster and they know how to make sure everything is safe.

If you decide to pack yourself, make sure you have everything you need:

Label Everything

• Label everything according to the room it needs to go to. You can also create a numbering system for more detailed notes.
• Create a checklist of what your labelling is, that way you can easily check if everything arrived on the other side.

Have a Couple of Tools on Hand

You're going to need a toolbox, so make sure you have one on hand. You’ll need to take a few things apart for the move, and then put them back together again in your new home.

Get the Right Boxes

• Use the right box for the right items.
• Choose your boxes according to the contents and room you are packing.
• If you’re packing fragile items, it is essential that you use the correct type of packaging and box to secure them.

Check out our Last Minute Move Guide if you need the basics and you’re in a rush!

Furniture Packing Supplies

• Furniture packing supplies help protect your bigger items. These are often made of breathable, fabric-like material, which is soft and gentle on furniture surfaces yet durable enough to withstand the rigours of travel and storage.
• They can be used in conjunction with other protective materials or alone to prevent scratches, stains and damage from dust and debris.

Check out our complete guide for moving furniture.

Grab Some Bubble Wrap

• Bubble wrap is an essential item for packing breakables, protecting them from impact and ensuring they arrive at your new home in one piece. Extra bubble wrap is also useful for filling space in boxes, which will prevent your items from moving around during the move. Make sure to order yours ahead of time, so you’re prepared when moving day arrives!

Did you know? Nearly 40 per cent of Australians change address every five years according to the Australian Governments Centre for Population

2 Weeks Before Moving House

Set Up Utilities at the New House

Contact your utility providers to arrange the connection and disconnection of all your services (such as water, electricity, phone, and internet). You will need to transfer some of your accounts from your old address to your new one.

Confirm Final Arrangements With Your Moving Company

Here are some things to double-check:

• Date and time of your booking
• Pickup location
• Destination
• Number of items to be moved
• Special requests

1 Week Before Moving House

Get Ready for Inspection

If you’re selling or ending a lease, make sure your house is ready for inspection. Check the garden, fences and pool (if you have one). Ensure that all the bigger things (like a garden shed) are disassembled and ready to go.

Remember to Keep a Few Essentials in the House for Moving Day

Be prepared and make a first aid kit! The best thing to do is buy a first aid kit, so you don't waste time searching your boxes for basic necessities like plasters and painkillers.

Don't forget toilet paper! Yes, we know it sounds strange, but once people start packing their things up, it's easy to forget about the most important thing in life: toilet paper!

Don't wait until moving day to get cleaning supplies. You'll probably want to clean both houses once everyone has moved out and you’re ready to move in - so be prepared by having cleaning supplies at both properties. This is important if you’re using professional cleaners too - some charge extra for cleaning supplies.

2-3 Days Before Moving House

Pack an Overnight Bag

You won't feel like unpacking on your first night in your new house, so prepare for this by packing an overnight bag to take with you in the car. Pack a change of clothes, sleepwear, toiletries and any medication you or your family members might need.

You'll also want to keep your phone charger at hand, as well as any other necessities that may be required during the first few hours of settling into your new place.

Clean the Fridge/Freezer/Pantry

This one is pretty self-explanatory; there's nothing worse than a freezer defrosting while in transit, so do yourself a favour and give these areas a quick once-over before leaving your old home behind. It's also worth taking this opportunity to throw out expired items.

Do the Last Bit of Laundry

You probably won’t have any more time for laundry until you’re in your new house - so get that last load done before the washer dryer gets carried away.

Sort out Your Keys

Make sure you have ALL the keys. That includes the front door, back door and any room keys that there might be. Also, check that you have the spares.

Secure Your Valuables/Documents

Don’t let these go into just any box. Make sure you know where they are, and you can even take those boxes with you personally if necessary.

Make Sure Your New House is Ready

After acquiring keys to your new home, it's essential to make sure everything is ready. The first and most important step is to make sure the house has been thoroughly cleaned. You may also want to hire pest control services to treat the home - so you don’t inherit any nasty surprises.

For furniture items like couches and beds, ensure you have clear passage throughout the home before moving these in. Take your tape measure and make sure everything is going to fit where you want it.

If you also need to move appliances such as washing machines or fridges, make sure that there's enough room around power outlets so they can be plugged in without fuss.

1 Day Before Your Move

Check That Everything is Ready for Moving Day

Double-check that the driveway to your home is accessible and all the rubbish has been removed. If you're moving out of a rental property, make sure that you’ve booked a professionally cleaned by end of lease cleaners.

Take Your Children and Pets to Your Chosen Carer

The night before the move, get the dogs, cats and kids to their godparents or carers. You don’t want to worry about them on moving day.

On The Day of Your Move

Expect a Call From Your Removalist

Your removalist will call you on the day of the move, to confirm that they are on schedule, etc. Make sure they have access to your building or property.

Handover the Keys

Give your new keys to the real estate agent, landlord or new owners, if they're ready to move in.

Last-Minute Checks

Inspect the property one last time to ensure you haven't left any items behind. Once everything is out of the old house, give your end of lease cleaners access so they can get to work.

At Your New House

Open up for your movers and let them know which rooms are which. They can then put the boxes where they need to be - making it easier for you later.

Looking for the best moving companies?

Try Upmove to find the best removalists across Australia. You'll receive multiple quotes from verified and reliable moving services in one request.