Moving to your first home is exciting! But it can feel overwhelming too. Having to pack up your entire life, put it onto a truck and start again can be stressful because it isn’t something that happens. This NSW moving checklist and guide will help you stay organised. Follow these simple moving tips to make your relocation smooth.
6-8 Weeks Before Moving
Start planning early.
- Book your removalist company now or call in favours with your mates.
- If needed, compare prices and reviews and get quotes from moving companies.
- Secure your moving date in writing.
- Peak times are weekends and the end of the month. It won’t be OK for everyone, but if you can make it work, it is much easier to move on a weekday when more people are at work.
- If you don’t already have a list of companies that have your address, keep track of which companies send you letters. These are the addresses you will need to change when you move house.
Sort through your belongings.
- Decide what to keep, donate, or sell. Go through your wardrobe, if you haven’t worn something for the last year, do you really need it?
- Start decluttering room by room. Don’t move stuff you don’t need! You might think you will do it after you move, but you won’t, your things will sit in a box in the garage and never get opened.
- Take photos of valuable items for insurance
4 Weeks Before Moving
Start packing non-essentials.
- Get some boxes. Either buy them or get them second hand. You might need around 30 for a 2 bedroom house, but it will depend on how much stuff you have and how big the boxes are. For a 2 bedroom house you will probably need a 6.4m long truck.
- Pack seasonal clothes and things you don’t use often first
- Box up books and decorations
- Label every box clearly
- Keep a master list of what’s in each box
2 Weeks Before Moving
Notify important services.
- Contact your electricity, gas and water companies
- Arrange internet connections
- Set up Australia Post mail redirection (available for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months)
Confirm moving details.
- Double-check the booking with your removalist
- If you don’t have a driveway, arrange parking permits if needed for the moving truck or speak to your neighbours to see if you can work together to reserve a good spot
1 Week Before Moving
Plan your moving day schedule. That way things will be easier on the day and you would have thought through some of the things that may arise. For example, how will you eat breakfast if everything is packed?
Pack your essentials box.
- Toiletries and medications
- Phone chargers
- Important documents
- Snacks and water bottles
- Basic tools
- Toilet paper and cleaning supplies
Moving Day
Final checks at your old home.
- Do a final walkthrough of every room
- Check all cupboards and storage spaces
- Turn off lights and appliances
- Lock all windows and doors
- Hand over keys to your real estate agent
At your new home.
- Make sure you or someone else is there when the movers arrive
- Clean before your furniture is put in its final place. Same with things like the back of the fridge. It is the only time you will see it until it breaks so put it in clean and it will work more efficiently.
- Direct the movers where to place furniture and boxes
- Check items off your inventory list to make sure everything makes it to your new home
- Keep your essentials box handy
- Check all utilities are connected
- Take meter readings for gas and electricity
- Organise for the locks to be changed for security
After Moving
Settle into your new home.
- Unpack essential items first
- Update your address with remaining services
- Meet your new neighbors
- Register with local medical centers
- Find your nearest shops and services
- Work slowly for the next month to get your life back into order. It doesn’t have to happen in a few days!
Handle the paperwork.
- Update your address with Medicare
- Notify your bank and credit card companies
- Tell your employer about your new address
- Update your driver license through Service NSW (can be done online via MyServiceNSW Account)
- Update the Australian Electoral Commission once you’ve lived at your new address for at least one month
- Update your address with all other companies that used to send you letters
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book movers in NSW?
Book your removalist 6-8 weeks in advance for the best prices. Peak moving times are weekends and the end of the month. Booking early means better availability and prices. You’ll also secure your preferred moving date. Summer months (December to February) are the busiest moving season in NSW.
How do I update my address?
Start with the Australia Post mail redirection service. You can redirect mail for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months and include up to 6 names on your application. Update Service NSW for your driver license through your MyServiceNSW Account. This also updates your vehicle registration and CTP insurance automatically. Tell Centrelink if you receive payments. Contact your bank and insurance companies. Don’t forget your employer and super fund. Update the Australian Electoral Commission after living at your new address for at least one month.
What essentials to pack last?
Pack a separate box for moving day. Include toilet paper and hand soap. Add phone chargers and power boards. Pack medications and first aid items. Include snacks and drinks. Add important documents like contracts. Pack a change of clothes. Include basic tools like scissors and tape. Keep cleaning supplies handy.
Ready to Move?
Your moving checklist NSW is now complete. Take it one step at a time. Stay organised and ask for help when needed.
Before you buy your next property, make sure you know what you’re getting into. Visit checkthisproperty.com.au to get detailed property reports. Make informed decisions about your new home with confidence.