Moving house checklist: your ultimate guide to a stress-free move

Let’s be real – moving house can be a bit of a rollercoaster. The excitement of a new place, mixed with all that packing, planning and brain space to ensure you haven’t left anything behind (including your sanity) – it’s a lot. 

Recent statistics show that 40% of Australian households said they’d moved at least once in the past five years, while one survey revealed that 85.3% of people said moving house was a stressful process. 

Planning is key to staying on top of it all – and we’re here to help! We’ve created the ultimate moving house checklist, covering everything from advice on efficient packing to staying on top of the paperwork, plus all those essential moving tips that will make life easier. With this guide, you’ll breeze through your move like a pro.

Planning your move – three months out

When you’re three months out from moving, it’s time to start laying the groundwork for a smooth transition. Early planning will help you feel organised and stress-free ahead of the big day.

Set a moving date

Start by deciding on your moving day. Consider any work commitments, school schedules or holidays, and pick a date that gives you plenty of time to prepare. Once you have a date, use our moving house checklist (scroll down to find it) to create a timeline with key milestones to keep everything on track.

Book your TAXIBOX

Why rush your packing when you can do it at your own pace? TAXIBOX is the answer! We deliver a TAXIBOX to your door, letting you load it up whenever you’re ready. Need it stored? We’ll keep it safe until your new house is ready. The flexibility and convenience can’t be beaten!

Notify relevant parties

Add a list of everyone who needs to know about your move to your moving house checklist. This includes insurance and utility companies (gas, electricity and water), internet providers, banks and any subscription services. Don’t forget to also update your address with the post office and/or redirect your mail (yes, people still send our mail).

Packing like a pro – three weeks out

With three weeks to go, it’s time to pack smart! A little preparation now will make moving and unpacking your new home a breeze.

Gather your supplies

Stock up on essentials like boxes, tape and bubble wrap. Here are TAXIBOX, we offer a range of packing supplies that can be delivered straight to your door, saving you from those last-minute dashes to the store. After all, when it comes to moving, the easier, the better!

Declutter before you pack

Moving house is the perfect opportunity to declutter. Go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate or sell. Even though you might be tempted to chuck everything in boxes and deal with it at your new house, it really is a good idea to declutter now. Less clutter means less packing, and besides, when you get to your new place, you want a fresh start, right? Trust us: if you declutter now, future you will be grateful!

Pack room by room

You can start packing as early as three to four weeks out from your move date. Start with the rooms you use the least, like spare bedrooms or storage areas. As the big day moves closer, you can move on to bedrooms and lounge areas. Leave the kitchen and bathroom until last. This way, you’ll still have access to essential items right up until moving day. 

• Lounge areas: Pack books, photos, pictures and decorative items first, wrapping fragile objects in bubble wrap. Disassemble furniture if possible, keeping screws and small parts in labelled bags. Use blankets or bubble wrap to protect larger pieces of furniture like sofas and tables.
• Bedroom: Start by packing out-of-season clothes, shoes and any items stored under the bed. Use wardrobe boxes, which contain a rod for hanging clothes. When it comes time to move, protect your mattress by covering it. 
• Laundry: There probably isn’t a lot you can pack from the laundry until the week of your move. Pack cleaning supplies last – chances are, you’ll need them at some stage. Use a sturdy box for detergents and ensure lids are secure. Consider using laundry baskets to transport items like hangers and pegs. 
• Kitchen: When it comes time to tackle the kitchen, begin by packing infrequently used appliances and cookware. Wrap fragile items like glassware and dishes in bubble wrap or soft cloths and pack them vertically for added protection. Label boxes by category to make unpacking easier.
• Bathroom: Pack rarely used toiletries and medicine cabinet items first. Use small boxes for toiletries, wrapping fragile items like mirrors or glass bottles in bubble wrap or towels. Ensure liquids are sealed tightly to avoid leaks. And keep these boxes away from children and pets.

Packing fragile items

Wrap breakables like glassware and ceramics in bubble wrap or soft clothing. Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter ones on top. For added protection, consider using TAXIBOX padding.

Label your boxes

Create a labelling system that works for you, whether it’s colour-coding by room or numbering boxes and keeping a list of contents. This will make unpacking much easier and ensure everything ends up in the right place.

Patch and fix

Before you leave your old home, check for any minor repairs needed around the house. Patch up holes, fix loose handles and replace any blown light bulbs. If you rent, you will need to confirm your exit requirements with your agent.

Book a cleaner

Hire a professional cleaner with experience in house or bond cleaning. They’ll make sure your old place is spotless, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Check your paperwork

Cancel deliveries, update your address and redirect your mail, ensure you have insurance sorted for your new house, and make sure your utility providers are all set to get you connected in your new home.

Almost done – three days out

It’s time to tie up loose ends and prepare for a smooth move.

Moving day kit

Pack a bag with essentials for moving day. We’re talking toiletries, snacks, a change of clothes, medications and important documents. Having these items handy will keep you comfortable during the move. No one wants to be busy and hangry, right?

Read through your moving house checklist

Double-check your timeline and ensure everything is on track. Confirm the moving day arrangements, and check that you’ve packed everything you need.

Moving day essentials

Today’s the big day. Are you ready?

Final walkthrough

Before leaving your old home, do a final walkthrough to ensure nothing is left behind. Check cupboards, drawers and any storage spaces.

Supervising the move

Chat with the removalists on arrival to confirm your expectations and requirements. Keep an eye on the loading and unloading process to ensure boxes are handled with care and everything ends up in the right place. Stay organised with your labelling system.

Settling into your new home

As you settle into your new home, focus on the essentials to make the transition comfortable.

Unpack essentials first

Prioritise unpacking the essentials. Start with the kitchen and bedding so you can enjoy a good meal and have a good night’s sleep in your new home.

Connecting utilities

Set up your electricity, water and internet as soon as possible. Arrange for technicians to visit if needed, so you can settle in without any interruptions.

Change of address

Now that you’re in your new house make sure to update your address with any remaining services, and don’t forget to change your driver’s licence and update your details with the Electoral Commission.

Printable moving house checklist

Three months before moving:

• Set your moving date and create a timeline.
• Book your TAXIBOX for flexible packing.
• Notify utility companies, banks and other services of your move.
• Start decluttering and decide what to keep, sell or donate.
• Organise insurance for your new house.
• Research storage options if needed.

Three weeks before moving:

• Gather packing supplies: boxes, tape and bubble wrap.
• Start packing non-essential rooms.
• Label boxes by room and contents.
• Arrange for final utility readings and transfers.
• Book a cleaner for your old place.

One week before moving:

• Pack essentials such as toiletries, snacks and documents in a ‘moving day kit’.
• Confirm all moving details with TAXIBOX and real estate agents.
• Defrost and clean your fridge and oven.
• Ensure all personal documents are safely packed.

Moving day:

• Do a final walkthrough of your old home.
• Direct the movers and provide a layout for your new home.
• Check off items as they are loaded and unloaded.
• Hand over keys and lock up the old property.

Settling into your new home:

• Unpack essentials first, starting with the kitchen and bedrooms.
• Check all utilities are connected.
• Update your address with any remaining services.
• Greet your new neighbours and explore the area.

A stress-free move with TAXIBOX

With the right moving house checklist, a little professional support and a positive approach, you’re well on your way to a smooth move. 

Need more advice? Head over to the TAXIBOX blog for tips on staging your home to sell, moving out for the first time and moving interstate. Remember, whether you’re packing at your own pace or need secure mobile or on-site storage for your belongings, TAXIBOX is here to make the process as easy as possible.