The Ultimate Melbourne Moving Checklist (8 Weeks Out to Moving Day)

A week-by-week countdown of everything you need to do before, during, and after your Melbourne move. Print it. Use it. Thank us later.

8 weeks out

• Set your moving date (avoid end of month — peak demand, harder to book)
• Get 3 removalist quotes and check their Google reviews
• Book your removalist — good teams fill up 4–6 weeks ahead
• Start researching storage if there's a gap between leases
• Notify your property manager / real estate of your move-out date

6 weeks out

• Start decluttering — room by room, donate / sell / dump
• Sell large items on Marketplace (furniture takes time to sell)
• Order moving boxes (don't leave this too late)
• Start collecting free boxes from local bottle shops and supermarkets
• Notify utilities of your move date: electricity, gas, internet, water

4 weeks out

• Start packing non-essentials: books, off-season clothes, décor
• Notify Australia Post of address change
• Update your address: bank, ATO, Medicare, Centrelink, licences
• Notify subscriptions and deliveries (meals, magazines, Amazon)
• Arrange pet care / child care for moving day
• Measure doorways at new property for large furniture

2 weeks out

• Continue packing — one room at a time, fully
• Label every box (room + contents + number)
• Book a cleaner for the move-out clean
• Defrost and clean the fridge (needs to be done 24hrs before move)
• Confirm booking with removalist — check arrival time, truck size, crew
• Draw a simple floor plan of the new place for furniture placement

1 week out

• Finish packing all rooms except kitchen and bathroom essentials
• Pack "open first" box (chargers, toilet paper, kettle, bedding, medications)
• Organise parking for the moving truck at both properties
• Confirm lift access / notify neighbours if applicable
• Back up important documents and digital files
• Return borrowed items, collect any valuables in storage

Moving day

• Be home and ready when the crew arrives
• Final walkthrough of old property before truck leaves
• Check all cupboards, under beds, in the garage / storage
• Hand over keys to agent / landlord
• Photograph any pre-existing damage at new property
• Direct crew on furniture placement
• Check all items are in good condition on completion

First week in new home

• Connect internet and utilities
• Change locks (standard practice for any new rental or purchase)
• Register your new address on the electoral roll
• Update car registration with new address (legally required in VIC)
• Introduce yourself to neighbours
• Find your nearest: supermarket, GP, pharmacy, post office
• Leave a Google review for your removalist if they did a great job 😉