Moving House Checklist for Melbourne: 8 Weeks to Moving Day
By Move Near Me team ·
Short answer: Start 8 weeks out. Confirm your date, book removalists and, if you rent, give written notice (usually at least 28 days). From week 6, sort, sell and organise utilities and mail. Pack non-essentials from week 2. In the final week, confirm with your removalists, finish packing and put together an essentials box.
A house move in Melbourne takes planning. This checklist spreads the work evenly so you’re not rushed at the end.
8 weeks before moving day
- Confirm moving date with the real estate agent, landlord or buyer
- Give notice to your rental provider if you rent: in writing, usually at least 28 days, but check your situation on the Consumer Affairs Victoria renting pages
- Book removalists (get a free quote — we call back within 2 business hours)
- Check your lease for carpet cleaning, garden or other move-out requirements
- Take photos of the property in its current state (useful if there’s a bond dispute later)
6 weeks before
- Start sorting: bin, donate, sell or keep for each item
- List items for sale online (Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree); move quickly at 6–4 weeks out
- Contact utility providers: electricity, gas, water, internet, phone
- Arrange mail redirection with Australia Post (allow a few business days for it to start; check the current lead time with Australia Post)
- Notify your bank, employer, subscriptions and services of your new address
4 weeks before
- Confirm removalists — call and confirm the date, time and any access issues (stairs, lifts, narrow streets, parking)
- Organise parking permits or notify your strata if you’re moving into an apartment
- Book a lift if your new apartment requires one (check the building’s booking rules)
- Arrange final inspection with the real estate agent if it’s a rental move-out
- Decide on extras you might add: packing, rubbish removal, or piano and pool table moving
2 weeks before
- Start packing non-essentials: out-of-season clothes, books, decorations
- Collect boxes (ask grocers, bottle shops or online suppliers, or add our cartons to your quote at $4 each)
- Use up pantry items to reduce packing and weight
- Return borrowed items (library books, hired tools, borrowed goods)
- Confirm utilities: electricity and gas cut-off dates at the old place, connection dates at the new
- Arrange pet and child care for moving day if needed
1 week before
- Confirm with removalists — call to reconfirm the date, time, crew size, and access details
- Finish packing everything except daily essentials
- Pack an essentials box: documents, medications, valuables, phone chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding for night 1, kettle and cups, basic tools
- Defrost and dry the fridge and freezer at least 24 hours before moving day
- Use up final groceries
- Clean as you go: clear cupboards, wipe shelves, throw out rubbish
2–3 days before
- Pack kitchen: crockery, glassware, cutlery, small appliances (leave some plates and mugs out for the last few days)
- Pack bedrooms completely; put essentials aside
- Secure valuable documents in a safe place (title deeds, birth certificates, bank statements, insurance documents)
- Take meter readings (electricity, gas, water) and photograph them
- Confirm parking or lift bookings at your new place
- Clean bathrooms and laundry so they’re ready for final details
Moving day
- Meet removalists 15 minutes early; walk them through the property and point out fragile items, access issues and the route
- Do a final walk-through before they leave: check cupboards, sheds, garages, under stairs, lofts
- Check for damage and point out anything you notice before the removalists leave
- Turn off lights, lock doors and windows
- Take final meter readings if utilities are still connected
- Lock up and hand over keys or confirm final inspection details
After moving day
- Unpack essentials first — bed, bathroom, kitchen
- Check your belongings; if anything was damaged, tell us in writing within 7 days with photos
- Update your address with the ATO, your insurer, VicRoads, Medicare and your bank
- Update your electoral enrolment with the Australian Electoral Commission (this also updates your state enrolment)
- Service appliances or request landlord servicing if you’ve moved into a rental
- Keep your removalist invoice and any cleaning invoices until your bond is sorted
Moving with kids or pets
- Children: arrange childcare on moving day so they’re not underfoot. Take photos of their rooms before packing so they can help unpack.
- Pets: keep them in a secure room on moving day or arrange boarding. Update their microchip registry details and your council pet registration.
If something goes wrong
If something is damaged, photograph it and tell the crew before they leave if you can. With us, tell us in writing within 7 days with photos. Transit insurance for the value of your goods isn’t included in our rates; tick the box in the quote form if you’d like a quote, or check whether your home and contents policy covers goods in transit.
For rental move-outs, your bond is held by the RTBA. If your rental provider claims money from it that you don’t agree with, the dispute goes to VCAT. See our guide to moving out of a rental in Victoria.
FAQ
Q: How far ahead should I book removalists in Melbourne? As early as you can once you know your date, especially for Saturdays, the end of the month and the summer peak. Six to eight weeks gives you the most choice of dates.
Q: How much notice do I give my rental provider? Usually at least 28 days in writing, but it depends on your agreement and circumstances. Check the Consumer Affairs Victoria renting pages.
Q: What should go in the essentials box? Documents, medications, valuables, chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding for the first night, a kettle and cups, and basic tools. Carry it with you rather than putting it on the truck.
Need help moving? Get a free quote or see our house removals service. We’ll help you plan access, parking and any special requirements to make moving day smooth.