1. Planning Your Move
A well-planned move transforms a potentially chaotic milestone into an organized, seamless transition. In Australia, peak moving seasons run through summer and end-of-financial-year periods, meaning removalist trucks and connection windows book out fast.
Whether you're moving across the street or interstate, establishing a clear timeline and realistic budget early ensures you avoid rushed decisions, inflated last-minute removalist rates, and missed utility deadlines.
8–12
weeks
ideal planning window
6.1M
Australians
relocate every year
$4,200
average cost
for a typical house move
Your Moving Timeline
Structure your move into four clear phases. Each phase tackles essential tasks in logical order to prevent last-minute stress.
8–12 Weeks Out
4–8 Weeks Out
1–4 Weeks Out
Moving Week
2. Creating a Moving Checklist
A comprehensive checklist is your most valuable moving asset. From organizing boxes by room to planning utility transfers, having a clear inventory avoids last-minute panic.
Pro Tip
Assign each checklist item to a specific week, not a vague to-do list. Group tasks room by room and tackle bulky items first.
Need Electricity, Gas, Internet or Water Connected?
Connect in one quick free call or online application with Australia's leading energy retailers.
Start Your Move →3. Booking Removalists
Choosing the right removalist is one of the highest-impact decisions you'll make. An accredited mover ensures your belongings arrive intact and on schedule.
Verify Insurance
Ask for a certificate of currency showing public liability and goods-in-transit insurance before committing to any quote.
Check Reviews
Look for 4+ stars across Google, ProductReview.com.au, and Trustpilot. 50+ reviews give a reliable signal — ignore one-off outliers.
Get It in Writing
A written quote with a fixed price (or clear hourly rate) protects you. Never accept a phone-only estimate.
Confirm Fleet Size
Ensure the truck size matches your volume. Overloaded trucks cause damage and delays. Ask if they have furniture blankets and tie-down straps.
4. Connecting Electricity & Gas
Without electricity connected on day one, you can't test appliances, charge devices, or turn on hot water. Organise energy setup well in advance.
Electricity
- • Compare market vs standing offers
- • Check feed-in tariff if you have solar
- • Review usage rates and supply charges
- • Arrange 1–3 days before moving in
Natural Gas
- • Not available in all postcodes
- • Compare natural gas or LPG options
- • Heating bill savings can be significant
- • Allow 1–5 business days
5. Setting Up Internet & Water
In the era of remote work and video streaming, moving into a home without fast internet is frustrating. Plan your broadband lead time early.
Don't Leave Internet Until the Last Minute
NBN connections take 2–10 business days. If you work from home, arrange your connection 3 weeks before moving.
Check the NBN technology type at your new address (FTTP, FTTN, HFC, Fixed Wireless) as speeds and hardware requirements differ.
Water accounts are managed by your regional authority. For buyers, conveyancers typically transfer the account. Tenants are billed directly for consumption by their property manager.
6. Updating Your Address
Address updates are the most tedious administrative part of moving. Use this structured checklist to ensure no essential institution is missed.
Government
- • ATO & myGov
- • Electoral Commission
- • Driver's Licence
- • Medicare / DVA
- • Centrelink
Financial
- • Bank accounts
- • Superannuation fund
- • Credit cards & loans
- • Share registry
- • Insurance providers
Daily Life
- • Australia Post redirect
- • GP and specialists
- • School enrolments
- • Employer / payroll
- • Subscriptions
Utilities
- • Electricity provider
- • Gas provider
- • Internet / NBN
- • Water authority
- • Pay TV / streaming
7. Moving Day Tips
Moving day is where preparation pays off. Even the smoothest moves need attention to these five execution essentials:
Pack an essentials box the night before
Include toilet paper, kettle, mugs, chargers, a change of clothes, medications, and snacks. Load it last, unload it first.
Photograph meter readings at both properties
Timestamped photos of gas, electricity, and water meters protect you from billing disputes at both ends.
Do a room-by-room walkthrough before leaving
Check wardrobes, under beds, attic hatches, the garage, shed, and letterbox. You'd be amazed what stays behind.
Keep children and pets clear of the work area
Arrange a babysitter or pet care for moving day. Little feet in the path of removalists causes accidents and slows everyone down.
Tip your removalists
A cash tip of $20–$50 per person is customary for a great job and often results in noticeably better care of your furniture.
8. Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced movers fall into the same traps. Avoid these common missteps:
❌ Mistake
Booking removalists too late
✅ Fix
Book 4–6 weeks ahead. Weekends and end-of-month dates fill fast.
❌ Mistake
Not decluttering before packing
✅ Fix
Every box you don't pack saves you money and space at the new home.
❌ Mistake
Forgetting to forward mail
✅ Fix
Set up Australia Post mail redirection for at least 3–6 months.
❌ Mistake
Leaving utility connections last-minute
✅ Fix
Arrange electricity, gas, and internet at least 2 weeks before moving.
❌ Mistake
Wrong box sizes for heavy items
✅ Fix
Books and kitchenware in small boxes. Bedding and clothes in large boxes.
❌ Mistake
Not reading the removalist contract
✅ Fix
Understand insurance coverage, the claims process, and extra fees before signing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start planning my move? +
Ideally, begin planning 8 to 12 weeks before your desired move date. This provides enough time to collect quotes, declutter, pack systematically, and arrange utility transfers without last-minute rush fees.
How do I connect electricity and gas at my new home? +
You can arrange electricity, gas, and internet simultaneously through Connect2Move in one free call or online application. We coordinate directly with Australia's top retailers to ensure power and broadband are active on moving day.
Do I need to disconnect utilities at my old home? +
Yes, you must notify your current energy and broadband providers to book final meter reads and account closures for your move-out date so you are not billed for subsequent occupants.
What is the cheapest way to move house in Australia? +
Decluttering heavily before moving, sourcing free boxes from local stores, moving on midweek dates (avoiding peak Friday/weekend surcharges), and comparing removalist quotes with Connect2Move are proven ways to reduce moving costs.
How long does it take to get internet connected? +
If the property already has active NBN equipment, connection can take 1 to 3 business days. If a technician visit is required for a new installation, allow 2 to 10 business days.
