Moving checklist
Your house-shifting checklist
Everything to do from six weeks before to the day after, in order. Tick it off on screen or print it.
4–6 weeks before
2–3 weeks before
1 week before
1–2 days before
Moving day
After the move
Why each stage matters
Four to six weeks before
This is when the decisions that shape the whole move get made. The date decides which lift slots and crews are free, and month-ends are busy because so many leases start on the first. The quote depends on how much you're moving, so sorting out what to sell, donate or throw away now has a direct effect on what you pay.
If your employer is paying, find out early what they need: an itemised quote, a GST invoice in a particular name, or a preferred mover. Getting this wrong is one of the most common reasons reimbursements are delayed.
Two to three weeks before
Society permissions take longer than most people expect, especially in high-rise buildings that need a written request, a no-dues certificate or a lift booking. Ask both buildings what they need and when, because a missing NOC on the day can stop the truck at the gate.
Your own inventory and photos are your record if anything is disputed later. List fragile, heavy and valuable items for the mover so they bring the right materials and enough people. Our guide to society NOCs and lift booking goes through the permissions in detail.
One week before
Start updating your address now, so post and deliveries don't go astray. Appliances such as ACs, inverters, geysers and water purifiers usually need a technician to disconnect, so book one for a day or two before the move and another for the new home.
Back up phones and laptops, and confirm the timing and crew size with the mover. If anything about the move has changed since the quote, such as more furniture or a different floor, tell them now rather than on the day.
The last day or two
A fridge needs time to defrost and dry, so empty it a day ahead. Pack the bag you'll carry yourself: documents, jewellery, cash, medicines, chargers, a change of clothes and anything you need for the first night. These should never go on the truck.
Give society security the mover's details and the truck timing, so the crew isn't held at the gate. Keep the written quote and the inventory list on your phone, where you can find them quickly.
On moving day
Be there when packing starts. Walk through every room, cupboard, loft and balcony with the crew lead so nothing is missed and nothing that should stay is packed. Check the inventory list carefully before you sign it; it's the record of what left your home.
Note the truck number and the driver's phone number. Once the home is empty, take meter readings and photos of each room, and hand over the keys only when the last box is out.
After the move
As the crew unloads, check cartons and furniture against the inventory and look at fragile items before they leave. Note any damage on the delivery receipt with photos, and tell the mover and our team promptly.
Keep the packing material for a day or two until you've checked everything. Then finish the address changes, collect any society deposit and settle in. Our guide to address changes after moving lists the main official updates.
Questions about planning a move
How early should I start planning a house move?
Four to six weeks ahead is comfortable for most moves. It gives you time to book a date, get society permissions and sort out what to take.
What should I never send on the moving truck?
Documents, jewellery, cash, medicines, laptops and data drives. Carry them yourself.
Do I need a society NOC to move?
Many societies ask for one, along with a lift booking. Ask both buildings what they need two to three weeks ahead.
Should I move at the start or end of the month?
Mid-month is usually easier. Month-ends are busy because many leases start on the first, so lift slots and crews fill up.
When should I update my address?
Start about a week before the move and finish the rest soon after. Our guide to address changes lists the main ones.
Can I print this checklist?
Yes. Use the print button at the top of the page; the notes below the checklist are left out of the printout.
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