22 min read

Complete Moving Checklist Sydney

The Complete Moving Checklist: Your Step-by-Step Guide for Sydney Moves

By Nawar

Co-founder & Quoting — Two Brothers Removals · 15 February 2026

Moving doesn’t have to mean chaos and forgotten tasks. After coordinating over 7,000 moves across Sydney and interstate, we’ve refined the exact checklists that keep moves on track—whether you’re relocating your home, mo

This guide provides detailed, actionable checklists for every type of move. You’ll know exactly what to do, when to do it, and what to prioritise. No guesswork, no panic—just a clear path from planning to settling in.

• Complete house moving checklist (8 weeks to moving day)
• Office relocation checklist for business moves
• Interstate moving checklist with distance-specific tasks
• Apartment moving considerations
• Post-move settling checklist
• House Moving Checklist – For residential relocations, apartments, and family homes
• Office Moving Checklist – For businesses, medical practices, and commercial spaces
• Interstate Moving Checklist – For moves between Sydney and other states
• Apartment-Specific Items – Additional considerations for unit moves
• 8 weeks before moving
• 6 weeks before moving
• 4 weeks before moving
• 2 weeks before moving
• 1 week before moving
• 2-3 days before moving
• Moving day
• First week after moving
• Decide on your moving date (weekends book fast—plan early)
• Get an instant quote from removalists
• Use the move calculator to estimate costs
• Research your new suburb on our locations page
• Create a moving budget (removalists, supplies, cleaning, utilities)
• If renting, notify your landlord in writing (check lease notice period)
• Start researching schools if you have children
• Walk through every room and identify items you won’t keep
• Take measurements of your new home’s doorways, hallways, and rooms
• Measure large furniture to ensure it fits in the new space
• Start selling unwanted items online (Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree)
• Research donation options (Vinnies, Salvos, local charities)
• Book council hard waste collection for large unwanted items
• Check your home and contents insurance coverage during the move
• Review removalist insurance options
• Create a folder (digital or physical) for all moving documents
• Start saving receipts for tax-deductible moving expenses (if applicable)
• Book your removalist service (don’t wait—good teams fill up)
• Confirm pickup and delivery addresses with your removalist
• Book storage if needed (for staging or timing gaps)
• If moving to an apartment, book elevator access at both locations
• Reserve parking permits from your local council (old and new addresses)
• Arrange end-of-lease cleaning if renting
• Contact electricity provider to disconnect/connect
• Arrange gas connection or disconnection
• Schedule water account closure and new connection
• Book internet/NBN connection at new address (this can take weeks)
• Notify pay TV or streaming services of address change
• Notify current school of moving date
• Enrol children in new school
• Arrange childcare records transfer
• Update emergency contact information
• Go room by room and sort items into: Keep, Donate, Sell, Rubbish
• Donate items to charity (get receipt for tax purposes)
• List valuable items for sale
• Dispose of hazardous materials properly (paint, chemicals, batteries)
• Clear out garden shed and garage
• Dispose of expired food, medications, and cosmetics
• Submit change of address with Australia Post
• Update address with your bank
• Notify credit card companies
• Update car registration and driver’s licence
• Notify health insurance provider
• Update Medicare records
• Notify Centrelink (if applicable)
• Update electoral roll
• Notify employer of new address
• Update superannuation details
• Purchase or collect moving boxes (small, medium, large)
• Get specialty boxes (wardrobe boxes, dish packs if needed)
• Stock up on packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper
• Buy permanent markers for labeling
• Get mattress protectors
• Purchase or rent furniture sliders
• Find new doctors, dentists, and specialists in your new area
• Request medical records transfer
• Get prescription renewals before moving
• Notify vet and arrange pet records transfer
• Research new vet in your new suburb
• Pack rarely used rooms first (guest room, storage, linen cupboard)
• Pack seasonal items (off-season clothes, holiday decorations)
• Pack books, DVDs, and decorative items
• Wrap and pack fragile items carefully (glassware, ornaments)
• Label every box with room name and contents
• Use color coding for different rooms
• Create a “Do Not Move” pile for items going in your car
• Start an inventory list of valuable items
• Cancel or transfer home phone
• Notify newspaper/magazine subscriptions
• Update online shopping accounts (Amazon, etc.)
• Notify gym or fitness memberships
• Update address for any regular deliveries or subscriptions
• Schedule final utility meter readings
• Arrange carpet cleaning (if required by lease)
• Book gardener for final lawn maintenance (if renting)
• Plan repairs for bond return (if renting)
• Take photos of current property condition
• Service your car if doing a long-distance move
• Check car registration is current
• Plan parking at new address
• Pack all non-essential items
• Leave out only items you’ll need this week
• Pack a “First Night” box with essentials
• Prepare an overnight bag with clothes and toiletries
• Defrost freezer and fridge (48 hours before moving)
• Clean and dry fridge and freezer interior
• Use up frozen foods and pantry items
• Disassemble beds (or confirm removalists will do this)
• Take apart large furniture if required
• Keep all hardware in labeled zip-lock bags
• Take photos of electronic setups before unplugging
• Drain outdoor hoses and sprinklers
• Disconnect washing machine
• Confirm moving day details with removalists (time, address, contact)
• Confirm parking permits are approved
• Confirm elevator bookings (apartments)
• Arrange childcare for moving day
• Arrange pet care for moving day
• Notify neighbours of moving day (especially if trucks will block access)
• Gather important documents (passports, birth certificates, insurance, contracts)
• Collect jewellery and valuables to transport yourself
• Back up computer files and data
• Take meter readings and photograph them
• Print your moving day contact list
• Pack your “essentials box” for first 24-48 hours
• Pack cleaning supplies for final clean
• Withdraw cash for moving day (tips, emergency expenses)
• Fill the car with fuel
• Charge all devices and power banks
• Prepare snacks and drinks for moving day
• Do a final walk-through of every room
• Check all cupboards, wardrobes, and storage spaces
• Check roof space, under-house storage, and sheds
• Remove all items from walls (check for damage)
• Test smoke alarms (especially if renting)
• Phone chargers
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo)
• Toilet paper
• Medications
• Change of clothes for each family member
• Bed sheets and towels
• Basic kitchen items (kettle, mugs, cutlery, snacks)
• Pet food and supplies
• Baby supplies if applicable
• Basic tools (screwdriver, hammer, tape)
• First aid kit
• Do a final walk-through of the property
• Clear pathways and protect floors if needed
• Ensure parking space is available for moving truck
• Have payment ready for removalists
• Keep essentials box and valuables with you (not on truck)
• Have your moving day contacts list accessible
• Greet the team and provide clear instructions
• Point out fragile items and special care items
• Show them which items stay and which go
• Clarify access points and any restrictions
• Keep children and pets in a safe area
• Stay available for questions
• Keep valuables and important documents with you
• Take final meter readings
• Do a final check of every room, cupboard, and storage area
• Check outdoor areas, sheds, and garage
• Turn off lights, close windows, lock doors
• Check truck parking and access before arrival
• Be present to direct movers to correct rooms
• Check off items as they’re unloaded
• Inspect furniture for damage before movers leave
• Note any damage on the inventory sheet
• Keep a copy of all paperwork
• Take meter readings at new property
• Check all utilities are connected and working
• Test taps, toilets, and hot water
• Locate main water shutoff and electrical switchboard
• Make beds so you can sleep comfortably
• Unpack essentials box
• Order dinner (you’ve earned it!)
• Register at new address with local council
• Update address with any missed services
• Test all appliances and report issues
• Change locks if needed (especially rental properties)
• Locate nearest emergency services (hospital, police, fire station)
• Find nearest shops, supermarkets, and services
• Unpack kitchen first (you need to eat)
• Set up bedrooms (you need to sleep)
• Unpack bathrooms (daily necessities)
• Focus on one room at a time
• Break down boxes as you go
• Return keys to old property
• Follow up on bond return (if renting)
• Submit final meter readings
• Confirm all utilities are billing correctly
• Update address on any missed accounts
• Introduce yourself to neighbours
• Explore your new suburb
• Register with local library
• Find local services (mechanic, hairdresser, etc.)
• Locate parks and recreational facilities
• Appoint a moving coordinator or committee
• Set a realistic moving date (consider business cycles)
• Get quotes from office removalists
• Review office removalist packages
• Create a detailed moving budget
• Book the new office space or confirm lease dates
• Measure new office space and plan layout
• Create a floor plan showing workstation locations
• Audit all IT equipment (computers, servers, phones)
• Plan server shutdown and restart procedures
• Identify equipment that needs professional disconnection
• Schedule IT support for moving day
• Plan network setup at new location
• Research internet providers at new address
• Announce the move to all staff
• Create an internal timeline and share with team
• Assign packing responsibilities to each department
• Address staff concerns and questions
• Arrange site visit to new office
• Book professional office removalists experienced in commercial moves
• Arrange parking permits and loading zone access
• Notify building management at both locations
• Book elevator access (especially important for CBD offices)
• Schedule cleaning services for both offices
• Send change of address notifications to clients
• Update website with new address
• Update Google My Business listing
• Notify suppliers and vendors
• Update business stationery and marketing materials
• Change address on invoices and quotes
• Arrange phone/internet connection at new office
• Schedule electricity connection
• Book air conditioning servicing
• Arrange security system installation
• Organise cleaning contracts for new space
• Set up mail redirection through Australia Post
• Audit existing furniture and equipment
• Decide what to keep, sell, or dispose of
• Order new furniture if needed (lead times can be long)
• Arrange disposal of old furniture
• Purchase packing supplies for fragile equipment
• Back up all data (servers, computers, cloud systems)
• Create redundant backups
• Test backup restoration
• Label all cables and equipment
• Document current IT setup with photos
• Plan phone system transfer or new setup
• Schedule server downtime during off-hours if possible
• Distribute packing supplies to all departments
• Create labelling system (color codes or numbers)
• Assign numbers to workstations in new office
• Label each box with destination workstation number
• Pack non-essential items and archive files
• Organise confidential document transport
• Update company registration details (ASIC)
• Update business licenses and permits
• Notify insurance company of address change
• Update bank and financial institution records
• Change address on all contracts
• Update accounting software
• Provide packing guidelines to staff
• Assign each person their new workstation number
• Create a “pack your own desk” checklist
• Schedule packing time during work hours
• Communicate what can and cannot be moved
• Pack all non-daily-use equipment
• Archive old files and documents
• Pack kitchen and break room items
• Secure confidential documents
• Prepare IT equipment for disconnection
• Label everything clearly
• Confirm moving date and time with removalists
• Reconfirm parking permits and access
• Reconfirm elevator bookings
• Create a moving day schedule
• Assign staff responsibilities for moving day
• Plan who will be at old office vs. new office
• Send final reminder about address change
• Update email signatures with new address
• Add notice to phone system about relocation
• Update social media profiles
• Send press release if appropriate
• Ensure new office is clean and ready
• Confirm utilities are connected
• Test internet connection
• Arrange office keys for staff
• Set up reception area signage
• Install security systems
• Schedule server shutdown time
• Back up all systems one final time
• Notify staff of IT downtime
• Prepare equipment for transport
• Disconnect non-essential equipment
• Pack peripherals (keyboards, mice, monitors)
• Confirm moving schedule with removalists
• Confirm all access arrangements
• Brief staff on moving day procedures
• Assign moving day roles and responsibilities
• Prepare contact list for moving day
• Schedule moving day catering if staff will be helping
• Schedule final cleaning
• Arrange return of office keys
• Document office condition with photos
• Remove company signage
• Confirm lease end date and handover process
• Arrive early to prepare
• Check parking and access
• Meet removalists and provide instructions
• Ensure pathways are clear
• Have floor plans ready for movers
• Supervise packing of critical items
• Keep important documents with designated staff member
• Disconnect IT equipment (or supervise IT team doing this)
• Coordinate between old and new locations
• Keep communication channels open (mobiles, walkie-talkies)
• Direct movers to correct workstations using numbering system
• Prioritise IT setup area
• Set up server and critical systems first
• Test internet connection immediately
• Set up phones
• Do final walkthrough of old office
• Check all areas are cleared
• Hand over keys
• Ensure new office is secure
• Test security systems
• Reconnect and test all systems
• Verify internet and phone systems working
• Test server and network
• Help staff reconnect computers
• Address any IT issues immediately
• Help staff set up workstations
• Arrange furniture as per floor plan
• Set up meeting rooms
• Organise kitchen and break areas
• Set up reception area
• Test all business systems
• Verify client communications are reaching you
• Ensure phone calls are routing correctly
• Check mail is being delivered
• Test security and access systems
• Hold team meeting to address issues
• Create feedback system for problems
• Celebrate successful move with team
• Address any workspace concerns
• Help staff settle into new environment
• Research your destination city thoroughly
• Visit new location if possible
• Get quotes from interstate removalists
• Compare door-to-door vs. depot-to-depot options
• Understand delivery timeframes (can be 2-7 days)
• Research storage options if delivery dates don’t align
• Plan temporary accommodation if needed
• Interstate moves cost more—minimise what you take
• Sell furniture that won’t suit new space
• Donate extensively to reduce volume
• Consider whether old furniture is worth the freight cost
• Calculate: Is it cheaper to replace or move?
• Research schools, childcare, and education
• Find doctors, dentists, and specialists
• Research employment opportunities (if needed)
• Join local community groups online
• Understand climate differences (affects what to take)
• Research cost of living differences
• Decide: Drive or ship your vehicle?
• Get quotes for vehicle transport if needed
• Plan your route if driving
• Service vehicle before long drive
• Check car registration transfer requirements
• Research new state’s vehicle registration process
• Understand new state’s driver license requirements (usually 3 months to transfer)
• Research new state’s utility providers
• Understand different council systems
• Research health system differences (hospital vs. private)
• Close local bank accounts or convert to national access
• Notify banks of interstate move
• Budget for higher moving costs (interstate is more expensive)
• Plan for accommodation costs if there’s a gap
• Consider shipping costs vs. buying new for some items
• If buying: Coordinate settlement dates with move
• If renting: Understand bond transfer between states
• Research property markets in new city
• Arrange property inspections remotely if needed
• Understand different rental laws in new state
• Book interstate removalist service (these book out fast)
• Confirm insurance coverage for interstate transport
• Consider extra insurance for valuable items
• Book flights if needed (to arrive before furniture)
• Book temporary accommodation if delivery is delayed
• Reserve storage at destination if needed
• Arrange school transfer (this can take weeks interstate)
• Get school records and reports
• Research pet transport options
• Get pet health certificates for interstate travel
• Update pet microchip details
• Research quarantine rules if applicable
• Get copies of all medical records
• Fill prescriptions for extra supply
• Get referrals for specialists in new state
• Understand Medicare access in new state
• Research bulk-billing doctors in new area
• Transfer pharmacy records
• Use only strong, quality boxes (interstate moves are harder on belongings)
• Add extra padding for fragile items
• Wrap furniture in moving blankets
• Use mattress protectors
• Create detailed inventory (essential for interstate)
• Photograph valuable items before packing
• Label boxes with extra detail (contents + room + FRAGILE if needed)
• Schedule final meter readings
• Arrange disconnection dates
• Request final bills
• Cancel or transfer services
• Research utility providers in new state
• Compare electricity and gas rates
• Arrange connections (can take weeks)
• Set up internet/NBN early
• Research different bin/recycling systems
• Update address with ATO
• Notify electoral commission
• Update Centrelink (if applicable)
• Update Medicare address
• Notify your employer
• Book flights or plan driving route
• Arrange accommodation for journey
• Plan for pets during travel
• Book pet-friendly accommodation if needed
• Pack separate “travel bags” for journey
• Plan meals and stops if driving
• Pack everything except absolute essentials
• Set aside items for your flight/drive
• Prepare detailed inventory list
• Pack a “First to Arrive” box with essentials
• Clearly label this box for priority delivery
• Take photos of how electronics are connected
• Full service and safety check
• Check tire pressure and condition
• Plan fuel stops
• Download offline maps
• Pack emergency kit for car
• Load valuable items you’ll transport yourself
• Confirm removalist pickup date and time
• Confirm delivery window at destination
• Confirm storage arrangements if needed
• Reconfirm flights or accommodation
• Exchange contact numbers with removalist (mobile coverage may vary)
• Final clean of current property
• Take meter readings
• Document property condition
• Arrange key return
• Get forwarding address details confirmed
• Pack suitcases for journey
• Keep important documents with you
• Carry medications
• Pack valuables to travel with you (jewellery, laptop, etc.)
• Prepare snacks for journey
• Be present for pickup
• Do final walkthrough
• Check inventory with removalists
• Get paperwork and tracking information
• Photograph truck registration/company details
• Get driver’s contact number
• Lock up and hand over keys
• Travel to destination
• Stay in contact with removalist
• Confirm delivery window
• Prepare destination property
• Ensure utilities are connected at new home
• Be present for delivery (or arrange someone you trust)
• Check all items against inventory
• Inspect furniture for damage before signing off
• Note any issues immediately
• Test that utilities work
• Make beds first thing
• Transfer driver license (usually within 3 months)
• Transfer vehicle registration
• Register with local council
• Update will and legal documents if needed
• Register with new GP
• Find dentist and specialists
• Transfer prescriptions
• Locate nearest hospital and emergency services
• Update private health insurance if needed
• Explore your new city/suburb
• Join local community groups
• Register at local library
• Find recreational facilities
• Research local events and activities
• Ensure kids settle into new school
• Register pets with local council
• Find local vet
• Explore local parks and playgrounds
• Connect kids with local activities and sports
• Contact building manager 2-4 weeks in advance
• Book elevator for specific time slots (essential!)
• Get written confirmation of elevator booking
• Reserve loading zone or parking
• Obtain access cards or keys for movers
• Check if deposit is required for elevator use
• Understand move-in/move-out time restrictions
• Get building insurance requirements (if any)
• Check if padding/protection is required for elevators
• Measure elevator dimensions (height, width, depth)
• Measure stairwell width if elevator is too small
• Measure doorways and hallways
• Identify what furniture might not fit
• Research furniture hoisting services if needed
• Check if external crane access is possible
• Plan alternative routes for oversized items
• Ask about floor protection requirements
• Check if wall padding is required
• Understand damage liability
• Take photos of common areas before moving
• Protect your own doorways and walls
• Use corner guards and floor protection
• Respect building quiet hours
• Avoid peak elevator times if possible
• Consider weekday moves (less resident traffic)
• Plan for potential delays
• Add buffer time to your schedule
• Start planning 8-12 weeks before moving
• Book removalists early (they fill up fast)
• Declutter before packing (saves money)
• Use color coding for boxes
• Pack essentials separately
• Confirm all bookings 1 week out
• Do final walkthrough before leaving
• Important documents travel with you
• Valuables don’t go on the truck
• Defrost fridge 48 hours before
• Keep removalist contact numbers handy
• Have cash available on moving day

At Two Brothers Removals, we’ve completed over 7,000 moves across Sydney and interstate. We understand that every move is unique, and we tailor our services to match your specific needs.

• Home removalist services for residential moves across Sydney
• Office removalist services for business relocations
• Interstate removalist services for long-distance moves
• Warehouse removalist services for commercial operations

We service suburbs across Sydney—check our locations page to see if we cover your area.

• Family-owned business with over 15 years of experience
• Fully licensed and insured
• Experienced with apartments, houses, offices, and interstate moves
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• 5-star customer reviews
• Professional packing services available

For more moving advice and tips, explore our blog with guides on packing, planning, and making your move stress-free.

About the author: Nawar

Co-founder & Quoting — Two Brothers Removals

Nawar started with a single truck in Middleton Grange in 2009, and today he's the voice on the other end of the phone. He quotes almost every job we do, which means he has walked through, measured or asked about tens of thousands of Sydney homes — from Liverpool walk-ups to Oran Park new builds and Northern Beaches interstate loads.

His rule is simple: no surprises on invoice day. He works out how many hours a job honestly needs, tells you what could stretch it, and puts the inclusions in writing before you commit. He also handles insurance, licensing paperwork and the building forms high-rise moves always need.

• • Accurate hour-based quoting and move planning
• • Interstate and high-rise moves, building access forms
• • Insurance, licensing and customer care

Meet both brothers