Planning a house move is often seen as one of life’s more stressful experiences, but with the right approach and a clear plan in place, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're relocating across town or undertaking large house removals, breaking the move into manageable steps can help you stay in control and reduce last-minute pressure.
From choosing the right moving house services to packing your belongings and settling into your new space, a well-organised move allows you to focus on the excitement of a fresh start—rather than the chaos of what could go wrong.
Start Early and Set a Realistic Timeline
A smooth move starts well before the boxes come out. Ideally, begin planning six to eight weeks ahead of your move date. This gives you time to source quotes for a move house service, notify relevant parties, and begin packing gradually.
Creating a moving checklist or timeline helps break the process into manageable tasks. By setting mini-deadlines—like when to start decluttering or when to start packing—you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed.
Sort, Declutter, and Streamline

Before contacting house transporters or browsing quotes for furniture removal, take the time to go through your belongings. Moving is the perfect opportunity to reassess what you actually need and want in your new home.
Separate items into keep, donate, and discard categories. Reducing your load not only simplifies packing and unpacking but can also lower the cost of moving house services by reducing volume and time spent moving non-essential items.
Book Your Removalists Early
Professional removalists can make a huge difference when it comes to moving day efficiency. Start by getting quotes from a few reputable companies, and don’t forget to read reviews and check their service offerings.
If you’re moving a large home or travelling a significant distance, look for furniture removalists who specialise in large house removals. Booking early—especially during peak periods like holidays or school terms—helps secure your preferred date and can save you money.
Get Packing Supplies and Start Gradually
Once you’ve booked your move house service, begin collecting boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Starting with non-essential items—like books, off-season clothing, or rarely used kitchenware—allows you to chip away at packing without rushing.
Clearly label each box with the room it belongs in, and consider adding notes for fragile or high-priority items. Colour-coded labels or simple stickers can help removalists place boxes in the correct rooms at your new home, saving time and confusion.
Notify the Right People and Arrange Services
Changing your address goes beyond your driver’s licence and bank details. Be sure to notify:
• Australia Post for mail redirection
• Electricity, gas, and water providers
• Internet and phone companies
• Insurance providers
• Your employer and any relevant government departments
Where possible, arrange utility connections at your new home to be ready before moving day so you're not arriving to a dark or disconnected house.
Pack a Moving Day Essentials Box
Your first night in a new home can be exhausting, so pack a box with everything you’ll need straight away. This could include:
• Toiletries and personal items
• Chargers and basic electronics
• A change of clothes
• Snacks and water
• Kettle, mugs, tea or coffee
• Important documents (passports, lease agreements, etc.)
Having these essentials easily accessible means you can relax once you arrive—without digging through boxes for your toothbrush.
Prepare Your Old Home for Moving Day

As your move date gets closer, prepare your home to make the moving process as efficient as possible. This might include:
• Disconnecting appliances
• Emptying and defrosting the fridge/freezer
• Removing wall hooks or fittings
• Protecting floors and doorways if you're worried about scuffs or scratches
Communicate clearly with your removalists about what needs to be moved and if any items require special care.
Stay Organised and Flexible on Moving Day
Moving day can be fast-paced, but having a clear plan helps. Keep your phone charged, have a copy of your inventory on hand, and stay in touch with your movers throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to keep important documents, valuables, and medication with you, rather than packed away in boxes.
Don’t worry if things take longer than expected—allow for some flexibility. Sometimes traffic, weather, or access issues can cause delays, and a calm attitude goes a long way.
Settle In with Purpose
Once you arrive at your new place, focus on unpacking key areas like the kitchen and bedrooms first. You don’t need to set up your new home in one day—unpacking gradually lets you make more thoughtful decisions about where things go.
Take some time to explore your neighbourhood, introduce yourself to neighbours, and make note of local services like grocery stores, petrol stations, and medical centres. Getting comfortable with your new surroundings helps your house feel like home more quickly.
Conclusion
A stress-free move is all about preparation, communication, and knowing when to ask for help. Whether you're moving by yourself or hiring moving company, taking a proactive approach helps you avoid common pitfalls and stay in control.
With the help of experienced removalists, a clear timeline, and some thoughtful planning, your move doesn’t have to be something to dread. Instead, it can be an exciting opportunity to start fresh in a new space, fully prepared and ready for what’s next.
FAQs
How far in advance should I book a move house service?
It’s best to book your removalists at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially if you’re moving during a busy season or over a weekend.
What should I look for in a good moving company?
Look for removalists with strong customer reviews, proper insurance, and experience handling your type of move—whether it’s a small apartment or a large house removal.
Is it cheaper to move during the week?
Often yes. Weekdays are usually less busy for furniture removalists, and some companies offer better rates for mid-week moves.
How do I prepare for moving heavy furniture?
Declutter first, then check if your removalists offer disassembly services. Protect floors and walls and communicate with movers about tricky items ahead of time.
Can removalists help with unpacking too?
Some moving house services include packing and unpacking as part of their offering. Ask about this when comparing quotes or making your booking.