House Moving Checklist for Melbourne Families [2026]
The complete Melbourne house move checklist for families. 8-week countdown from booking to settling in — everything covered.
Start Early: For a smooth Melbourne house move, begin planning 6–8 weeks before your moving date. The biggest mistakes happen when families underestimate how much time the process takes.
8 Weeks Before Moving
- Confirm your moving date and key handover dates
- Request quotes from at least 3 Melbourne removalist companies
- Book your chosen removalist as soon as possible (especially for weekends)
- Research schools, GPs, and services in your new suburb
- Start decluttering — donate, sell, or discard items you won't move
6 Weeks Before Moving
- Begin collecting moving boxes and packing materials
- Start packing non-essential items (books, seasonal clothes, décor)
- Notify relevant parties of your address change: bank, ATO, Medicare, Centrelink
- Arrange transfer of utilities: electricity, gas, internet, water
- Update your address with insurance providers
4 Weeks Before Moving
- Continue packing — tackle one room at a time
- Label all boxes clearly (room + contents + fragile status)
- Arrange care for children and pets on moving day
- Notify Australia Post of your new address for mail redirection
- Confirm your removalist booking and provide final access details
1 Week Before Moving
- Defrost and clean the fridge/freezer
- Disassemble beds, large furniture, and outdoor items
- Pack an overnight bag for each family member (essentials for first night)
- Confirm parking arrangements for the removalist truck
- Do a final walk-through of your old home to check nothing is missed
Moving Day
- Be at home when the removalists arrive
- Show the team around and indicate fragile/priority items
- Keep valuables, documents and medications with you (not on the truck)
- Do a room-by-room check before the truck leaves
- Check metre readings at both properties
- Return keys and collect new keys at agreed times
After Moving In
- Check all boxes and furniture for damage and note anything immediately
- Set up beds first so the family can sleep comfortably that night
- Locate fuse box, water shut-off, and gas meter at new home
- Update your driver's licence and vehicle registration address (VicRoads)
- Enrol children in new school if applicable
💡 Family tip: Set up the children's bedrooms first — familiar surroundings make the transition much easier for kids.