Guide › Moving in Australia: the checklist

Moving in Australia: the checklist

The general list plus what comes on top in this country: deadlines, offices and customs.

58 tasks · General checklist

Contracts and authorities

17 weeks before
Check the notice period: by state, 14 to 28 days
NSW: 14 days before the end of a fixed term, 21 days in a periodic agreement; Victoria: 28 days; Queensland: 14 days.
14 weeks before
Give a written notice of intention to vacate
Use the state form and keep proof of delivery.
13 weeks before
Arrange viewings for the next tenant
11 weeks before
Sign the new lease
10 weeks before
Pay the bond and the first rent
Usually four weeks' rent; the landlord lodges the bond with the bond authority (NSW Fair Trading, RTBA in Victoria, RTA in Queensland).
9 weeks before
Arrange the handover date for the old flat
6 weeks before
Cancel internet and TV contracts
6 weeks before
Book a van for the cellar and small items
4 weeks before
Book time off for moving day
3 weeks before
Draw up the list of address changes
2 weeks before
Move your contents insurance to the new address
Report the new address and the value of your belongings.
7 days before
Cancel the standing order for the old rent

Packing and decluttering

5 weeks before
Get moving boxes
5 weeks before
Get packing material
4 weeks before
Set a decluttering day per room
3 weeks before
Move the cellar and attic ahead of time
2 weeks before
Pack seasonal and rarely used things
10 days before
Pack the workspace
5 days before
Pack the kitchen, defrost the fridge
2 days before
Pack the first-night box
2 days before
Keep the toolbox separate

Old home

9 weeks before
Declutter: sell, give away, dispose
6 weeks before
Clear out the cellar and attic
4 weeks before
Book the council's hard rubbish collection
One or two collections a year or on request, depending on the council.
7 days before
Factory-reset the smart home devices
1 day before
Read and photograph the meters
7 days after
Clean the old place for the handover
10 days after
Sign the handover protocol, count the keys
4 weeks after
Claim the bond refund
Online with the bond authority; disputes go to the tribunal (NCAT, VCAT, QCAT).

New home

9 weeks before
Complete the condition report and return it in time
NSW: seven days; Victoria: five business days; with photos — it counts for the bond.
6 weeks before
Book the electrician and tradespeople
6 weeks before
Check mounting points: shower rail, lamps, curtains
4 weeks before
Order the internet connection
4 weeks before
Decide what to buy new
2 weeks before
Draw a furniture plan per room, take measurements
7 days before
Test the internet connection
7 days before
Electricity, gas and water: arrange the connection before move-in
Switch retailers any time; electricity connections are often only done on business days.
1 day after
Record and report defects on moving in
3 days after
Label the doorbell and letterbox
3 days after
Strata or body corporate: report the move, book the lift
In apartment buildings through the strata manager; moving hours and lift protection are regulated.
7 days after
Set the smart home up again
7 days after
Meet the neighbours and the property manager

Moving day

13 weeks before
Fix the moving date
9 weeks before
Book the moving company
2 weeks before
Apply to the council for a parking permit for the removal truck
Online with the council, one to two weeks ahead.
2 weeks before
Reserve the lift at both addresses
10 days before
Arrange care for children and pets
3 days before
Move the plants separately
3 days before
Plan bikes and bulky items separately
On moving day
Food and drink for the helpers
On moving day
Final walk-through of the old flat

After the move

7 days after
Set up mail redirection with Australia Post
auspost.com.au; one to twelve months, from three business days' notice.
10 days after
Enrol at the school in the catchment area
Public schools by zone; bring proof of residence.
2 weeks after
Tell the bank, employer and insurers
2 weeks after
Update subscriptions and delivery services
2 weeks after
Driver licence and vehicle: change the address (Service NSW, VicRoads, TMR)
Usually within 14 days; when moving interstate a new licence and registration within three months.
2 weeks after
Change your address with the ATO, Medicare and Centrelink via myGov
my.gov.au; Centrelink within 14 days.
2 weeks after
Update your enrolment with the AEC
aec.gov.au; mandatory within eight weeks of moving.

In the app: when setting up the move or under Tasks → Template. Everything can be deselected; a template is a suggestion.

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The checklists in this guide are compiled with care, but without guarantee of completeness or currency. Deadlines and responsibilities change. The information of the respective authority or contracting party is authoritative.