Moving house can feel overwhelming, even when you are organised. There are dates to manage, utilities to switch, boxes everywhere and the pressure of securing your bond return. A clear moving house checklist turns that complexity into practical, manageable steps you can work through in order.

This guide follows timelines commonly recommended by Australian moving and real estate authorities, covering planning, packing, cleaning and settling in. It is designed to help you stay on track, avoid last-minute stress and make move-out day far smoother.

We break the process into four clear phases so nothing slips through the cracks:

• 4-6 weeks before: planning, decluttering, early bookings
• 2-3 weeks before: utilities, address changes, packing strategy
• Moving week & moving day: final tasks, handover, inspection
• After you move: early fixes, safety and settling-in

Along the way, you will also see practical tips on end-of-tenancy cleaning, often called bond cleaning, and what typically affects the cost in Australia.

Why a moving checklist matters (and how to use this one)

A good moving house checklist replaces panic with structure. Instead of trying to remember everything at once, you work through clear stages with realistic tasks at each point. Instead of trying to remember everything at once, this checklist breaks the move into clear stages with realistic tasks at each point. It is designed to help you stay organised, reduce last-minute stress and keep your move on track.

You can save it, print it or copy it into your notes app, and tick items off as you go. Remember, you don’t need to do everything perfectly or all at once. The goal is simply to stay one step ahead.

4-6 weeks before: Plan, purge, price things up

This early phase is all about decisions. The more you lock in now, the easier everything else becomes later.

Get your moving prep list started

• Dates & time off: Before booking anything, take time to outline your key dates and priorities. Lock in your moving date early and consider taking time off work, particularly if you are moving mid-week when removalists are often cheaper.
• Budget: Start sketching out a rough budget so there are no surprises later. Typical costs to plan for include removalists or truck hire, packing supplies, skip or tip fees, bond cleaning (more below), carpet steam cleaning if required and any pet or childcare arrangements.
• Quotes: Reach out to at least three removalists and compare quotes carefully. Ask what is included, whether transit insurance is offered and how access issues like stairs or long carries are handled. Early bookings usually mean better availability and less stress closer to moving day.
• Declutter (sell/donate/recycle): Moving is the perfect excuse to lighten the load. Selling, donating or recycling items you no longer use reduces the number of boxes you need and can noticeably cut moving costs. Work room by room and be realistic about what you actually want to take with you.
• Measure & plan layout: Check that large furniture will fit through doorways, lifts and into your new space. If you are moving into an apartment, confirm lift bookings and parking access with the building manager early.

Start planning bond cleaning

This is also the right time to decide whether you will clean yourself or book professionals.

• Decide DIY vs pro: For larger homes or places with multiple bathrooms, professional end-of-lease cleaners often save time and reduce the risk of a failed inspection.
• Indicative pricing: Typical end-of-lease cleaning costs vary based on size, condition and inclusions, so ask for written quotes that clearly list what is covered, such as oven cleaning, internal windows and cupboards. Flag any extras like carpet steam cleaning or pest treatment early.

Create a document folder

Having everything in one place makes a big difference later. Store your lease, condition report, quotes, photos of the current property condition, receipts and insurance documents together, ideally in the cloud with a few printed essentials.

2-3 weeks before: Utilities, addresses and packing strategy

With bookings underway, this phase focuses on admin and building momentum with packing.

Sort utilities & services

• Disconnect/reconnect: Contact your providers to arrange disconnection and reconnection dates for electricity, gas, water, internet and pay TV. Ask about notice windows and modem relocation so you are not left without essentials at either end.
• Mail redirection & address updates: Set up mail redirection with Australia Post and begin updating your address everywhere it matters. This usually includes your driver licence, rego, insurance, bank, Medicare, ATO, schools or childcare and subscriptions. Handling these updates gradually makes the process far easier.

Packing strategy

• Room-by-room: Start packing least-used rooms first and work steadily rather than all at once. Label boxes clearly on two sides with the room name and the main contents. Using coloured tape per room can also speed up unpacking.
• Essentials box: Put together an essentials box for your first night. This should include items like a kettle, mugs, toiletries, medication, phone chargers, basic tools and bed linen.
• Protect valuables & data: Valuables and important documents should travel with you rather than in the moving truck. Back up devices and keep passports, jewellery and paperwork safely on hand.
• Appliance prep: Prepare appliances ahead of time by defrosting the freezer 24 to 48 hours before moving, draining the washing machine and photographing cable setups for TVs and routers.

Get the property ready for cleaning

• Repairs: Use this window to handle small repairs such as fill small wall holes, replace blown bulbs, clean filters/vents and address minor scuffs. Stick closely to your original condition report and lease terms to avoid disputes around fair wear and tear.
• Book bond clean & add-ons: Confirm your bond clean booking and any add-ons, ideally scheduled after furniture is removed. If you are booking professionals, ask about re-clean policies in case the agent flags anything after inspection.

Moving week & moving day: Smooth handover, fewer headaches

This is where preparation pays off. A little coordination goes a long way.

Moving week

• Confirm all bookings: This includes removalists, cleaners, carpet steam cleaning and pest treatment if required.
• Final rubbish run: Do a final rubbish or donation run and clear outdoor areas like balconies, garages and gardens.
• Keys & access: Label all keys, remotes and access fobs (mailbox, windows, side gates, garage remotes) so nothing goes missing on the day.

Moving day

• Load order: Load the truck strategically, with essentials and first-night items loaded last so they are unloaded first.
• Meter readings & photos: Take photos of meter readings and the final condition of the property. These can be invaluable if there are questions about utilities or bond return later.
• Inspection prep: Bring your condition report, take final photos and ensure all commonly checked areas (oven, bathrooms, windows, tracks and cupboards) are clean. If you booked a professional clean with a re-clean policy, confirm follow-up support in case the agent raises issues.

After you move: Settle in properly

It is tempting to relax immediately, but a few early checks make settling in much easier.

• Safety first: Test smoke alarms, RCDs and window locks and note any urgent repairs.
• Unpack essentials: These include beds, bathrooms and kitchen basics. Having these set up early helps the new place feel liveable straight away.
• Utilities check: Check that utilities are working as expected, including hot water, internet and appliances.
• Local orientation: Take time to get oriented in your new area. Add bin days to your moving house list; save council links and locate nearby services like a GP, pharmacy, schools or pet care.
• Post-move tasks: Update any missed address changes, register pets and book a handyman if needed for mounting or safety anchors.

End-of-tenancy cleaning: What’s included and what it costs

Even in a broad moving house checklist, bond cleaning is one of the most important parts. Most Australian end-of-lease cleans include a full internal clean, oven and range hood, bathrooms including grout, internal windows and tracks, skirting boards, fixtures, switches and inside cupboards. Extras often include carpet steam cleaning, exterior windows, blinds, balconies, garages and flea treatment if you had pets.

What does it cost?

Costs vary by city, property size and condition, so it is best to treat published ranges as planning guides and rely on itemised quotes for accuracy. (See our separate Bark guide on bond clean cost for detailed brackets and how quotes are built.)

Choosing end-of-lease specialists often increases the chance of passing inspection the first time, especially when time is tight.

The definitive moving house checklist 

This checklist summarises the key tasks above into a single, printable reference.

6–4 weeks out

• Lock in move date and book time off
• Gather at least three removalist quotes and confirm insurance and access
• Shortlist bond cleaners and request itemised inclusions and extras
• Declutter room by room
• Create a moving folder for all documents and receipts
• Measure large items and reserve lifts or parking if needed

3–2 weeks out

• Book utility disconnections and reconnections
• Set up mail redirection and start address changes
• Pack non-essentials and label boxes clearly
• Confirm access and permits with strata or building managers
• Arrange pet and child care for moving day

1 week out

• Finalise removalist timing and inventory
• Confirm bond clean and any add-ons
• Defrost freezer and empty pantry
• Pack an essentials box
• Back up devices and secure important documents

Moving day

• Photograph meter readings & final condition
• Walk through with the agent using the condition report
• Keep keys and remotes together and labelled
• Set up beds and bathrooms first at the new place

First 48 hours after

• Check smoke alarms and electrical safety
• Confirm utilities are working
• Update any missed addresses 
• Note bin schedules and council info

One last thing

When you are ready to book, Bark lets you compare quotes from trusted end-of-lease cleaners and movers in one place. You can compare prices, availability and reviews in one place, saving time during an already busy move.