Creating an interstate moving checklist is essential because Australia has one of the highest rates of interstate moves in the world — and that still amazes me
According to CEIC (which sources ABS data), net interstate migration in Australia peaked around June 2021 at about 2,334,000 persons (that’s a quarterly figure) and more recently there are quarters with negative net interstate migration (e.g. June 2024 shows –84,000 persons).
At Shift Buddies, we know that behind every one of those moves there’s a family, a career opportunity, or a new adventure waiting to unfold. Our team of interstate removalists in Australia has helped countless people make this transition stress-free, and that experience is exactly what we’ve poured into this checklist.
Interstate moving checklist helps you move on time and on budget. Start 8 weeks before by decluttering, budgeting, and booking your removalist. In the final 1–2 weeks, confirm services, update addresses, and pack essentials. On moving day, keep valuables safe and follow your checklist. After the move, unpack strategically, settle bills, and update registrations. This timeline ensures a stress-free relocation.
Interstate moving checklist helps you move on time and on budget. Start 8 weeks before by decluttering, budgeting, and booking your removalist. In the final 1–2 weeks, confirm services, update addresses, and pack essentials. On moving day, keep valuables safe and follow your checklist. After the move, unpack strategically, settle bills, and update registrations. This timeline ensures a stress-free relocation.
The first stage of your moving interstate checklist Australia is all about getting organised early. Giving yourself 8 weeks to prepare ensures you have enough time to plan, book services, and avoid last-minute stress.
Start by setting up a digital folder in Google Drive or Dropbox where you can keep scans of contracts, moving quotes, receipts, and other key documents. Having everything in one place means you can share access with family members or your removalist team and avoid losing important paperwork during the move.
Moving interstate Australia isn’t cheap, so be honest about your costs from the beginning. Your budget should include removalist fees, packing supplies, insurance, fuel (if driving), storage fees if needed, and even temporary accommodation. Leave some buffer for unexpected expenses — it’s always better to be prepared.
Don’t leave your booking to the last minute. Get quotes from professional interstate movers as soon as you can and compare what’s included. A good removalist will provide a clear, no-obligation estimate that outlines all services. Booking early also helps you secure the date you want, which is especially important for long-distance relocations.
Different states have different quarantine regulations, especially around plants, food, pets, and even wooden furniture. Before you pack, check official government websites for up-to-date rules so you don’t risk fines or having items confiscated at the border.
Every state has its own deadlines and rules for updating driver’s licences, car registration, and even insurance policies. On top of that, your local council may have rules around parking permits, waste disposal, and pet ownership. Get ahead of the game now so you don’t get caught out later.
Go room by room and decide what you actually want to take. Items that are outdated, unused, or bulky can be sold, donated, or recycled. A lighter load saves you money on moving costs and makes unpacking in your new home easier.
Whether you’re flying or driving, organise your travel as soon as possible. If you’re flying, book tickets early to secure the best rates and align them with your new home’s availability. If you’re driving, map your route, check road conditions, and plan overnight stays if the trip takes more than a day.
If you’ll be driving to your new state, give your car a full service before hitting the road. A mechanic should check your tyres, brakes, oil, coolant, and battery to ensure your vehicle is road-trip ready. You’ll also need to update your car registration once you arrive in your new state.
If you have kids, let their current school know so you can organise transfer records and enrol them in their new school without delays. Likewise, give proper notice at work and finalise your last day. Depending on your circumstances, you might also want to line up new job opportunities in your new location.
If your move-in date doesn’t line up perfectly or you’re downsizing, secure a storage facility near your new home. Look for safe, climate-controlled storage with flexible access hours. Booking ahead ensures you get the space you need at a reasonable price.
If you’re moving interstate with pets, research travel options early. Airlines and professional pet carriers often book out fast, so don’t wait until the last minute. Make sure vaccinations and microchip details are up to date, and check if your new state has specific registration or quarantine requirements.
Not planning to drive? Arrange for a car transport company to move your vehicle. This option saves time and stress, especially on long-haul relocations. Compare services and prices to make sure your car arrives safely.
With one month to go, your moving interstate checklist Australia shifts from planning to action. This is when you start organising your belongings, arranging services, and setting yourself up for a stress-free moving day. Here are 10 important things to tick off 4 weeks before relocating:
Create a detailed list of everything you’re taking with you. This helps you keep track of your belongings, plan the space needed on the truck, and makes unpacking easier. An inventory also provides peace of mind in case you need to make an insurance claim.
Contact your electricity, gas, water, and internet providers to arrange disconnection at your old address and connection at your new home. Doing this in advance ensures you won’t be left without essential services when you arrive.
Redirect your mail with Australia Post and notify your bank, insurer, and government services like MyGov of your new details. This prevents important letters or bills from getting lost during your move interstate Australia.
Collect all the packing materials you’ll need — boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and labels. Many people underestimate how many boxes are required, so start early and get more than you think you’ll need. This small step makes packing far less stressful.
Pack away items you won’t use in the next month, such as books, seasonal clothes, and decorative pieces. Organising these now gives you a head start and leaves only everyday items for the final weeks.
If you’re moving interstate to a region with different weather conditions, start packing with that in mind. For example, moving from Sydney to Canberra may require warmer clothing, while heading to Queensland might mean more summer gear.
Every box should be labelled with its contents and the room it belongs to. Some people use colour codes or numbering systems, which makes unpacking faster and ensures nothing ends up in the wrong place.
If you’re moving interstate with children, contact their current school for transfer documents and send enrolment forms to the new one. Getting this done early avoids last-minute complications and helps kids settle in quickly.
Check whether your current home and contents insurance covers items during a move. If not, consider transit insurance for extra protection. Having the right cover is one of the most practical interstate moving tips to avoid financial stress if something gets damaged.
If your new home won’t be ready straight away or you’re downsizing, arrange short-term storage. Compare facilities, looking for secure, climate-controlled options near your new address. Booking early avoids last-minute hassles.
With just one to two weeks before your move, it’s time to focus on the finer details. This phase is about ensuring everything is packed, confirmed, and ready for the big day. Here are 10 steps you must take to ensure your move goes off without a hitch:
Your essentials box should contain all the items you’ll need immediately when you arrive at your new home. Pack toiletries, a change of clothes, essential medications, basic kitchenware like plates and utensils, and snacks. This box will be a lifesaver for the first day or two until you’ve unpacked everything else.
Reach out to your removalist company to confirm all logistics — including pickup and drop-off times. Double-check that the moving schedule aligns with your timeline. By confirming details in advance, you ensure there are no surprises or delays on moving day.
Before moving day, measure your large furniture and the doorways in your new home. This helps you determine if anything needs to be disassembled or if you need additional help getting larger items through tight spaces. If you can't do this yourself, ask your real estate agent to measure for you.
Before the movers arrive, do a final sweep of your home. Make sure all your items are packed and nothing is left behind. Clean the empty rooms to ensure the space is in good condition for the new tenants or buyers. This check should cover all closets, cabinets, and hidden spaces.
Make sure all your boxes are packed securely and labelled clearly. This makes unpacking much easier, as each box will be easy to identify and will go straight into the right room. If you have fragile items, mark them with a “fragile” label to avoid mishandling.
If you live in an apartment or a building with limited elevator access, confirm with the building management whether a lift reservation is needed. Book the lift for both your current and new residence to prevent delays and ensure a smooth, quick move.
If you’re driving interstate, keep everyone entertained on the road. Pack books, movies, games, and music — especially if you’re travelling with children or pets. This will help pass the time and make the long journey feel shorter.
The night before your move, try to get a full night’s sleep. Moving can be physically and mentally taxing, so being well-rested will give you the energy needed to tackle the day ahead. Aim to finish all packing tasks the evening before so you can focus on the move itself.
In some cases, your new home may not be ready when you arrive. If you’re not able to move straight into your new place, make sure you’ve arranged temporary accommodation. Whether it’s a hotel or a friend’s place, booking this early prevents stress at the last minute.
Check your current home insurance or look into purchasing transit insurance for your belongings. Having insurance during the move protects your items against potential damage or loss. It’s a great safety net, especially for valuable or delicate items.
Moving day is finally here! By now you’ve spent weeks preparing, but the big day itself can still feel overwhelming. To help you stay on track, here’s a moving interstate checklist Australia tailored for the day of the move. These practical steps will keep things organised and reduce stress from morning to night.
The night before, make sure your phone, tablet, and power bank are fully charged. You’ll likely need to make calls, check emails, or use maps during the move, and access to power may be limited. A charged device also ensures you can stay in contact with your removalist if needed.
Moving interstate Australia often means a long and busy day. Ask a trusted family member, friend, or sitter to look after children and pets away from the chaos. Keeping them safe and occupied allows you to focus on supervising the move.
Defrost your fridge and freezer at least 24 hours before moving. Remove food, clean the shelves, and allow them to dry completely. This prevents leaks, mould, and odours during the journey — especially important for long-distance relocations.
Give yourself extra time in the morning for any last-minute jobs. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes since you’ll be on your feet all day. Dressing right makes lifting, supervising, and moving around much easier.
When your removalist team arrives, show them around the house and point out fragile or bulky items. Clear communication helps movers understand what needs extra care or disassembly, reducing the chance of damage.
Moving is physically demanding for removalists. Offering water, tea, or light snacks goes a long way in keeping morale high. A little hospitality ensures your movers stay energised and focused throughout the day.
Before you leave, inspect every room, cupboard, and storage space. Check sheds, garages, and attics too. A final sweep prevents important items from being forgotten and gives you peace of mind as you close the door one last time.
Take clear photos of your furniture, appliances, and electronics before they’re loaded. These images act as proof of condition if you need to make an insurance claim. It’s one of the smartest interstate moving tips for protecting your belongings.
Documents, jewellery, laptops, and cash should always travel with you. Don’t pack them in the moving truck. Carry them in a secure bag so they’re always in your care during the interstate journey.
Unexpected expenses can pop up — whether it’s road tolls, snacks, or last-minute supplies. Keep cash or a card easily accessible so you can quickly handle anything that comes up without delay.
If you’re flying or taking public transport, make sure your ID, tickets, and booking confirmations are all together in a safe, easy-to-reach place. This avoids frantic searching at check-in or boarding time.
Whether it’s a lift to the airport, a taxi to the station, or fuel for your car, confirm your transport arrangements ahead of time. Nothing derails a move faster than being stranded without a way to reach your new home.
Lock all windows and doors, switch off lights and appliances, and hand over keys if required. Leaving your property in good order is both responsible and reassuring, allowing you to say a proper goodbye to your old home.
In addition to your essentials box, pack a small day bag with items you’ll need during the trip — such as water bottles, snacks, chargers, tissues, and hand sanitiser. Having these on hand makes the journey more comfortable.
Even with the best interstate moving checklist Australia, small hiccups can happen. Stay calm, keep communication open with your movers, and be flexible if plans shift slightly. A positive mindset makes the entire process smoother.
The hardest part is done — you’ve arrived in your new state! But the journey doesn’t end when the last box comes off the truck. This stage is about turning a house full of cartons into a comfortable home. Here’s a simple interstate moving checklist for what to do after the move:
Check that your power, water, gas, and internet are all up and running. If anything isn’t connected yet, contact your providers straight away so you’re not stuck without essentials. Having utilities ready makes your new place feel liveable from day one.
As boxes come off the truck, direct your removalists where to place them. Clear labelling or a basic floor plan will speed things up and save you the hassle of dragging heavy boxes later. It’s an easy way to make unpacking smoother.
Start with the must-haves: kitchen basics, toiletries, and bedding. Having your first meal, a hot shower, and a good night’s sleep will make you feel settled, even if the rest of the house is still in boxes.
Plug in and check your major appliances — fridge, washing machine, oven, and dishwasher. Confirm they work properly and that connections are secure. If anything doesn’t function, contact your removalist or a repair service quickly.
Before letting children or pets roam, check the yard and house for hazards. Secure fences, gates, and balconies, and make sure there are no sharp objects or cleaning products left out. Safety first means peace of mind.
Visit your council’s website to find out rubbish collection days, recycling rules, and pet registration requirements. Councils also often provide community services and local maps that will make settling in easier.
Avoid the overwhelm of opening everything at once. Tackle high-priority rooms first — bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom — then move on to living areas and storage. A staged unpacking strategy keeps things organised and stress-free.
Take time to walk around your new area. Locate supermarkets, pharmacies, parks, and public transport stops. Introducing yourself to neighbours also helps you feel part of the community from the start.
Double-check that your driver’s licence, car registration, and Medicare details are updated to your new address. This is often overlooked but is an important part of every interstate moving checklist.
Flatten boxes and recycle them, or see if your removalist offers a collection service. Donating sturdy boxes to others moving house is also a great way to reduce waste and help the next person.
Arriving in your new state is both exciting and exhausting. By following this simple interstate moving checklist, you’ll transition from a house full of boxes to a place that feels like home in no time.
At Shift Buddies, we know the job isn’t just about getting your belongings from A to B — it’s about helping you settle comfortably into your new chapter. Whether you’re moving from Melbourne to Sydney, Adelaide to Brisbane, or anywhere across Australia, our experienced team is here to make it seamless.
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