The Moving Day
Checklist.
Everything you need to prepare for a smooth move - straight from removalists who've done it 2,500+ times. Save yourself the stress.
The best dates fill quickly, especially weekends. End-of-month dates go first. If you have a settlement date locked in, book your removalist the same day.
Kettle, phone charger, toilet paper, change of clothes, kids' essentials. Load it last so it comes off the truck first. You'll thank yourself at 9pm.
A frozen fridge is heavier, risks water in transit, and can't be transported lying down. Defrost the night before - no exceptions.
Every minute of disassembly on moving day costs money. Beds, TV stands, desk legs - do it the night before and stack parts together.
"Kitchen" gets it to the right room. Contents lists only help if someone reads them. Number your boxes and keep a note on your phone if you need more detail.
A large box of books can hit 40kg. Pack heavy items in small boxes, light bulky items in large ones. Your back and your removalist's back will both be grateful.
Strata apartment buildings often require advance lift bookings. Call your building manager the moment you confirm your move date - forgetting this is the most common cause of a delayed start.
Clean after the furniture is gone, not during. Moving and cleaning simultaneously creates chaos and damages freshly cleaned floors. Book the cleaners for the day after.
Five minutes flagging what's fragile, what disassembles, and where you want things at the other end saves far more time than it costs.
A quick photo of electronics, furniture, and art gives you condition documentation before anything is wrapped. Two minutes of photos, no stress if you ever need to make a claim.
A cold drink on a hot Sydney day and a sandwich for a long job costs almost nothing. Most removal teams remember the customers who looked after them - and energy levels genuinely affect how a long move goes.
Moving house is one of the most stressful things you'll do - but a lot of that stress comes from being underprepared. After 2,500+ moves across Sydney and interstate, we've seen what makes a move run smoothly and what causes last-minute chaos. Here's our honest, practical guide. Tick items off as you go - your progress is saved automatically and will be here next time you visit.
Start Early, Stress Less
Good removalists book out quickly - especially on weekends and end of month. The sooner you lock in a date, the better. Get a quote from us here.
Moving is the perfect time to go through everything. Less stuff = less to move = lower cost and less stress. Donate, sell, or skip anything you haven't used in a year.
Start collecting boxes early - local Facebook groups often have free boxes after moves. You'll also want packing tape, bubble wrap, and permanent markers.
Start a list of everyone who needs your new address: bank, Medicare, ATO, electoral roll, subscriptions, your kids' school, and anyone who sends you mail.
Pack Smart, Label Everything
Don't mix rooms in the same box. It sounds obvious but it saves enormous time when unpacking. Label every box with the room AND a brief description of contents.
Books, tools, and kitchen items should go in smaller boxes. Large boxes should only contain lighter items like linen and pillows. This is one of the most common packing mistakes we see.
Use bubble wrap or packing paper generously. Plates should stand upright (not flat) in boxes. Glasses wrapped individually, never stacked unprotected.
Book electricity, gas, and internet connection at your new address. Don't leave this too late - internet connections especially can take weeks to organise.
Set up mail redirection through Australia Post - it catches everything you forget to update and gives you a safety net during the transition.
Final Preparation
Touch base with your removalists to confirm the time, access details (lifts, parking, stair access), and any special items you haven't mentioned.
This is the box that travels with you, not on the truck. Put in: phone chargers, toilet paper, kettle, coffee/tea, a change of clothes, medications, and anything you'll need the first night. This box has saved many of our customers a lot of grief.
Do this at least 24 hours before the move. A fridge that hasn't been defrosted creates a mess in the truck and can damage other items.
Bed frames, large wardrobes, and flat-pack furniture should be broken down if possible. Keep all screws and hardware in a labelled zip-lock bag taped to the piece.
Make sure there's parking available for the truck at both ends. Notify neighbours if needed. Check stairwell and lift access and let building management know if required.
The Day Itself
You don't need to stand over us - but be available to answer questions about where things go and to flag any fragile items that need extra care.
Check every room, cupboard, wardrobe, and storage space. Check the garage, under beds, and outdoor areas. It's always the stuff you forget about that gets left behind.
Photograph your electricity and gas meters at both properties on moving day. Useful if there are any billing disputes later.
Double check all windows are closed, taps are off, and appliances are unplugged before you hand back the keys.
Let us handle the hard part.
Get a no-obligation quote from Billy and Jet - the team who'll actually be on the truck.