Everything you need to prepare for a smooth move — straight from removalists who've done it 500+ times. Save yourself the stress.
Moving house is one of the most stressful things you'll do — but a lot of that stress comes from being underprepared. After 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The last few days of the month are the busiest for removalists in Sydney. Mid-month moves are often smoother and sometimes cheaper.
A quick photo of electronics, art, and furniture gives you documentation of condition — useful if you ever need to make an insurance claim.
Write a number on each box and keep a note of what's in each. Makes finding specific items immediately after the move much faster.
A box that's too heavy is a safety risk and harder to stack. If you can't comfortably lift it, it's too full.
Get a free, no-obligation quote from Billy and Jet.