The Ultimate Moving Checklist: Everything to Do Before You Move House

Moving house is exciting… right up until you realise just how much there is to organise. From packing boxes to redirecting mail (and figuring out where you packed the kettle), it can feel overwhelming fast.
Hobart Storage Units have put together this ultimate moving checklist that breaks everything down into simple, clear steps.

Move out, move in and stay sane throughout the process.

If you want a smoother move? A storage unit can be your secret weapon for decluttering, staging, or safely holding your belongings between homes.

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6–8 Weeks Before Moving

✔️ Declutter your home

Go room-by-room and sort items into keep, donate, sell and store.
If you’re staging your home for sale or downsizing, a storage unit can help you clear visual clutter without getting rid of items you still want to keep.

✔️ Book your removalists early

Good movers book out quickly, especially on weekends. Compare quotes and check reviews before locking someone in.

✔️ Create a moving folder

Store all quotes, receipts, checklists and important documents in one place.

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4–5 Weeks Before Moving

✔️ Start collecting moving boxes

Ask local shops, buy new ones, or grab reusable plastic tubs. Don’t forget bubble wrap, tape and labels.

✔️ Measure your furniture

Ensure everything fits in your new home. Doorways, hallways and staircases can be trickier than they look.

✔️ Arrange storage if needed

If you’re downsizing, renovating, or have a gap between settlement dates, book a storage unit now so you’re not scrambling later.

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2–3 Weeks Before Moving

✔️ Begin packing non-essentials

Pack seasonal clothes, decorations, spare linen, books and anything you won’t need before moving day.

✔️ Change your address

Redirect mail and update details with:

• Banks

• ATO

• Work

• School

• Subscriptions

• Rego & license

✔️ Organise utilities

Set up:

• Electricity

• Home & Contents Insurance

• Internet

• Water

Make sure the new home is connected before you arrive.

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1 Week Before Moving

✔️ Pack your essentials box

Include:

• Toiletries

• One full outfit each

• Towels

• Medications

• Chargers

• Cleaning wipes

• Kettle, cups, tea/coffee
  This box travels with you — not in the truck.

✔️ Defrost and clean the fridge

This avoids spills and odours on the day.

✔️ Confirm all bookings

Double-check your removalist time, access instructions and storage unit details.

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Moving Day

✔️ Do a final walkthrough

Check cupboards, drawers, the garage and the tops of wardrobes.

✔️ Keep important items with you

Documents, jewellery, medication and keys should never go in the moving truck.

✔️ Direct removalists

Let them know what’s fragile, what’s heavy, and what’s going into storage.

✔️ Clean the property

Especially if you’re ending a lease — those bond inspectors don’t miss a thing.

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After You’ve Moved In

✔️ Unpack room by room

Start with the kitchen and bedrooms so you can cook and sleep comfortably on night one.

✔️ Take meter readings

Electricity, gas and water — just in case you need them later.

✔️ Update your insurance

Make sure your new home is covered from day one.

✔️ Retrieve items from storage

Or keep them there long-term if you want a more spacious, clutter-free home.

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Final Tip: A Storage Unit Makes Moving Easier

Using a storage unit can take pressure off your move by:

• Clearing space for packing

• Storing excess furniture during home staging

• Keeping belongings safe during renovations

• Bridging the gap when moving dates don’t line up

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, a little extra space can make the whole process smoother.