Your moving interstate checklist

Juliette Strickland

February 9, 2023

6 minute read

Your interstate moving checklist

Check out our interstate removals checklist and start getting organised today!

Moving intersate is never simple. There are so many things you need to take into consideration. From organising utilities, arranging ping your address what seems like an endless list of services and authorities!

It may seem complicated, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done well. With a cool head and plan set in motion, it’s easy to streamline all the processes for yourmove interstate. One way to help plan your move is to create a checklist.

With an ordered checklist it’s easy to prioritise what’s what and ensure nothing gets missed or forgotten along the way.

What you can do ahead of time

The more organised you are, the less stressful your interstate move can be. There are plenty of moving tasks you can start doing ahead of time. With this in mind, here’s a comprehensive list of things you can start doing after booking an interstate removalist service.

  • Book house cleaning, pet or vehicle transport service through Walkers.
  • Refer to the user manuals for home appliances such as the fridge and washing machine to determine how they should be uninstalled and prepared for moving.
  • Sell, give away or dispose of any unwanted furniture you don’t want to take with you.
  • Book a babysitting service for your children or boarding service for your dog on the days you’re packing or moving.
  • Collate and organise your family’s dental and medical records.
  • Update your pet’s details and ensure they are registered with the city council of your new suburb.
  • Research your new suburb and get familiar with the layout of supermarkets, hospitals, petrol stations, and schools.
  • If you are undertaking any of the packing yourself, don’t forget to obtain cartons from Walkers and allow for plenty of time in advance to start packing your cartons.
  • Disassemble any built-in fixtures and fittings that you plan on taking with you.
  • Disassemble any outdoor items such as swing sets, BBQs, trampolines etc and don’t forget to store and label all screws and bolts for easy assembly.
  • Disassemble any furniture that can be taken apart such as computer desks and display cabinets.
  • Sign, date and return your Quotation Acceptance form along with all other required documentation as soon as you can.
  • Let your neighbours know that you’re moving. Relocations can be disruptive to neighbours, and they’ll appreciate you giving them an update!
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Get your moving checklist organised

Things to check a week before moving

As your moving date comes closer, it’s time to confirm your travel and accommodation arrangements. Appliances you don’t use on a regular basis such as lawn mowers and BBQs should be packed up and prepared for long-term storage.

  • Make sure all interstate accommodation and travel arrangements have been booked.
  • Make sure all fuel-driven appliances such as lawn mowers and whipper snippers have all their fuel supplies emptied.
  • Gas cylinders from appliances such as your BBQs and outdoor heaters should be emptied and certified by an authorised gas cylinder test station.
  • Pick up any laundry you may have left at a dry-cleaning service.

Things to check a day before moving

It’s a day before the big move, so it’s time for all those last minute checks. Ideally, you’d like everything to be organised days in advance, but there are just some things that can’t be done until the last minute. Get through the very last items of your list and rest easy knowing that everything is organised.

  • If you’re packing boxes yourself, ensure they’re all sealed and clearly labelled.
  • Keep valuables such as jewellery and money with you along with important documentation such as passports, medical documents, travel and insurance documents, and tickets.
  • Prepare your pets for collection and try pack something familiar with them, such as a chew toy.
  • Empty and hose down all rubbish and compost bins.
  • Prioritise and pack the items that you need access to straight away, including toiletries, bed sheets, and towels.
  • Ensure payment for the move has been confirmed prior to moving day.
  • Empty, defrost and thoroughly dry your fridges and freezers before wiping them down with a deodoriser.
  • Turn off the taps that connect to your washing machine, disconnect and drain the hoses, let the hoses dry overnight to ensure no excess water remains.
  • Check the manufacturer’s specifications for your electrical goods and ensure they are ready for transportation according to their manuals.
  • Disconnect all home entertainment equipment such as your TVs and stereo systems, ensure their leads are taped together, and no CDs or DVDs are left inside them.
  • Make sure you are home on the day of your move to supervise the operation, assign someone you trust to supervise the move for you if you can’t make it on the day.
  • Empty all waste from your bins and pantry.
  • Remove the remote garage door opener from your car and attach it to the house keys.
  • Rest up and get a good night’s sleep for the long trip ahead.

Who needs to know you’re moving?

There are many people and services you’ll need to inform when you change address. Giving early notice can help make your interstate removalist service run smoother.

  • Post office for mail redirection.
  • Telephone and internet service provider.
  • Electricity, gas, and water suppliers.
  • Your bank, credit card institutions and financial lenders.
  • The Australian Taxation Office.
  • The Australian Electoral Commission.
  • All of your insurance companies that cover car, life, health, pet, home, and contents insurance.
  • The driver registration authority for your past and future state of residence.
  • Family and friends.
  • Your local doctor and dentist.
  • Your social and sporting clubs including gyms.
  • Magazine subscriptions, book clubs, wine clubs.
  • Your local cable television provider.
  • Your children’s schools.
  • Your local solicitor.
  • Superannuation provider.
  • Veterinary clinic for obtaining pet records.
  • Your local newspaper delivery service.
  • Your local library – don’t forget to return your books!
  • Local services/tradespeople – lawnmowers, cleaners, and babysitters should be notified.
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Don't leave things till the last minute

What else do I need to know?

There isn’t much else you’ll need, but it’s useful having this information up your sleeve:

  • On the day, your Walkers interstate removalists will arrive on the day with a tool kit, and dismantle any large items such as beds and tables. But we do ask that certain items, such as swing sets, cubby houses and built in fixtures are dismantled prior to transport.
  • If you’re moving your car, it must be entirely empty for transport. You will not be able to load it up with items to move as well. Car transporters will not transport your car if anything other than standard manufacturers items (like spare tyre and wheel jack) are inside.
  • If you’re moving interstate, usually the safest, most economical way to go is by rail. Your moving specialist will advise you the best mode of transport based on where and what you’re moving.
  • Most importantly, get a good night’s sleep the night before your move, and let your moving team take care of the rest!

If you having any questions above moving interstate, get in touch with one of our expereinced team memebrs today.