Top Moving Tips & Tricks
Start Planning Earlier Than You Think
Moving always takes longer than people expect. If you live in a three-bedroom home, start organising at least three to four weeks before your moving day. That gives you time to gather packing supplies, book the removalists at a competitive rate, sort paperwork such as utility transfers and council notifications, and tackle rooms methodically rather than racing through everything the night before. Break the work into manageable chunks: one weekend for decluttering and donations, a few weeknights for packing non-essentials like books and out-of-season clothes, and a final weekend for fragile items and the essentials bag. Starting early also reduces stress, so you’re less likely to forget small but important tasks like redirecting mail or arranging school enrolment paperwork.
Declutter Before You Pack (Not After)
Every item you don’t take saves time, space and money. Before you start packing, work through cupboards, wardrobes and the garage and decide what to sell, donate or throw out. Use Facebook Marketplace for quick sales around town, or local buy/swap groups if you want a fast turnaround. Donations to Vinnies or the Salvos are simple and you can often get a donation pickup booked in. For genuinely unwanted bulky items, book a hard rubbish collection with your council — it’s cheaper than paying removalists to haul things away. The fewer boxes you move, the smaller the truck you’ll need and the lower your quote will be, so decluttering first is one of the best cost-saving moves you can make.
Packing Like a Professional
Invest in good-quality boxes from a hardware store or moving supplier — not supermarket boxes that collapse. Use small boxes for books and heavy items so they don’t become dangerously heavy. Wrap fragile items in clothing, towels or linen to reduce the need for a lot of bubble wrap; it’s efficient and saves space. Pack plates vertically like records, fill gaps in boxes with soft items such as socks or tea towels to prevent shifting, and don’t overfill a box so it can be safely lifted. Label every box clearly on at least two sides with the room it belongs to and a short list of contents. That label saves time at the other end and helps removalists know where to put boxes. Keep a simple inventory list on your phone so you can check things off as they go on and off the truck.
The Essentials Bag Strategy
Pack a single bag or clear plastic box that you keep with you during the move — this is the last thing on the truck and the first thing off when you arrive. Include phone chargers, basic toiletries, a change of clothes, a few snacks and bottled water, and any essential medicines. For families, add comfort items for kids like a favourite toy or blanket, and for pet owners include food, a leash and any medication. Important documents such as birth certificates, passports, tenancy agreements and removalist paperwork should be kept in a separate, secure folder that you carry with you. Label the essentials bag clearly and tell the removalists it must be the last item loaded; it will make the first few hours in your new place far more manageable.
Protecting Your Floors and Walls
Protect carpets and timber floors by laying down cardboard sheets or dedicated floor runners; you can buy inexpensive floor protection rolls that tape down but don’t leave residue. Use furniture sliders to shift heavy items across floors without scratching, and put felt pads under legs of chairs and tables if you’re moving them in and out of narrow spaces. Remove door stops and any loose door handles that might get bent during manoeuvres; keep them in a labelled bag with screws so you can reattach them quickly. Take photos of all walls, floors and fittings before the removalists arrive — those images are useful if you need to make a damage claim or prove pre-existing wear and tear.
How to Save Money on Your Move
Timing and comparison are the two biggest levers for savings. Book mid-week rather than on a weekend, and avoid the end of the month when removalists are busiest and prices climb. Get at least three quotes so you can compare services, inclusions and insurance levels — websites like RemovalistNow make it easy to compare several local removalists quickly. Ask each company about potential extra charges for stairs, long carries from the house to the truck, narrow streets, or heavy/specialist items. For interstate moves, ask about backloading options where your belongings share truck space with another job; it can be significantly cheaper if your timing is flexible. Finally, confirm what insurance is included and whether you need to buy additional cover for high-value items.
On Moving Day: Be Present and Prepared
On the day, be ready and available to field questions from the crew. Have cash or a card handy for any unexpected extras and keep your phone charged for coordination. Keep children and pets safe and out of the work area so removalists can work quickly without interruptions. Do a final room-by-room walkthrough before the truck leaves, checking cupboards, drawers and outdoor areas like the shed or garage so nothing is left behind. Make sure the essentials bag and any irreplaceable items are with you, and confirm the delivery time window for the new place. Being organised and present on moving day makes everything smoother and helps avoid last-minute hiccups.
Related guides:
Moving House Checklist
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How Much Does It Cost to Move in Australia?
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Interstate Moving Checklist
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How to Choose a Removalist in Australia
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Interstate Moving Guide for Australians
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