Book your removalist: Choose carefully—ideally, an Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) accredited company. Set your budget, get a written quote, and organise moving transit insurance.

Arrange insurance: Set up contents and household insurance for your new home. Check coverage for key risks like bushfires, floods, and storms.

Update your address: Government, Utilities, Childcare etc

Plan your new space: Create a floor plan for furniture placement. Measure spaces — particularly doorways and large appliances like your fridge.

Prepare an inventory: List everything you own and highlight fragile or valuable items needing special care.

Declutter: Dispose of unwanted items.

Start preparing your child emotionally: Talk positively about the new school and suburb.

Visit the new school grounds: If possible, take a casual walk or tour to make it feel familiar.

Connect with local families: Arrange playdates with children who already attend the new school.

Check appliances: Review moving instructions for your washing machine and other large items.

Let kids help pack: Give them a few boxes to pack their own toys and books.

Use up perishables: Finish food in your pantry and freezer.

Clear storage areas: Don’t forget garages, sheds, under the house.

Handle hazardous items: Empty gas cylinders, dispose of flammable liquids like garden chemicals and paints.

Organise documents: Create a folder for important legal, financial, medical, and school records.

Set up mail redirection: Arrange through Australia Post.

Cancel or transfer subscriptions: Newspapers, magazines, and deliveries.

If travelling: Arrange passports, visas, tickets, foreign currency, and accommodation.

Return borrowed items: Library books, rentals, etc.

Book council clean-up: Arrange a hard rubbish collection if needed.

Confirm settlement or key collection time with real estate agents or lawyers.

Protect valuables: Plan to personally transport jewellery, important documents, and sentimental items.

Schedule repairs: Pre-plan any necessary property maintenance.

Consider storage: Research short-term storage options if required.

Transfer records: Gather medical, dental, veterinary, and school records.

Notify the current school: Organise a simple farewell (a card, a class goodbye, etc.).

If renting: Book an end-of-lease property inspection and professional cleaners.

Review car insurance coverage.

Packing support: Consider hiring professional packers to assist.

Arrange delivery of cartons and packing materials (labels, tape, bubble wrap, butcher’s paper).

Always use clean white paper (not newspapers) to prevent stains.

Label every box with contents and destination room.

Create an inventory list for each carton.

Mark fragile boxes clearly.

Pack heavy items in small boxes, lighter items in larger ones.

Dismantle furniture and tape screws securely or place them in a labeled “Essentials” carton.

Packing support: Consider hiring professional packers to assist.

Create a “First Box” (pack last, open first!) with essentials.

Update your address with banks, insurers, loyalty programs, online shopping accounts.

Return rentals and borrowed items.

Organise care for children and pets on moving day (family, friends, babysitters).

Confirm internet, phone, gas, and electricity transfers.

Change address with your bank.

Arrange boat/trailer transfers if needed.

Fill prescriptions for any upcoming medications.

Cancel or update services: Deliveries, subscriptions, payment plans.

Book a locksmith to change locks at your new home.

Request time off work for moving day.

Ensure property is professionally cleaned before moving in.

Disassemble outdoor equipment: Trampolines, cubby houses, swing sets.

Buy any new school uniforms, shoes, or supplies if needed.

Create a moving-day countdown calendar with your kids (helps them visualise the timeline).

Talk through the first day at the new school: Uniform, start time, transport plan, lunch arrangements (if relevant)

Lightly water indoor plants and pack them securely.

Confirm all moving details with your removalist: Arrival time, addresses, parking instructions.

Arrange parking access for moving trucks.

Remind kids what moving day will look like (who will be where, what they can help with).

Defrost and clean your fridge and freezer.

Pack personal and essential items for the next day.

Unplug appliances and secure cords.

Have cash handy for last-minute expenses.

Say goodbye to neighbours.

Prepare comfort bags for kids: Favourite toys, books, snacks, water bottles.

Finalise your action plan for moving day.

Keep the “First Box” carton within reach.

Provide floor plans and clear directions to removalists.

Ask movers to load the kitchen last so they’re first off the truck.

Minimise visitors to keep move-in smooth.

Ensure all utilities are turned off and doors locked at your old property.

Return keys to the real estate agent.

Remove any garage remotes from your car.

Read and record meter readings.

Check cupboards, sheds, garages for missed items.

Supervise unloading and direct furniture placement.

Document property condition if renting.

Verify utility connections (electricity, gas, water, hot water service).

Assemble beds early – especially for tired kids.

Celebrate little wins: “First night in our new home!”

Notify your mover immediately if anything is missing or damaged.

Change locks if concerned about security.

Introduce yourself to your new neighbours and explore your community!

Walk or drive past the new school before the first day to ease first-day nerves.

Plan a relaxed first school week: familiar meals, early nights, and extra cuddles.