🗺️ Move Planner
Plan your move — step by step
Moving well is mostly about sequencing decisions correctly — not doing everything at once. Research and decide first, then budget and book, then pack and prepare. Most moving stress comes from getting that order wrong.
Each stage below links to the calculators, comparisons, and guides that are relevant at that point in the process. Use the moving checklist alongside this guide to tick off tasks as you go.
🔍 Research and decide💰 Budget and quote📋 Book and organise📦 Pack and prepare🚛 Final logistics🏠 Settle in
8–12 weeks out
🔍 Research and decide
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Compare cost of living between your current and new cityCost of living comparison →
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Model your after-tax salary at the new citySalary after tax calculator →
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Research rent ranges in your target suburbsCity comparison →
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Confirm your move decision with real numbers — not just feelingsMoving cities decision hub →
6–8 weeks out
💰 Budget and quote
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Estimate your moving cost to set a realistic budgetMoving cost calculator →
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Decide on removalist type: local, interstate, or backloadingCompare removalist types →
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For interstate: compare backloading vs a dedicated truckBackloading vs removalists →
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Understand every cost item — not just the quoteFull cost breakdown →
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Get at least 3 removalist quotes — get them in writing
4–6 weeks out
📋 Book and organise
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Book your removalist and confirm the service in writingInterstate removals guide →
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Decide on removals insurance (the base quote is not full cover)Removals cover guide →
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Arrange storage if there's a gap between leaving and arrivingStorage options →
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Start sourcing packing materials — second-hand boxes save money
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Notify key parties of your upcoming address change (employer, bank, ATO)
2–4 weeks out
📦 Pack and prepare
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Begin packing non-essentials — label every box by roomPacking services guide →
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Declutter and sell, donate, or dispose of items you're not taking
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Arrange utility disconnections at your current propertyConnections planning guide →
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Set up connections at your new address — electricity, gas, internetConnections planning guide →
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Book a bond cleaner if required at vacating property
1 week out
🚛 Final logistics
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Confirm move date, time, and access with your removalist
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Prepare a box of essentials for move day (accessible last, unpacked first)
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Confirm all utilities are disconnecting/connecting on the right dates
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Check your new property for access requirements: parking, lift, keys
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Update your address with Medicare, Services Australia, and your bank
After you arrive
🏠 Settle in
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Inspect the new property on arrival and document any existing damage
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Confirm all connections are live — NBN activation can take 2–10 daysConnections guide →
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Update your Medicare card, driver's licence, and vehicle registration
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Update your address with the ATO (or via myGov)
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Set up your new budget — cost of living may have changedBudget planner →
Companion resource
Moving checklist
Use alongside this guide — tick off tasks week by week.
Key decisions along the way
Next steps
Turn the moving guide into a practical plan
The guide tells you what to compare. These next steps help you turn that into a usable quote, cover decision, storage plan, or connection checklist.
Estimate the move quote
Model removalist cost, route distance, and practical extras before you book.
Check removals cover
See whether limited removalist liability is enough or whether transit cover matters.
Price storage
Useful if settlement, lease timing, or staging creates a gap before move-in.
Plan utility connections
Line up electricity, gas, internet, and admin setup before the new address goes live.