The Complete Brisbane Moving Checklist: An 8-Week Timeline

Moving feels overwhelming when every task sits in one mental list. Spread it across eight weeks and it becomes manageable. If you need a crew, our Brisbane house removalists can help plan the load and access, and our moving cost guide explains what to budget for.

Use this Brisbane moving checklist for a house, townhouse or apartment move. If your date is closer, start at the top and combine the stages.

8 weeks before moving

• Confirm the moving date.
• Request written quotes from Brisbane removalists.
• Create a room-by-room inventory.
• Declutter furniture, clothing, garage items and storage areas.
• Check tenancy or settlement dates.
• If renting, confirm the correct RTA notice and end-of-tenancy requirements.
• Make a budget for moving, materials, cleaning, connections and temporary storage.

Ask each removalist about minimum time, call-out or travel charges, billing increments, inclusions and insurance.

6 weeks before moving

• Book the removalist in writing.
• Confirm the crew size and truck requirements.
• Order moving boxes and packing materials.
• Begin with the garage, shed, spare room and seasonal items.
• Arrange school or childcare changes if needed.
• Reserve storage if settlement dates do not align.
• Start a moving folder for quotes, receipts and property documents.

4 weeks before moving

• Order internet for the new address.
• Arrange electricity and gas connection and disconnection.
• Set up mail redirection.
• Confirm lift and loading-dock bookings for apartments.
• Arrange parking or access approvals if required.
• Book bond cleaning, carpet cleaning or pest treatment where applicable.
• Start packing one room at a time.

Label cartons by their destination at the new address, not only by where they came from.

2 weeks before moving

• Confirm the date, arrival window, addresses and access notes with the removalist.
• Update banks, insurers, Medicare, the ATO, superannuation and subscriptions.
• Use food from the freezer and pantry.
• Arrange care for pets or young children.
• Photograph valuable items.
• Confirm key collection and settlement timing.
• Identify furniture that needs dismantling.
• Tell the removalist about items over roughly 100 kilograms.

1 week before moving

• Pack everything except daily essentials.
• Prepare your Open First box.
• Put important documents, keys and medication in a bag that travels with you.
• Confirm truck parking at both addresses.
• Photograph cable layouts before disconnecting electronics.
• Back up computers and important files.
• Clean and dry outdoor equipment.
• Confirm the final inventory.

The day before

• Finish packing completely.
• Defrost and dry the refrigerator and freezer if required.
• Tape hardware bags to the furniture they belong to.
• Strip beds but keep one set of bedding accessible.
• Charge phones and power banks.
• Clear walkways from every room to the exit.
• Keep keys, wallet and property documents together.
• Check the weather and protect cartons from rain.

Moving day

• Walk through the property with the crew.
• Point out fragile, heavy and non-moving items.
• Keep children and pets away from open doors and carrying routes.
• Stay available to answer placement questions.
• Check cupboards, balcony, shed, garage, storage cage and outdoor areas.
• Take final meter readings and condition photos.
• At the new property, direct cartons to rooms as they arrive.
• Check that large furniture is in the correct place before the crew leaves.

The first 24 hours

• Make the beds.
• Unpack bathroom and kitchen essentials.
• Check large items and cartons for visible damage.
• Follow the removalist’s written process and timing for reporting concerns.
• Confirm utilities and internet.
• Secure gates and check pet access.
• Photograph the new property condition if renting.

The first week

• Update licence, registration and pet details where required.
• Find the bin collection day.
• Flatten or return cartons.
• Finish address updates.
• Register with local healthcare and essential services.
• Leave a factual review if the removalist did a good job.

Ready to book Brisbane removalists?

Send SwiftMove your moving date, addresses, access details and inventory. We will recommend a crew and provide a clear quote.