Feeling overwhelmed by your move? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you take control

Moving house can be one of life’s most stressful events. It’s not just about lifting boxes - it’s the emotional weight of sorting through memories, making endless decisions, and trying to stay on top of everything when life is already full. At Professional Organiser Co, we understand how overwhelming this process can feel, and we’re here to walk you through it - one manageable step at a time.

This guide is designed to give you clarity and structure in the lead-up to moving day. Whether you’re weeks away or just days out, you’ll know exactly what needs to be done, when - and how to avoid last-minute panic.

6 to 8 Weeks before moving

This is the time to lay the groundwork. A little planning now will save you hours later.

  • Book your team: Start researching removalists, truck rentals, and cleaners. Ask for recommendations, check reviews, and gather quotes.
  • Start decluttering: Use a simple four-box method - keep, donate, sell, discard. Begin with cupboards, wardrobes, and storage areas.
  • Gather packing materials: Look on local community pages for free boxes or order supplies online if preferred.
  • Pack non-essentials: Think seasonal items, spare linens, or kitchenware you don’t use often.
  • Create an inventory: Especially helpful if you're moving interstate or using a moving service.
  • If relocating to a new area: Begin looking into local schools, GPs, and other essential services.

3 to 4 Weeks before moving

With your move around the corner, it’s time to confirm the details and start making progress in earnest.

  • Lock in your bookings: Confirm your movers, truck rental, and cleaners.
  • Organise care for pets and plants: Consider transport or temporary accommodation.
  • Confirm dates: Check vacate and entry dates and times with your landlord or agent.
  • Transfer school or medical records: If applicable, begin forwarding these to new providers.
  • Use up perishables: Start clearing the fridge, pantry, and cleaning supplies.
  • Clean gradually: If not hiring a cleaner, break your cleaning into manageable sections.
  • Vehicle prep: If moving long distance, book a car service.

Helpful Tip: Balance box weights by mixing heavy and light item - think books with pillows, dishes with tea towels.

2 Weeks before moving

With most of the planning in place, you can now focus on logistics and finishing your packing.

  • Continue packing: Books, art, and linens can go now.
  • Set aside important documents and valuables: These should travel with you.
  • Plan meals around remaining food
  • Book utilities: Schedule connection and disconnection for electricity, gas, internet.
  • Redirect mail: Lodge a redirection with your local mail provider.

1 Week before moving

This is your final stretch. You’ll be living out of essentials and finishing strong.

  • Pack everything except the daily essentials
  • Disassemble furniture: This will save time and space on moving day.
  • Continue deep cleaning: One room at a time to keep it manageable.
  • Change your address: Start notifying key contacts (list below).

Pro Tip: Pack a ‘first night’ box with essentials - bed linen, phone charger, snacks, toilet paper, toiletries, change of clothes.

1 Day before moving

You’re nearly there. This is the time to prepare both your old and new home for the transition.

  • Defrost and clean your fridge
  • Pack your final items
  • Inspect the new property: Note any issues or damage - especially important if renting.

Moving day!

It’s go-time, but with a plan in place, you’re ready.

  • Protect your floors: Use mats or sheets to prevent damage.
  • Be available: Greet the movers, answer questions, and supervise loading.
  • Do a final walkthrough: Check cupboards, sheds, and the laundry.
  • Take utility readings: Record water, electricity, and gas meters.
  • Final clean: Vacuum and mop once the house is empty.
  • Secure the property: Lock all doors and windows.

After the move

  • Check your utilities: Confirm everything is connected and functioning.
  • Unpack in order of priority: Focus on the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom first.
  • Cross-check your belongings: Use your inventory if you’ve created one.

Who to notify of your new address

  • Utilities: electricity, gas, internet, water
  • Vehicle: licence, registration
  • Insurance: home, health, vehicle
  • Finance: banks, credit cards, ATO, Centrelink
  • Healthcare: GP, dentist, optometrist, specialists
  • General: employer, school, Medicare, Linkt, lawn/garden services
  • Subscriptions: pet food, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, any recurring orders
  • Pet microchip registry

You’ve done the hard part - now let’s make it feel like home

Once you’ve moved in, take a breath. You’ve just completed a huge task. Now you can begin settling in - setting up your space in a way that supports your lifestyle and brings you peace.

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, we’re here to help. Professional Organiser Co specialises in creating calm from chaos. From pre-move decluttering and packing, to setting up organised, functional systems in your new home, we’re just a call away.

Let’s make your move feel like a fresh start - not just a change of address.

Get in touch with us today to find out how we can support your move.