Moving day can feel overwhelming, but with proper preparation, your Sydney move can go smoothly. This checklist will help you stay organised and ensure nothing important gets forgotten on the big day.
6-8 Weeks Before Moving Day
Book your removalists early. Sydney's peak moving season (January-February and June-July) means the best movers get booked out weeks ahead. MoveLink connects you with verified local removalists who know Sydney's unique challenges — from Bondi's no-lift buildings to the Inner West's narrow streets.
Start decluttering. Go through each room and decide what you really want to take. Donate, sell, or throw away items you don't need. This reduces your moving costs and makes packing easier.
Research your new area. Learn about parking restrictions, building access, and any special requirements for your new home. Many Sydney apartment buildings have move-in time restrictions or require lift bookings in advance.
Order moving supplies. You'll need boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and labels. MoveLink customers receive free moving boxes with new bookings, plus access to our packing materials shop for everything else you need.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
Confirm your removalist booking. Double-check the date, time, and any special requirements with your moving team. Verify pickup and delivery addresses are correct.
Start packing non-essentials. Begin with items you won't need in the next month — books, out-of-season clothes, decorative items, and rarely used kitchen gadgets.
Notify utility companies. Arrange disconnection at your old address and connection at your new one. Book these well in advance, as appointment times can be limited.
Update your address. Notify banks, insurance companies, employers, and subscription services of your move. Submit a mail redirection with Australia Post.
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
Confirm moving day logistics. Touch base with your removalists to confirm timing and any last-minute details. If you've booked through MoveLink, your verified movers will contact you directly to discuss access and parking.
Pack room by room. Focus on one room at a time and label boxes clearly with contents and destination room. Use our fragile packing guide for breakable items.
Arrange child and pet care. Moving day is chaotic — arrange for children and pets to stay elsewhere or have someone dedicated to watching them.
1 Week Before Moving Day
Finish most packing. Everything except daily essentials should be packed by now. Leave out one change of clothes, basic toiletries, medications, and a few meals' worth of food.
Prepare an essentials box. Pack a clearly labelled box with items you'll need immediately at your new home — phone chargers, basic tools, toilet paper, snacks, and a first aid kit.
Confirm parking arrangements. Ensure there's adequate parking for the removal truck at both properties. In busy Sydney areas like Surry Hills or Newtown, you may need to arrange with neighbours or council permits for CBD moves.
Moving Day Morning
Be ready before the movers arrive. Have everything packed except your essentials box. Be dressed and ready to supervise the move.
Do a final walkthrough. Check every room, cupboard, and storage area. It's much easier to grab forgotten items now than arrange a return trip.
Prepare cash for tips. While not mandatory, it's customary to tip your moving crew if they do excellent work. Have cash ready in case you want to show appreciation.
When the Movers Arrive
Do an inventory check. Walk through the process with your removalist team leader. Point out any items that need special care or have specific placement requirements.
Stay available but out of the way. Be present to answer questions and make decisions, but let the professionals do their work. With MoveLink's verified removalists starting /hr for two movers and a truck, you're getting experienced teams who know how to work efficiently.
Take photos of valuable items. Document the condition of electronics, artwork, and furniture before they're moved, in case you need to make an insurance claim later.
At Your New Home
Check utilities are connected. Test power, water, and gas as soon as you arrive. If there are issues, you'll want to address them before the movers start bringing items inside.
Direct the unpacking process. Tell the movers which rooms boxes belong in. This saves you from carrying heavy boxes up stairs later.
Do a final inventory. Check that everything has arrived and note any damage immediately while the movers are still there.
After the Movers Leave
Unpack essentials first. Set up your bed, basic kitchen items, and bathroom supplies. Everything else can wait until tomorrow.
Order dinner. You've had a long day — treat yourself to takeaway rather than trying to cook in your half-unpacked kitchen.
Update important contacts. Let close family and friends know you've arrived safely at your new address.
A well-planned move is a successful move. By following this checklist and working with experienced removalists, your Sydney moving day will be less stressful. MoveLink's platform makes it easy to book verified local movers who understand Sydney's unique challenges and provide competitive rates with transparent pricing.
Ready to book your Sydney move? Get free quotes from verified removalists starting at, plus free moving boxes with your booking. Visit MoveLink to start planning your move today.
