Moving House Checklist: A Week-by-Week Guide for Newcastle

Set a firm moving date around your lease end, settlement date or school terms. If you're renting, give written notice to your landlord or agent.
Get quotes from removalists and compare what's included, not just the price. We recommend booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead, and earlier for December and January.
At the quote, talk about stairs, parking for the truck, large or fragile items, insurance and how long the job should take. Our onsite quotes are free and no-obligation.
Measure large furniture and the doorways at the new home so you know it will fit.
Write a rough budget for boxes, cleaning, skip bin hire, pet care and the removalist.
Start packing things you won't need before the move, like seasonal clothes, spare linen and rarely used appliances.
Check whether you'll need a parking permit or lift booking at either property.

Declutter room by room into keep, sell, donate and throw away, starting with the garage, shed and spare room.
Sell unwanted items through local marketplace groups or a garage sale, and donate usable furniture and clothes to op shops around Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
Get strong boxes, heavy-duty tape, packing paper and bubble wrap. We supply packing materials if you need them. Our guide to packing box sizes explains which box suits which items.
Use towels, blankets and linen as padding for everyday items, and save bubble wrap for glassware, mirrors and artwork.
Set up mail redirection with Australia Post so it's active by moving day.
Start a list of everyone who needs your new address: your bank, insurers, phone provider, employer, the electoral roll and government services through myGov.
Look up GPs, chemists, vets and schools near your new home.

Pack low-use rooms completely and leave out only daily essentials in the kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms.
Label each box with its contents and destination room. Mark "unpack first" boxes and write "FRAGILE" on anything delicate.
Arrange for electricity, gas and water to be connected at the new house from the day before or the morning of the move. Book your internet connection early, as NBN connections can take time.
Schedule disconnection at the old house for late on moving day so you're not left without power while you pack.
Confirm the arrival time and contact numbers with your removalist, and let them know about any extra items, parking problems or lift bookings.
Write a cleaning checklist for the old house and gather your cleaning supplies.
Back up computers and decide which documents and valuables you'll move yourself.

Pack an overnight bag for each person with clothes, toiletries, chargers, medication, snacks and water.
Keep jewellery, passports, birth certificates and financial documents together in a bag that travels with you.
Pack a moving day box for the new house: kettle, tea and coffee, mugs, cutlery, plates, toilet paper, hand soap, bin bags and a small toolkit.
Leave cleaning gear at the old house: spray, mop and bucket, broom, cloths and gloves.
Run down the fridge and freezer, then defrost and wipe them out.
Check the forecast and plan for rain or heat to protect boxes and soft furnishings.
Arrange care for kids and pets, or set up a quiet room for them at one of the houses.

Clear the driveway and walkways, keep pets contained, and put aside anything you're taking in your own car before the truck arrives.
Walk through the house with the removalists and point out fragile items, heavy furniture and tricky staircases.
Keep a numbered box list and tick items off as they're loaded and unloaded. Our article on inventory tracking during a move explains how.
Photograph the condition of both properties during the move.
Check the new home for existing damage before boxes come inside, and report anything to your landlord, builder or conveyancer.
Read the meters at the old house and note the date for your final bills.
Do a final walk-through of the old house, finish any agreed cleaning, lock up and leave the keys and remotes as arranged.

Show the crew where each room is and where large furniture should go before unloading starts.
Unpack the kitchen and bathroom first, make the beds and get the fridge running.
Test the smoke alarms, and check locks, side gates, pool fences and window latches.
Check the hot water, oven and cooktop, then connect internet and TV.
Unpack one room at a time over the first week rather than opening boxes everywhere.
Look on your new council's website for bin collection days and new resident information.

Update your bank, the ATO or your tax agent, your super fund, health fund and insurers.
Update your driver licence and vehicle registration address through Service NSW, update the electoral roll and tell your employer.
Tell your GP, dentist and specialists, or find new ones near your new suburb.
Update your kids' school or childcare details and emergency contacts.
Update your pet's microchip, council registration and vet records.
Stick a contact list on the fridge with your local GP, vet, council and school.

Key Takeaways