Moving house is one of the biggest life changes most Australians face — and it often comes with stress, hidden costs, and endless to-do lists. From packing years of belongings to booking movers, every detail matters. Without a clear plan, you risk delays, lost items, and costly mistakes.

This moving house guide walks you through a step-by-step checklist, practical packing advice, and insider tips that make the process smoother. Whether you’re relocating across Melbourne, moving interstate, or downsizing to a new home, these strategies will help you move with confidence.

Moving House Overview (What This Guide Covers)

How to move house with a simple, realistic plan
Moving house tips to cut stress and save money
Preparing to move house: declutter, timelines, and booking movers
Packing to move house: materials, methods, and room-by-room flow
DIY vs professional house removalists — which is right for you?

1) Make a Move Plan Earlier

A well-planned action is the first step toward success. The earlier you get started, the less stressful your move will be.

Decide on a Moving Date

Pick a day that suits your schedule and any movers you’re employing. Weekends and holidays are busier (and often pricier).

Set a Budget

Relocating can be costly. Create a budget that includes movers, packing materials, petrol, storage, insurance, and utility deposits. Add a small buffer for surprises.

Reserve a Truck or Moving Company Early

If you’re DIY, book a vehicle that fits your load. If not, compare house removalists in Melbourne and lock in dates early (peak seasons sell out).

All-Round Assistance

Be it a residential or commercial move, there are several stages: planning, packing, loading, transport, unloading, and unpacking. Handling it all yourself can get complicated — especially for companies where downtime means lost productivity. Our guide on relocating your business without losing time or money covers the exact steps to move offices smoothly while keeping operations running.” “Professional house removalists can cover everything from fragile packing to full-service storage. And when it comes to heavy lifting, our furniture moving guide shares proven ways to protect large items and make transport safer.”

2) Tidy Up Before You Go (Declutter to Save Time & Money)

One of the best times to declutter is when you’re moving house. Fewer items = faster packing, cheaper transport, and a fresh start.

Sort room by room: Keep, Donate, Sell, Discard.
Be ruthless: If you’ve not used it for a year, let it go.
Sell/Donate: Use Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or local charities.

3) Assemble High-Grade Packaging Materials

Good packing prevents breakage — and stress. If you want a step-by-step system, our packing tips guide shows you how to organise your boxes, build an essentials kit, and cut hours off unpacking.

Must-Haves

Strong moving boxes (various sizes)
Packing tape & bubble wrap
Labels and markers
Wardrobe boxes for clothing
Specialty cartons for fragile items (plates, mirrors)

Pro Tips

Don’t overpack boxes: Use smaller boxes for heavy items (books).
Label everything: Note room + contents so movers place boxes correctly.

4) Arrange Your Packing (Simple System That Works)

Packing takes time. Do it in stages to avoid overwhelm.

Pack non-essentials first: Books, décor, off-season clothing.
Create an essentials box: Toiletries, basic kitchen gear, meds, chargers, documents, a change of clothes, and bedding for the first night.
Pack room by room: Keep similar items together for easier unpacking.

5) Get Expertise or Seek Assistance (DIY vs Pros)

Depending on your budget and complexity, you can DIY or hire professional movers.

If Hiring Movers

Get referrals, check reviews, verify insurance.
Confirm what’s included (packing, materials, stairs, waiting time, fuel).
Ask about weekend surcharges and fixed vs hourly pricing.

If DIY

Recruit helping hands for heavy lifting.
Book a truck that actually fits everything.
Use trolleys, straps, and blankets to protect items.

6) Look After Children and Pets

Kids and pets add complexity.

Create a safe space: Keep them away from loading zones.
Arrange sitters if possible: Lower stress for everyone.
Pack comfort items: Favourite toys/blankets help with the transition.

7) Prepare for Move Day (Game Plan)

A little prep goes a long way.

Start early: Confirm parking and building access for movers.
Final walkthrough: Check cupboards, storage, and outdoor areas.
Oversee the move: Be available to direct movers and flag fragile items.
On arrival: Guide room placement and priority setup (beds, Wi-Fi, fridge).

Moving House Checklist — Your Step-by-Step Plan

Timeline	Task	Notes / Who Handles It
6–8 weeks before	Choose moving date, set budget	Weekends = higher demand
5–6 weeks before	Book house removalists or truck	Compare Melbourne quotes
4 weeks before	Declutter & donate unused items	Sell, recycle, donate
2 weeks before	Pack non-essentials	Seasonal clothes, décor
1 week before	Confirm movers & pack essentials	Toiletries, meds, documents
Moving day	Oversee movers, do final walkthrough	Check cupboards & storage
First 48 hours	Build beds, connect internet, unpack kit	Start with kitchen/bathroom/bedrooms

Preparing to Move House: Declutter First

The easiest way to save money when moving house is to reduce what you take.

Sort room by room → Keep, Donate, Sell, Discard.
Sell/Donate what you don’t need.
Be decisive — clutter is costly to move.

Packing to Move House: Materials & Methods

High-quality packing = fewer breaks and faster unpacking.

How to Pack (Step by Step)

Pack non-essentials first.
Build an essentials box.
Label by room + contents.
Use small boxes for heavy items.
Wrap fragile items well and fill voids to prevent movement.

Time-Saving Tips

Tape screws and cords to the furniture they belong to.
Use suitcases for heavy items (books, plates).
Color-code labels by room.
Photograph electronics before unplugging.

Tips for Moving House Easily (Real-World Shortcuts)

Keep pets/kids safely away from movers.
Freeze water bottles to use as mini-ice packs.
Lay rugs/blankets along tight hallways to protect walls.
Pack a separate first-night bag (PJs, chargers, snacks, toiletries).
Back up computers before moving.

Moving Day: How to Stay Organised

Wake up early and prep entry paths.
Reserve lifts and loading bays (where applicable).
Walk movers through fragile/heavy items first.
Do a final sweep for keys, remotes, and garage openers.
Photograph meter readings before leaving.

Do You Need Professional House Removalists or DIY?

DIY moving is cheaper but time-consuming and physically demanding.
Hiring house removalists saves time, reduces risk, and includes packing, storage, and careful transport — especially useful for apartments, stairs, or long distances.

Not sure which way to go? Get quotes for both and compare total costs (time off work, fuel, materials, insurance, and potential damage).

Local vs Interstate: What Changes When You’re Moving House

Local Moves

Short windows, tight streets, building access rules — speed and precision matter.

Interstate Moves

More logistics: linehaul scheduling, road timing, permits, and delivery tracking.
Choose a mover with interstate experience — reliability is everything.

What to Expect From Professional House Removalists

Top-Notch Supplies

Strong cartons, specialty boxes, trolleys, straps, and protective blankets.

Friendly, Efficient Teams

On time, well-organised, and experienced with fragile/awkward items.

Clear Communication

Pre-move confirmations, live updates, and help if plans change.

After-Hours & Weekend Options

Minimise downtime and fit the move around your life.

Costs & Budgeting: How Much Does Moving House Cost?

Costs vary by distance, volume, access (stairs/elevators), packing needs, and timing.

Typical Cost Drivers

Number of rooms / total volume
Distance (local vs interstate)
Packing services and materials
Access complexity (parking, stairs, long carries)
Day of week / peak season

How to Save

Declutter heavily before you move.
Pack most items yourself, but let pros handle fragile pieces.
Be flexible on dates if possible.
Get fixed-price quotes for clarity.

Conclusion: Moving House Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming

With the right moving house checklist, smart packing strategies, and (when needed) the support of professional house removalists in Melbourne, you can reduce stress, avoid costly mistakes, and settle into your new home faster.

Puzzle Movers Melbourne can help at every step — from packing and storage to full-service furniture removals and interstate relocations.

👉 Ready to make moving house simple? Get a tailored quote from Puzzle Movers.

FAQ: Moving House (Quick Answers to Common Questions)

1) What’s the best way to start moving house?

Set a date, make a budget, and book your mover early. Then declutter and begin packing non-essentials.

2) How do I prepare to move house quickly?

Prioritise decluttering, create an essentials box, label by room, and book reliable movers.

3) What packing supplies do I really need?

Sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, labels/markers, and specialty cartons for fragile items.

4) Is it cheaper to move house yourself?

Sometimes — but factor in truck hire, fuel, time off work, and potential damage. For complex moves, pros often save money overall.

5) How far in advance should I book movers?

4–6 weeks for standard moves; 6–8 weeks in peak season or for interstate relocations.

6) What should I do first when moving house?

Confirm your date, start decluttering, and book your mover or truck.

7) How do I move house with kids and pets?

Arrange sitters on move day, keep familiar items handy, and set up a safe room away from the loading zone.

8) What’s the best way to pack fragile items?

Double-wrap, use dividers, fill empty spaces, label “Fragile,” and load upright.

9) How can I reduce stress when moving house?

Follow a clear checklist, start early, and let professionals handle the heavy lifting.

10) Should I hire professional house removalists?

If you value time, safety, and minimal disruption — yes. They manage logistics so you can settle in faster.