Complete moving guide
Moving House in Australia: The Complete Guide (2026)
Everything you need to know — from planning your move to getting your bond back.
Moving house is consistently rated one of life's most stressful events. But with the right preparation, it doesn't have to be. This guide covers every stage of the moving process for Australian renters and homeowners — from eight weeks out to moving day and beyond.
8 weeks before: Planning your move
- Set your moving date — mid-week and mid-month moves are cheaper and easier to book
- Create a moving budget — include removalists, packing materials, bond cleaning, and utility connections
- Start decluttering — sell, donate, or dispose of anything you won't take
- Research removalists and get a couple quotes
- Notify your landlord in writing — check your lease for required notice periods (usually 14–28 days)
- Start collecting boxes — your local storage facilities usually have box packages based on the size of your move
4–6 weeks before: Booking services
- Book your removalist — popular dates fill up fast, especially end of month
- Book a bond cleaner if you're vacating a rental
- Arrange storage if there's a gap between your move-out and move-in dates
- Notify your employer, bank, Medicare, and ATO of your new address
- Redirect your mail through Australia Post
- Arrange connections for electricity, gas, and internet at your new address
- Notify your children's school and arrange enrolment if changing schools
2 weeks before: Packing
- Pack room by room — label every box with contents and destination room
- Pack heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes
- Use clothing, towels, and linen to wrap fragile items
- Pack an 'essentials box' with items you'll need on moving day and the first night
- Disassemble large furniture and keep all screws and fittings in labelled bags
- Defrost your fridge and freezer 24 hours before moving day
- Photograph the setup of your TV and electronics before disconnecting
Moving day
- Be ready when the removalists arrive — time is money on an hourly rate
- Do a final walkthrough of every room, cupboard, and storage space
- Check the meter readings at both properties and photograph them
- Ensure the removalists have clear access — move cars, unlock gates
- Keep valuables, documents, and medications with you — not on the truck
- Do a final check before handing back keys — windows locked, taps off, lights off
- Take date-stamped photos of the vacated property
Getting your bond back
- Complete a thorough end-of-lease clean — use our checklist as your guide
- Have carpets professionally steam cleaned if required by your lease
- Repair any damage beyond fair wear and tear
- Return all keys, remotes, and access cards
- Attend the final inspection if possible
- Lodge your bond refund claim promptly through your state's bond authority
- If there's a dispute, contact your state's tenancy tribunal — most disputes are resolved in tenants' favour when cleaning is thorough
After the move: Settling in
- Complete a condition report for your new rental within the required timeframe
- Test all appliances, taps, and light fittings — report any issues in writing immediately
- Update your address on your driver's licence within the required timeframe (varies by state)
- Register to vote at your new address
- Find your nearest GP, dentist, and emergency services
- Introduce yourself to neighbours — good relationships make for better living
State-by-state tenancy rules
Notice periods, bond limits, and bond authority contacts for each state.
New South Wales
- Bond authority
- NSW Fair Trading
- Notice to vacate
- 14 days (fixed term end), 21 days (periodic)
- Maximum bond
- 4 weeks rent (under $700/wk)
Victoria
- Bond authority
- RTBA (Residential Tenancies Bond Authority)
- Notice to vacate
- 28 days
- Maximum bond
- 1 month rent (under $900/wk)
Queensland
- Bond authority
- RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority)
- Notice to vacate
- 14 days (fixed term end), 2 weeks (periodic)
- Maximum bond
- 4 weeks rent
Western Australia
- Bond authority
- Bond Administrator (Commerce WA)
- Notice to vacate
- 30 days
- Maximum bond
- 4 weeks rent (under $1,200/wk)
South Australia
- Bond authority
- CBS (Consumer and Business Services)
- Notice to vacate
- 28 days
- Maximum bond
- 4 weeks rent
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