Moving Interstate Checklist: Download Your Printable Guide
Australia has one of the highest rates of internal migration in the world, and this is specially surprising for my Spanish mindset where we barely move houses in our entire life. In fact, between 2016 and 2021 there were around 2,154,200 interstate moves! That’s a massive number.
My team at North Removals in Melbourne is made up of interstate moving experts. We focus on delivering stress-free transitions for all our clients, and we achieve 100% five-star reviews for our work. We developed this complete interstate moving house checklist to help you organise every stage of your relocation over an Aussie state border.
Even if I’ve been living in Melbourne for the past 5 years, two years ago my partner had the possibility of getting a job in Sydney and for a couple of months we were studying the possibility of moving interstate. After checking the massive difference of living cost between Melbourne and Sydney we decided to stay in the colder city.
But if you already took the decision here is our full guide + downdoable moving interstate checklist, enjoy reading!
Interactive Moving Interstate Checklist: Track Your Progress and Save it
Step-by-Step Moving Interstate Guide
8-Week Checklist for Moving Interstate
✔ Create a digital moving folder: A digital moving folder should be created by using Google Drive or another cloud storage system to store scans of contracts and quotes and receipts. This backup copy of documents is an alternative in case the original physical copies get lost or damaged. The sharing functionality means you can give your moving company and family members access to your documents all at once while you move interstate.
✔ Come up with a realistic budget: Moving interstate is not cheap, you should plan for expenses related to the team moving you, as well as insurance, packing supplies, fuel for transportation, possibly storage space and potentially temporary housing. Use our interstate moving cost calculator to see how much can be the damage.
✔ Get a quote for your move with North Removals: You can request a quotation from us for your relocation. Contact today to obtain a no obligation complimentary cost estimation that details what services we offer. We recommend to book your moving date well in advance to obtain your desired schedule and this is even more important when moving long distance between states.
✔ Research quarantine laws: Check state quarantine laws before crossing borders because some restrictions exist for plants and animals alongside certain household items. Certain states enforce restrictions on some produce as well as vegetable products and wood-based household items. The enforcement of these laws requires your full compliance to prevent fines as well as border confiscations of your items. Check the official government websites to access current restriction updates.
✔ Research new state regulations: Moving between states requires researching new state regulations, you must update vehicle registration, driver's licence and possibly insurance policies. Researching state regulations is essential because some jurisdictions enforce specific deadlines for changing certain details. To avoid any legal issues, conduct research early on requirements. Learn both the local council regulations about parking permits, as well as rules on pet ownership and waste disposal for your new area.
✔ Declutter, donate, sell, or bin unwanted items: Evaluate your belongings by sorting them into three groups: for donation, to sell, and to dispose of. A reduction in the amount of moved items will save on transportation interstate expenses and simplify unpacking. You can sell valuable but unwanted possessions through online marketplaces, as well as perhaps hosting a garage sale.
✔ Book travel arrangements: The booking process for travel arrangements should start early as it helps obtain better choices at lower prices. If you are flying, book your tickets aligning with the availability of the accommodation you are moving to. If driving interstate you should make a travel plan and verify that all roads are accessible on your journey. You can locate fuel stations on the way and book overnight lodging if your travel takes more than one day. Organising your travel schedule reduces so much moving day stress.
✔ If driving, service your car: You need to maintain your vehicle in good condition before taking a long interstate drive. Professional mechanics should check your vehicle's oil supply together with tyre pressure and brake system, plus coolant levels and battery health. Perform any required maintenance tasks before the date of the interstate trip!
✔ Notify schools and employers: Parents should notify their children's current school to acquire essential state transfer documents. New school personnel require your confirmation of enrolment and necessary paperwork. Notify your employer with proper notice of your last day and depending on your situation you can source employment in your new state before you move.
✔ Secure storage facilities in advance: When moving interstate you should consider factors such as location, access hours and climate control to ensure your belongings remain safe. Compare prices and read reviews to find a reliable provider. Booking storage early helps you avoid last-minute availability issues and ensures a smooth transition between homes.
✔ Arrange for pet transport if needed: When travelling with pets, research the amenities that welcome pets together with information about airline policies and pet transport systems. Before bringing your pet you should check if your new state has any pet registration or quarantine rules in place.
✔ Check vehicle transportation options: If you can't drive to your new state consider hire a car transport interstate company. Also compare the cost between the different providers, sometimes can be cheaper to fly and pay for a car transport than driving by yourself!
4-Week Checklist for Moving Interstate
✔ Create an inventory of your belongings: At North Removals we have built a volume calculator tool which helps customers determine required space for their interstate moving needs. A complete item list, or inventory, assists both with tracking down possessions and preventing items from getting lost during the moving process.
✔ Schedule utility transfers: Contact your utility providers in advance to disconnect power, water supply, gas and internet service at your current residence and then activate these services at your new home address before your interstate move if possible.
✔ Change your details: For your mail delivery redirection use Australia Post while you also need to update your address at banks, insurance companies and government agencies, including myGov. Check our change of address checklist to make sure you don't forget anything!
✔ Start gathering packing supplies: At North Removals we offer premium packing materials to safeguard your possessions. Call us today and ask when we can drop you some boxes.
✔ Begin packing non-essential items: Organise and put away all items you will not need during your relocation, especially seasonal clothing as well as books and decorations. Remember that at North Removals we provide professional packing services for customers who require additional help with packing.
✔ Prepare for different climates: Before moving between states check the weather conditions to organise your packing strategy. Different weather patterns across Australian states require residents to make various clothing choices. If you are going to Tassie for example you are gonna need some warm clothes!
✔ Label all boxes clearly: Each box should receive clear labels describing its contents and designated destination room. A colour-coded system or even QR code system enables efficient unpacking procedures. Such a simple organisational method helps you save both time and effort when moving interstate.
✔ Arrange an inter-school transfer: School interstate transfer paperwork should be completed in advance for families who move with school-age children. Reach out to the new school institution to obtain enrolment requirements and send requested documents for an effortless switch.
Last Steps Before Moving Interstate: 1-2 Week Checklist
✔ Pack an essentials box: When moving between states store a box containing vital items, including personal care products, clothing alternatives and medications along with basic cookware, including utensils and snacks. The essentials box you pack will provide immediate access when you arrive at your new state!
✔ Confirm your moving details: Our staff at North Removals will review your interstate moving schedule, pickup and drop-off times, to guarantee all operations proceed without delay. Advance confirmation of logistics will prevent timing problems during the moving day.
✔ Measure the new house to check if the furniture fits: Take accurate measurements of all doors and spaces in your new house before moving day, if possible, to check how your large furniture pieces will fit through. If you are not travelling to the new state until after de move, ask the real estate agent if they can measure for you.
✔ Survey and clean empty rooms: Complete your packing process by conducting a thorough check of your home. Verify that every item is packed and properly cleaned. Examine all closets as well as cabinets and any concealed areas to verify you have not overlooked anything.
✔ Double-check all boxes: Every shipping box needs accurate labelling before receiving secure application of tape for transportation. The process of unpacking becomes more organised and efficient through appropriate labelling methods.
✔ Check lift access and book if needed: Check with building management at both vacating and arrival points to determine whether lift reservations need to be made. Lift reservations at both states enable timely operations, and a smooth moving process.
✔ Prepare some on-the-road entertainment: You should bring entertainment such as games, books, movies and music when travelling interstate distances to keep everyone occupied. It's even more important to bring some entertainment when you have children or pets accompanying you during the move.
✔ Get a good night’s sleep before moving day: The night before your interstate move you should get plenty of rest because this will provide you with enough energy to handle the big trip and moving day. Settle down early and make sure all last-minute jobs are completed ahead of time.
Interstate Moving Day Checklist
✔ Charge all devices: Ensure that all your electronic devices, your phone and tablet along with your power bank, reach full charge the evening before your moving day. This is crucial when you are moving between states as you probably won't have access to a charger during the big day.
✔ Designate someone to care for kids and pets: The interstate moving day often brings chaos so keeping children and pets safe and cared for helps minimise your stress level. Find someone trustworthy to watch your children and pets in a different location while the movers handle heavy items in the home.
✔ Defrost and clean the fridge 24 hours before moving: Remove all perishable items from the fridge then wash down the shelves to prevent mould growth and bad odours. The complete drying of your refrigerator will stop mould growth and water damage during the long trip. Remember that we have a guide containing all essential steps for fridge relocation.
✔ Wake up early & dress comfortably: Prepare in advance for any final tasks while ensuring you are present at the exact time our removalist team arrives. Wear comfy clothing and strong shoes to lift boxes and move around. Comfy track pants are the best friends of interstate moves!
✔ Meet with the North Removals team & walk them through your home: Give detailed directions to our movers regarding their handling of fragile and valuable items. The movers need to see which parts of your furniture require disassembling, and any particular handling requirements. Early communication with us minimises misunderstandings while giving your items necessary attention during interstate moving.
✔ Help us: Ofer some water or refreshments for the team members, particularly during hot conditions, to maintain their work efficiency and hydration levels. It will be a big day for you but for them too.
✔ Conduct a final walkthrough: The complete final check means an inspection of every room, as well as closets and storage areas, for any items accidentally left behind. Complete a safety check of light fixtures and outlets, together with electrical appliances, to confirm they are all in the Off position.
✔ Take photos of items for insurance purposes: Take photographs and notes of the condition of valuable furniture along with appliances and electronics before removalists load the truck. Photos taken before shipping will serve as valuable proof for insurance claims, moving such a long distances has some risks.
✔ Carry valuables with you: Secure all essential documents, together with jewellery and cash, along with electronic devices, inside a safe travel bag you will personally carry on the day. Whether you are travelling interstate by plane or car transport these items with you at all times because moving them placing inside the moving truck, could result in tragic loss.
✔ Have cash or card ready for last-minute expenses: The interstate move may require payment for tolls in addition to fuel costs, snacks and other unexpected expenses that occur during transportation. Being prepared with payment methods will avoid delays in the moving process as you can swiftly manage unexpected emergency situations.
✔ Double-check travel documents: Keep your flight documents together with identification. Place these items somewhere accessible to prevent searching through your tightly packed baggage when you need them, at the check-in desk and on boarding.
✔ Confirm transport to the airport or final destination: Make advance arrangements for transport to the airport or perhaps transport to the train station, and then your new home. You also should check that your vehicle has enough fuel and is operating at peak condition before driving to your new state.
✔ Secure the house before leaving: Double-check that every door and window is securely locked as the final step. Provide essential keys to both new owners/property managers for the property. Say bye to your old home!
Post-Move Interstate Checklist
✔ Check all utilities are on: Check that power, water, gas and internet services are operational (hopefully) before your phone battery is depleted. Establishing your essential services creates a smooth transition between your old and new living spaces.
✔ Direct movers to the right rooms: Labels or a simple floor map will guide us removalists, and this will improve the efficiency of unloading and unpacking tasks. This is specially important when you are moving interstate as after several days between pick up and drop off the removalists (and even you) could forget what each box contains.
✔ Unpack essentials first: The moving interstate you should start by organising kitchen items, toiletries and bedding, because they will create the most comfortable experience for your first night in your new home. Need assistance? The first apartment checklist provided by North Removals will help you remember all items necessary for your new residence.
✔ Ensure all appliances are working: Testing of stoves, ovens, dishwashers and washing machines (and other appliances) must be performed to confirm proper functionality. Before reaching out for repairs, check the connections and then contact the required maintenance services.
✔ Secure gates before letting kids & pets explore: Inspection of fences and gates and potential hazards should happen before you let children and pets explore your new environment.
✔ Visit the local council website: Find out when rubbish bins are emptied and how to register your pets, together with checking the available community assistance programmes in your new state.
✔ Plan for unpacking in stages: You should establish priority rooms, starting with bedroom and kitchen followed by bathroom, before moving on to less essential areas. This will reduce the stress when moving houses interstate.
✔ Meet the neighbours & explore the area: Introduce yourselves to your close neighbours followed by exploring your new neighbourhood on foot. Knowing the locations of essential shops and recreational areas in your new state strengthens your connection to your new community.
Get Help from Interstate Moving Professionals
North Removals provides professional assistance to guide you through the five critical steps to achieve a smooth relocation. This consists of pre-move planning during Week 8 (two month´s prior), Week 4 ( a month before) and Week 2 (a fortnight before) followed by moving day preparations and settlement after your move.
As a business owner I’ve been doing interstate trips for the past four years now so I can understand how stressful they can be for our customers. If you are moving from Canberra to Melbourne or Melbourne to Adelaide the relocation will be a bit easier since the distances are shorter and logistics less complex.
But when you are moving from Melbourne to Sydney or Melbourne to Newcastle things get tricky. For these longer moves having a good moving interstate checklist (like the one we made for you) is essential.
And remember, at North Removals we don’t just help you with useful interstate moving tips, we also are the best rated interstate removalist company in Australia. Whether it’s a small or big long distance move, we’ve got you covered. Call us today and get a free interstate quote!
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