Brisbane Moving Checklist
Your complete week-by-week guide to moving house in Brisbane. Bookmark this page or print it out so nothing slips through the cracks on your next move.
6–8 Weeks Before Your Move
- Research and compare Brisbane removalists
- Get at least 3 written quotes
- Set your moving budget and track all costs in a spreadsheet
- Start decluttering room by room. Sell, donate, or dump anything you no longer need
- Notify your landlord in writing, or begin the settlement process with your solicitor
- Research your new suburb, including school catchments, public transport, and local services
- Book your preferred removalist once you have compared quotes and checked reviews
4–5 Weeks Before
- Start packing non-essential items like seasonal clothes, books, and decorations
- Order packing supplies, or ask your removalist about professional packing services
- Arrange to redirect your mail via Australia Post (auspost.com.au). This takes 3 business days to activate
- Notify your employer, bank, insurance providers, and health practitioners of your new address
- Book storage if there is a gap between your move-out and move-in dates
- Transfer or cancel utility accounts. Set up electricity, gas, internet, and water at your new address
- Arrange school transfers and enrolments if applicable
2–3 Weeks Before
- Pack room by room and label every box with the room name and a brief list of contents
- Take photos of your TV, router, and speaker setups before disconnecting cables
- Arrange parking permits if moving to or from a permit zone in inner Brisbane (check your local council website)
- Confirm your removalist booking and provide access details for both addresses, including stairs, lifts, and parking
- Arrange pet care or child care for moving day so you can focus on the move
- Use up perishable food and frozen items. Plan meals around what is left in the pantry and freezer
- Clean out the garage, shed, and any outdoor areas. These are easy to forget until the last minute
1 Week Before
- Finish packing everything except the items you will use in the final days
- Prepare a moving day essentials bag with your phone charger, toiletries, medications, snacks, a change of clothes, and important documents
- Defrost and clean the fridge at least 24 hours before the move. Leave the door open to air it out
- Confirm with your removalist about furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Confirm final details with your removalist including arrival time, address access, and parking arrangements
- Take final meter readings at your current home and photograph them for your records
- Back up important files, photos, and documents to cloud storage or an external drive
Moving Day
- Do a final walk-through of every room, cupboard, and storage area before the truck leaves
- Check that all windows and doors are locked and secure before handing over the keys
- Be available to direct the removalist team at both the pickup and delivery addresses
- Take dated photos of your old property for bond or condition report purposes
- Keep valuables, important documents, and daily medications with you rather than on the truck
First Week in Your New Home
- Unpack essentials first: kitchen basics, bathroom supplies, and bedding so you can eat, shower, and sleep comfortably
- Test all appliances and check for any transport damage while unpacking. Report issues to your removalist promptly
- Update your address with the ATO, Medicare, electoral roll, vehicle registration (TMR in Queensland), and your driver licence
- Introduce yourself to your neighbours and explore the local area, parks, shops, and public transport
- Leave a Google review for your removalist if you had a good experience. It helps other Brisbane families find reliable movers
Brisbane-Specific Moving Tips
Watch the Weather
Brisbane summers bring afternoon storms and heavy rain. If you are moving between November and March, ask your removalist about weatherproof wrapping for furniture and mattresses. Have tarps and towels on hand just in case.
Plan Around Traffic
Avoid scheduling your move during peak hours on Gympie Road, the Pacific Motorway (M1), or the Ipswich Motorway. Brisbane traffic between 7 and 9am and 4 and 6pm can add significant time to your move. A mid-morning start works best.
Check Parking Restrictions
Inner Brisbane suburbs like New Farm, West End, Paddington, and South Brisbane often require council permits for moving trucks. Check with Brisbane City Council at least a week before your move to avoid fines or delays.
Book Early in Peak Season
November through January is the busiest time for Brisbane removalists. End-of-month weekends are especially tight. Book at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead during this period, or consider a mid-week move for better availability and pricing.
Helpful Brisbane Moving Resources
Official links to help you with your Brisbane relocation
Australia Post Mail Redirect
Set up mail forwarding to your new address.
Brisbane City Council
Parking permits, waste collection, and local services.
Queensland Transport (TMR)
Update your licence and vehicle registration.
TransLink
Brisbane public transport routes, fares, and go card.
Energex
Connect or transfer your electricity supply.
ATO Address Update
Update your tax file details online.
Ready to Start Your Brisbane Move?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from R2G Transport and Storage. Local Brisbane removalists trusted by hundreds of families across South East Queensland.
Related Resources
Removalists Brisbane
Local removalists covering all Brisbane suburbs.
Cost of Moving Brisbane
How much does it cost to move in Brisbane? Full breakdown.
Moving to Brisbane Guide
Everything you need to know about relocating to Brisbane.
Packing Services
Professional packing for your Brisbane move.
Storage Brisbane
Secure short and long-term storage in Brisbane.
Interstate Removalists
Moving to or from Brisbane? We cover all major routes.
Brisbane Northside
Removalists covering all northern Brisbane suburbs.
Brisbane Southside
Removalists covering all southern Brisbane suburbs.
Moving Boxes & Supplies
Quality boxes and packing materials for your move.