Before removalists arrive, finish packing and labelling, empty and prepare your appliances, clear a path from every room to the truck, set aside your essentials and valuables, and tell the crew about anything fragile or awkward. Do most of it the day before so moving day starts calmly.
Most of it is simple, but it’s easy to forget something when you’re tired and surrounded by boxes. This moving day checklist is built around how a move actually runs and what we ask of customers in our terms, so there are no surprises on the day.
Key Takeaways
- Finish packing the day before, not on the morning of the move.
- Label every box on the side with the room and its contents.
- Empty, defrost and clean your fridge, freezer and washing machine.
- Clear hallways and stairs, and leave space for the truck near your door.
- Keep valuables, documents, medication and an essentials box with you.
- Tell the crew about fragile, heavy or special items before they start.
Why Getting Ready Matters
Many local moves are charged by time, so every minute the crew spends packing leftover items or clearing clutter out of the way is time you’re paying for. Being ready also lowers the risk of damage, because properly packed boxes and clear pathways are safer to carry. If you’re still comparing removalists, our guide on why one removalist quote can be $800 and another $1,400 explains what to look for.
A Week Before: Confirm the Details
Confirm the date, arrival window, both addresses and anything that affects access, such as stairs, lifts, a long driveway or tight parking. Our quotes are estimates based on the details you give us, so let us know early if something changes. Arrival times are estimates too, so keep your phone close on the day.
This is also the time to declutter before moving, since fewer boxes means a faster load. If you own valuable items, check your insurance now rather than on moving day. Our moving insurance guide explains the main types of cover. If your building has a lift or loading dock, book it with the building manager in advance.
The Day Before: Your Moving Day Checklist
Finish packing and label every box
Pack so the crew can lift straight away. Put heavy items in small boxes, lighter items in larger ones, and tape every box shut without overfilling it. Write the room and contents on the side, not just the top, so labels stay visible when boxes are stacked.
Our terms ask customers to pack fragile or valuable items properly unless we’re booked for packing, so take extra care there. If you’d rather not pack, our packers and movers in Melbourne can do it for you, and our tips on packing furniture cover the larger pieces.
Prepare your appliances
Empty and clean your fridge, freezer and washing machine, and defrost the fridge so it’s dry for transport. Disconnecting and reconnecting appliances isn’t included unless agreed in writing, so arrange that beforehand. After the move, check the manufacturer’s instructions on how long a fridge should stand upright before you switch it back on.
Sort furniture and electronics
If beds or large furniture need taking apart, tell us before moving day, as we don’t assemble or disassemble complex items unless we’ve agreed to it in writing. Take photos of the cables behind your TV and computer so setup is easier later. Our guides on protecting electronics and protecting a mattress help here.
Pack an essentials box
Set aside phone chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding, basic kitchen items, medication, snacks and water. Keep this box with you, not on the truck.
What Stays With You
Some things shouldn’t go on the truck. We don’t transport hazardous or explosive materials, perishable items, animals or plants, cash, jewellery or high-value collectibles, or items that need special permits. Keep these, along with passports, lease paperwork and other important documents, in a bag you carry yourself. Our terms and conditions list the full details.
On Moving Morning
- Clear the way. Move clutter from hallways and stairs, roll up loose rugs, open doors and keep pets in a safe room or with someone else.
- Save a parking space. The closer the truck can park, the faster the load. Long carries and difficult access can add time and cost.
- Be there, or send someone. Our terms ask that you or a person you appoint is present during the move.
- Walk through with the crew. Point out fragile items, anything that shouldn’t go, and heavy pieces such as a piano. If you have one, our piano movers in Melbourne handle it as a specialist job.
- Know how you’ll pay. Payment is due on completion by cash, card (a surcharge may apply) or bank transfer.
- Check before the truck leaves. Open every cupboard, check the garage and outdoor areas, and take final meter readings.
How Strong Arm Movers Can Help
If you’re booking house removalists in Melbourne, tell us about your move when you request a quote, and we’ll go through anything that affects it. Short on time? We also offer same-day removalists in Melbourne, subject to availability. For a free, no-obligation quote, send your details through our contact page.
Conclusion
A smooth moving day comes down to a few jobs done at the right time: confirm the details early, finish packing the day before, prepare your appliances, keep your valuables with you, and clear the way for the crew. You don’t need to do everything perfectly. If something is unclear, ask your removalist before the day, not during it.