A smooth move isn't luck. It's the result of a handful of things done in the right order, early enough that moving day is just lifting and driving.
Settlement days in Perth can already be chaotic enough, so the last thing you want is to be chasing a power connection or hunting for the kettle at 8pm.
Work through this checklist on a sensible timeline and the day itself becomes the easy part.
The short version
- Book your removalist and date three to four weeks out, before the calendar fills.
- Sort utilities and mail redirection one to two weeks ahead.
- Label boxes by room and contents, on the side not the top.
- Pack an essentials box so your first night isn't a treasure hunt.
- Do a final walk-through of every space before you lock up.
Three to four weeks out
This is the planning window, and the most valuable thing you can do is lock in your removalist and your date before the calendar fills.
- Get a few removal quotes and book your preferred mover.
- Start decluttering room by room; less to move is less to pay for.
- Order or collect boxes, tape, butcher's paper and markers.
- Tell your landlord or arrange your settlement logistics.
- Book any specialist help for pianos, pool tables or fragile items.
One to two weeks out
Now it gets practical. Sort the admin that's easy to forget in the moving-day rush, and start packing the things you won't need before the move.
- Arrange electricity, gas, water and internet at the new place.
- Redirect your mail and update your address with key accounts.
- Pack non-essentials and label every box by room and contents.
- Run down the fridge and freezer so there's less to transport.
- Confirm parking and access at both ends with your removalist.
Label boxes on the side, not just the top. Once they're stacked, the tops disappear and a side label is the only thing you can read.
The day before
Almost there. The aim today is to finish packing and set yourself up so the morning is calm.
- Pack an essentials box: kettle, mugs, chargers, toiletries, meds, snacks.
- Charge your phone and have cash or cards handy.
- Disassemble bed frames and large flat-pack if you're doing it yourself.
- Confirm the arrival time with your removalist.
- Set aside valuables and documents to carry in your own car.
On moving day
With the prep done, today is straightforward. Be ready when the truck arrives and let the team do what they do.
Do a final walk-through of the old place before you lock up, checking cupboards, the shed, the garage and the patio. Then point the removalist to the right rooms at the new place so boxes land where they belong rather than in a hallway pile.
Frequently Asked Questions
A week or two is comfortable, and three to four weeks is ideal for end-of-month and weekend moves when movers book out fastest. Last-minute jobs are often still doable, so it's always worth a call.
