The short answer
Start planning your move eight weeks out. Declutter first, then book removalists and utilities. Pack non-essentials room by room from four weeks out, labelling each box with its destination room. Pack an 'open first' box for moving day. In the new home, unpack the kitchen, beds and bathrooms first.
8 weeks before
- Declutter room by room — every box you don't move saves time and money.
- Get removalist quotes and book your date.
- Measure the new home and plan where large furniture will go.
- Start using up pantry and freezer food.
4 weeks before
- Pack rarely used items: books, off-season clothes, décor, spare linen.
- Label each box with the destination room on two sides.
- Arrange electricity, internet and water connections at the new address.
- Update your address with banks, Medicare, the ATO, schools and subscriptions.
- Book a professional organiser for packing or unpacking if you need one.
1 week before
- Pack most of the kitchen, leaving a small set of plates, cutlery and one pan.
- Confirm times with removalists and building managers (lifts, parking).
- Pack an open first box for every person.
- Take photos of cable set-ups before disconnecting TVs and computers.
Moving day
- Keep valuables, documents, medications and chargers with you.
- Put a floor plan on the front door so removalists know which room is which.
- Do a final walk-through of every cupboard before you leave.
The first 48 hours in your new home
- Make the beds.
- Set up bathrooms with towels, toiletries and toilet paper.
- Unpack the kitchen by zones: everyday dishes near the dishwasher, cooking tools near the stove.
- Unpack kids' rooms early so routines feel normal.
- Flatten boxes as you go so they don't take over.
Moving to the Gold Coast from interstate?
If you're relocating from Sydney, Melbourne or overseas, you can hand the unpacking over entirely. Beyond Organized's moving and unpacking service can meet your removalists and have your new home set up when you arrive.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I start packing to move house?
Start packing non-essentials about four weeks before moving day. Begin decluttering even earlier — around eight weeks out — so you don't pack things you don't need.
What should I unpack first after moving?
Unpack beds, bathroom essentials and the kitchen first. When you can sleep, shower and make a meal, the rest of the house can be done at a comfortable pace.
How do I label moving boxes?
Label the destination room and a short contents list on two sides of each box, not the top. Use a colour per room to make it even faster for removalists.
CPO accredited professional organiser and founder of Beyond Organized on the Gold Coast, with 12+ years' experience. More about Ive
