Moving house can be exciting, but it’s also one of life’s most stressful events—especially in a busy, bustling city like Melbourne. Between packing boxes, updating addresses, and booking movers, there’s a lot to keep track of. And despite the best planning, there are always a few things people forget—sometimes until it’s too late.

If you’re planning a move in Melbourne, this guide is here to save you from those “Oops, I forgot!” moments. From overlooked tasks to last-minute details, here’s what most people forget—and how you can stay one step ahead.

1. Booking Movers Too Late

Melbourne’s property market moves fast, and so do its movers. Many people wait until the last minute to book their moving company, only to find out that the best ones are fully booked—especially during peak seasons like summer or end-of-month periods.

Tip: As soon as you know your moving date, lock in your preferred moving company. If possible, book at least 3–4 weeks in advance to get your ideal time slot and avoid premium fees.

2. Redirecting Mail and Updating Address

In the chaos of packing, people often forget to update their address with important institutions. Banks, utilities, subscriptions, insurance, schools, and government agencies all need to know where to find you.

Tip: Set aside an hour to make a list of every service that has your address. Australia Post offers a mail redirection service that can buy you some time in case you miss anything.

3. Disconnecting and Reconnecting Utilities

You’d be surprised how often people forget to disconnect their electricity, water, gas, or internet—or forget to set them up at the new place. There’s nothing worse than moving into your new Melbourne home and discovering you have no power or hot water.

Tip: Call your utility providers at least a week in advance. Many offer online forms for move-ins and move-outs. And don’t forget your internet—it can take a few days to activate, especially with NBN connections.

4. Decluttering Before the Move

Melbourne homes vary wildly in size—from cozy inner-city apartments to sprawling suburban homes. But no matter where you’re headed, moving things you no longer need wastes time, money, and space.

Tip: Go room by room and sort your belongings into “keep,” “donate,” “sell,” and “bin.” Use the move as an opportunity to downsize and start fresh. You’ll thank yourself when unpacking!

5. Packing an Essentials Box

After a long day of moving, the last thing you want to do is rummage through boxes looking for your toothbrush or phone charger. Yet, many people forget to pack a basic essentials kit.

Tip: Prepare a box or overnight bag with items you’ll need on your first night: toiletries, phone chargers, change of clothes, kettle, tea/coffee, medication, snacks, and important documents.

6. Measuring Furniture and Doorways

Not all doorways are made equal, and Melbourne’s charming older homes can have some pretty tight entryways. Many people assume their furniture will fit—until moving day.

Tip: Measure your large furniture and check the entry points in your new home ahead of time. If something’s too big, consider selling it or hiring professionals who can disassemble and reassemble it safely.

7. Labelling Boxes Properly

It’s not just about writing “kitchen” or “bedroom” on your boxes. Most people forget to label with enough detail, making unpacking far more stressful than it needs to be.

Tip: Write the room and a brief list of contents on each box (e.g., “Kitchen – Plates, Glasses, Toaster”). Use color-coded tape for each room to make things easier for the movers, too.

8. Cleaning Both Homes

Whether you're renting or selling, you’ll likely need to do a thorough clean of the old place—and you’ll probably want to clean the new one before unpacking. Many forget to plan for this or underestimate the time and energy required.

Tip: Hire professional cleaners if budget allows. If you're renting, a bond clean is usually required, and it’s worth getting it done professionally to avoid deductions. Don’t forget inside cupboards, windows, and appliances.

9. Keeping Kids and Pets Safe

Moving day is chaotic, and children or pets can easily get stressed, lost, or injured. Many families forget to make a plan for keeping their little ones (furry or human) safe and calm.

Tip: Arrange a babysitter, or ask a family member or friend to take care of your kids or pets on moving day. It’ll give you peace of mind and free you up to focus on the move.

10. Taking Photos for Reference

Before you disconnect electronics or take apart furniture, take a few quick photos of how things are connected or assembled. It’ll make life easier when you’re trying to reassemble things after the move.

Tip: This is especially useful for setting up your home office, entertainment systems, or smart home devices.

11. Not Backing Up Digital Files

With everything being unplugged, moved, and potentially jostled, your electronics are at risk during a move. Many forget to back up files before moving day—and regret it later if something breaks.

Tip: Back up your laptop, hard drive, and phone to the cloud or an external drive before packing them up. Label cables and store them securely in a zip-lock bag taped to the device.

12. Not Checking Council Rules on Moving Day

Some Melbourne councils require a permit for parking a moving truck on certain streets, especially in inner suburbs like Carlton, Fitzroy, or St Kilda. Others have restrictions on waste disposal or skip bins.

Tip: Check your local council’s website for moving-related rules. You may need a temporary parking permit or to book hard rubbish collection in advance.

Final Thoughts

Moving house in Melbourne doesn’t have to be overwhelming. While it’s easy to overlook the little things, a bit of planning can go a long way. By tackling these commonly forgotten tasks early, you can enjoy a smoother, more organized move—and settle into your new home with less stress.

So, whether you're moving from Richmond to Ringwood or from an apartment in Docklands to a house in Doncaster, keep this checklist handy and plan ahead. Future you will be grateful!

By choosing Melbourne Central Movers, you can trust that your family’s belongings are in good hands, ensuring a successful and stress-free move to your new home.