Moving home? Here’s your ultimate moving guide

Moving house can feel overwhelming, but with the right plan in place, it doesn't have to be. "I love moving," said no one ever.

Whether you're moving into a new rental or getting ready to leave, having a helpful list to work through can make the whole process a lot smoother.

Here’s a practical guide to help you along the way.

Before moving in

Getting organised early can save you from a lot of headaches. Here are the key things to keep in mind as you prepare to move into your new place.

Book your move early

Whether you’re hiring professional movers or renting a truck, secure your booking in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises.

If you're logged into Kolmeo, you can explore professional movers through Muval where you can compare, select and book your preferred service.

Set up utilities

Make sure your electricity, gas, water, and internet connections are all set to go by the time you move in.

If you have Kolmeo access, you’ll find the connectnow service right through your account, where you can easily get a quote for all your utility connections.

Redirect your mail

Don’t risk losing important letters. Set up a mail redirection service with Australia Post to have everything sent to your new address.

Condition report

When you move in, you’ll need to complete a condition report. Carefully inspect the property, take photos of any damage and keep a record of your report.

This can be helpful for you when it’s time to move out. Think of it as your insurance against future "that wasn't there when I moved in" discussions.

Lodge your bond

Your rental bond needs to be lodged with a rental authority. Keep any confirmation emails you receive as a record that this has been done for when you move out.

Moving day

When move-in day is here, be ready for last minute curveballs to avoid. Here’s how to keep the move-in day stresses to a minimum:

Confirm access

Make sure you’ve got all the keys, codes and access details from your property manager before the big day.

If you’re moving into a multilevel residential building with lots of apartments and lift access, you might need to pre-book a lift and a loading bay, and there could be specific times you need to complete this by. Best to check in with your new property manager.

Label your boxes

Clearly label each box with what’s inside and which room it’s for. This will save you loads of time during unpacking. It’ll save you stirring your cuppa with a pen instead of a teaspoon.

Clean before you unpack

Give the new place a quick clean before you start unpacking. It’s much easier to clean an empty room.

Before moving out

Moving out of a rental comes with a few extra responsibilities. You’ll want to leave on good terms and make sure you get your bond back.

Give the right notice

Check your lease agreement for the required notice period and notify your landlord or property manager in writing. Make sure you stick to the timeframe to avoid any issues.

Check agency processes

Some real estate agencies have a set process for moving out, including recommended or preferred suppliers for things like professional cleaning or bond refunds.

Check with your agency to see if they have a list of preferred suppliers for an outgoing clean and follow their guidelines for the bond return process. A quick call could save you any back-and-forth later.

Book a clean

Most agencies will expect the property to be professionally cleaned before you move out, especially for carpets and windows. And especially if you have a furry friend that’s a serial fluff shedder.

Booking a cleaner early can save you the stress of last-minute arrangements. Make sure you get a receipt so you can share it with your property manager.

Disconnect utilities

Organise to cancel or transfer your utilities (electricity, gas, water, and internet). Save a copy of your final meter readings to avoid paying for services after you’ve moved out. No footing the bill for the next tenant’s Netflix binges.

Condition report

Just like when you moved in, you’ll need to fill out a final condition report when you leave. Carefully check everything and take photos to back up the state of the property.

Return keys

Make sure you hand over all keys, garage remotes, and any access fobs to the property manager before leaving.

Request bond refund

Don’t forget to formally request your bond refund. If the property has been left in good condition and everything is signed off, your bond should be returned in full.

General everyday handy moving tips

Here are a few additional tips to help make your move as easy as possible.

Plan ahead

Keep a small box or bag with your essentials (toiletries, phone charger, clothes) so you’re not rummaging through boxes on your first night. This is our super top moving pro tip. You really don’t want to be hunting for your toothbrush at 11pm.

Protect your belongings

Consider insurance to cover your things in case they get damaged or lost during the move.

Reuse packing materials

Opt for reusable boxes and packing materials. They’re better for the environment and usually stronger than single-use boxes. Has anyone else moved recently? Ask around on your local community or building Facebook group for any leftover boxes from someone else’s move.

Consider timing and seasons

The time of year can have a big impact on your move. In summer, be ready for the heat and plan extra water breaks. In winter, wet weather could slow things down, so pack accordingly and have some extra towels or plastic sheets handy.

The day of the week can also impact how your move goes. Weekdays may have less traffic and more availability for moving services, while weekends might be busier but more convenient if you work regular hours.

Also, check for public holidays that might affect moving services, especially during Easter, Christmas or long weekends.

Scope out your new neighbourhood

Plan ahead by getting familiar with your new area before moving day. Stock up on snacks and decide if you’ll order takeaway or hit up the nearest grocery store for dinner.

Check out local cafes, supermarkets, and other essential services like pharmacies or petrol stations to save yourself stress later.

If you go to the gym, find the nearest one and sign up early to stay in your routine. Knowing where things are will make your first few days much easier.

Your new home is waiting

Moving can be like putting the final pieces of a puzzle together—everything falls into place when you plan ahead. With these tips, your move will go smoothly, whether you’re settling in or moving out.

And at the end of the day, you’ll have a fresh new space to make your own. Kolmeo’s guide is here to help you keep everything on track, so you can focus on making your new place feel like home.