Moving interstate checklist

1. 6 to 8 weeks before

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   Book the move

   • Get removalist quotesInterstate trucks book out around the end of the month and school holidays. Compare up to 3 quotes
   • Work out your volumeGo room by room, then the garage and shed. Volume sets the price; try the cost calculator.
   • Choose backloading or a dedicated truckBackloading is usually 30 to 50% cheaper if your dates can move a few days. How backloading works
   • Give notice on your leaseIn NSW, generally at least 21 days' written notice on a periodic lease, or 14 days at the end of a fixed term. Check the NSW notice periods.
   • Give notice on your leaseCheck the notice you need to give with Consumer Affairs Victoria before you set a moving date.
   • Give notice on your leaseCheck the notice you need to give with the Residential Tenancies Authority before you set a moving date.
   • Give notice on your leaseCheck the notice you need to give with Consumer Protection WA before you set a moving date.
   • Contact schoolsMany state schools enrol by catchment, and school starting ages differ between states, so have your new address and your child's birth date ready.
   • Book car transportIf you're not driving. Most removalists don't move cars; it's booked separately with a carrier.

2. 2 to 4 weeks before

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   Services, mail and the things you can't take

   • Set up electricity and gasCompare NSW plans on the government's Energy Made Easy and book the connection for move-in day.
   • Set up electricity and gasCompare Queensland plans on the government's Energy Made Easy and book the connection for move-in day.
   • Set up electricity and gasVictoria isn't on Energy Made Easy: compare plans on Victorian Energy Compare.
   • Set up electricityMost Perth homes can only buy power from Synergy at government-set prices, so there's no retailer to compare. Gas you can shop around.
   • Book internet at the new placeCheck what's available at the new address before you sign up; connections can take a week or more.
   • Arrange disconnection at the old placeBook electricity, gas and internet to end the day after you move out.
   • Redirect your mailAustralia Post can redirect mail to your new address for a fee.
   • Prepare for WA's quarantine checkLeave fresh fruit and veg, honey and plants in soil behind, don't pack in used fruit boxes, and clean soil off garden tools, outdoor furniture and shoes. What Quarantine WA checks
   • Check fire ant rules for plants and soilMuch of South East Queensland is a fire ant biosecurity zone, and moving soil, potted plants or mulch out of it has rules. Fire ant rules explained
   • Sort insuranceAsk what transit cover your removalist offers, and tell your contents and car insurers about the new address.
   • Plan how pets will travelBook pet transport or a pet-friendly stopover early, especially on long drives.

3. Moving week

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   Pack, hand over and go

   • Pack a first-week kitBedding, clothes, chargers, medicines, kitchen basics and documents travel with you, not in the truck.
   • Empty and defrost the fridgeAt least a day before pickup, with the door left open.
   • Check the inventory with the removalistAgree what's going, note any existing damage, and confirm the delivery window in writing.
   • Claim your bondAfter the final inspection, claim your NSW bond through Rental Bonds Online.
   • Claim your bondAfter the final inspection, claim your Victorian bond through the RTBA.
   • Claim your bondAfter the final inspection, claim your Queensland bond through the RTA.
   • Claim your bondAfter the final inspection, claim your WA bond through the Bond Administrator at Consumer Protection WA.
   • Take meter readings and photosPhotograph the meters and every room on the way out, as a record for the bond.

4. After you arrive

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   Make it official in Queensland

   • Register your car in Queensland Within 14 daysUsually with a Queensland safety certificate.
   • Get a Queensland licence Within 3 monthsSwap your interstate licence at a Transport and Main Roads centre.
   • Register your car in NSWGet a blue slip inspection (no more than 42 days old) and NSW CTP insurance, then register at Service NSW with your old plates.
   • Get a NSW licence Within 3 monthsTransfer your interstate licence at Service NSW.
   • Register your car in VictoriaIn person at a VicRoads centre, by appointment. A roadworthy generally isn't needed if your interstate rego is current and the owner stays the same.
   • Get a Victorian licenceConvert your licence if you plan to live in Victoria for more than 6 months.
   • Register your car in WAInterstate cars generally need a WA vehicle inspection before they can be licensed.
   • Get a WA licence Within 3 monthsApply at a Department of Transport centre; a current licence transfers without tests.
   • Cancel your NSW regoOnce the car is registered in your new state, Service NSW can refund the unused part of the motor vehicle tax.
   • Cancel your Victorian regoOnce the car is registered in your new state, ask VicRoads for a refund of the unused registration.
   • Cancel your Queensland regoOnce the car is registered in your new state, cancel it with Transport and Main Roads.
   • Cancel your WA regoOnce the car is registered in your new state, cancel it with the WA Department of Transport.
   • Update your addressMedicare and the ATO through myGov, your bank, your employer and your insurers.
   • Update your electoral enrolmentVoting is compulsory, so update your address with the Australian Electoral Commission.
   • Reset your clocksQueensland has no daylight saving: from October to April it's an hour behind NSW and Victoria.
   • Reset your clocksWA has no daylight saving: 2 hours behind the east coast in winter and 3 hours from October to April.

Rules change, so check the government links for your situation. Moving within the east coast? Our route guides have the detail for each move, from Sydney to Brisbane to Melbourne to Perth.