The eight-week moving method

Eight weeks out

• Confirm your dates — settlement, lease end, handover.
• Get removalist quotes. If your date is a Saturday or the end of the month, book now rather than later.
• Start the cull. Everything you throw out now is something you don't pay to move.

Six weeks out

• Book the removalist and pay the deposit.
• If either address is an apartment, ask building management about lift bookings, loading dock windows and whether they need a certificate of currency. This is the single most common reason a move gets turned away on the day.
• Order boxes and materials, or book your packers.
• Book removalists for anything specialist — piano, pool table, safe, gym equipment.

Four weeks out

• Start packing the things you don't use: books, out-of-season clothes, decorations, the good crockery.
• Arrange electricity, gas, water and internet at the new address. Internet is the one to do early — a connection can take weeks.
• Book cleaners for the old place if you're renting and want the bond back.
• Sell or donate the furniture that isn't coming, while there's still time for someone to collect it.

Two weeks out

• Set up mail redirection with Australia Post.
• Update your address with Service NSW, Medicare, your bank, insurers, super fund, employer and the electoral roll.
• Confirm the lift booking and parking arrangements at both ends.
• Arrange care for pets and small children on the day. Both are safer and the move is faster.

The final week

• Finish packing everything except what you'll use in the last few days.
• Run down the freezer and the fridge rather than trying to transport frozen food.
• Confirm the arrival window with your removalist and make sure they have both addresses and your mobile.
• Pack a first-night box and keep it with you, not on the truck: bedding, towels, toiletries, phone chargers, medication, a kettle, mugs, tea, toilet paper, and a knife to open everything else.

The night before

• Defrost the fridge and freezer and drain the washing machine.
• Charge your phone and put the chargers somewhere you'll find them.
• Put valuables, passports, jewellery and legal documents in one bag that travels in your car.

Moving day

• Walk the crew through and point out anything fragile, valuable or not coming.
• Keep a path clear from the front door to the truck.
• Do a final check of every cupboard, the roof cavity, under the house, the shed and the letterbox before you lock up.
• Take meter readings and photos of the empty place.