Moving house is consistently ranked as one of the most stressful life events — and most of that stress comes from trying to manage too many things at once in the final week. The cure isn’t a bigger moving day. It’s starting earlier and spreading the work out.
This 8-week countdown checklist is written specifically for Perth moves, with real references to WA services, local timing, and what actually catches people out in this market.
8 Weeks Out — Lock In the Big Decisions
Book Your Removalist Early
Perth removalists book out fast, especially in peak periods. End of month, school holiday weeks in January, and December are the hardest windows. If your move date is set, book at least 4–6 weeks out — 8 is better.
At this stage, get quotes from three companies (including Local Removal), compare them properly (see our guide on comparing removalist quotes), and confirm your booking with a deposit.
Notify Landlord or Agent
If you’re in a rental, give your required notice — typically 21–28 days in WA, though your lease will specify the exact requirement. Getting this right protects your bond.
Start the Declutter
The single most impactful thing you can do 8 weeks out is start getting rid of things you don’t want to take. Less to pack = less to move = faster job = lower cost. Room-by-room: make three piles. Keep, donate, dump. Don’t overthink it.
- Vinnies, Salvos, St Vincent de Paul all have drop-off points across Perth
- Marketplace, Gumtree, and Facebook local groups work well for larger items
- Skip bin hire or council bulk rubbish collections for the rest — check your WA council’s collection schedule
6 Weeks Out — Logistics and Administration
Start the Address Change Process
This is the task people underestimate most. Here’s the Perth/WA-specific list:
Government and official:
- Driver’s licence — update with Department of Transport WA (online or in person)
- Electoral roll — update with Australian Electoral Commission
- Medicare — update via myGov
- ATO / myTax — update your address in myGov
- Centrelink (if applicable) — update via myGov
- Passport — note your new address (no formal update required until renewal)
Services and utilities:
- Synergy or Horizon Power — electricity provider, notify move-in and move-out dates
- Atco Gas (or equivalent) — gas service connection
- Water Corporation — water rates and account
- NBN/internet provider — check if your service can be transferred or if a new connection is needed at the new address
- Landline (if still applicable)
Financial:
- Bank accounts, credit cards, and home loans
- Health insurance and life insurance
- Superannuation fund
Personal:
- Employer HR records
- Children’s school enrolments (if changing schools)
- GP, dentist, and specialist practices
- Australia Post redirect — set up a mail redirect while changes process (available at AusPost for a small fee)
Organise Packing Materials
Start collecting boxes now. Free sources in Perth:
- Supermarkets and bottle shops — ask at the stock room
- Facebook Marketplace / Freecycle Perth groups
- Moving box hire companies if you prefer not to buy
If buying: Local Removal can advise on the right quantities for your home size.
4 Weeks Out — Pack Non-Essentials
Start Packing Room by Room
Begin with rooms and items you don’t use daily:
- Books, decorative items, and ornaments
- Out-of-season clothing
- Spare linen and towels
- Garages and garden sheds
- Home office archives
Label every box with the room it’s going to at the new property — not where it came from. Write “MASTER BEDROOM” on the box, not “from study.” This saves enormous time on unpacking day.
Also mark fragile boxes on all four sides and the top. A box marked “FRAGILE” on one side can still get stacked fragile-side-down.
Confirm Services at New Address
- Confirm your electricity connection start date with Synergy
- Confirm gas connection if applicable
- Confirm NBN/internet — lead times for new connections can be 1–2 weeks
- Book a meter reading at your current property if required
Notify Important People and Services
School, childcare, your employer, and anyone who needs your new address for upcoming mail.
2 Weeks Out — Final Preparations
Confirm Everything With Your Removalist
Call or email your removalist to confirm:
- Date, start time, and address for both properties
- Crew size and truck confirmed as quoted
- Any specialty items (piano, gym equipment, pool table) flagged
- Access arrangements at both addresses — stair count, lift availability, parking for the truck
If anything has changed since you booked — more furniture, different access — tell them now, not on the day.
Pack Nearly Everything Else
By two weeks out, you should have packed everything except daily-use items. Kitchen down to the basics you’ll use in the last two weeks. Wardrobe down to the clothes you’ll actually wear.
Clean and Repair at Current Property (if rental)
Start on cleaning and any minor repairs that will affect your bond. Don’t leave this to moving day — it never gets done properly in the chaos of packing a truck.
Arrange Childcare and Pet Care for Moving Day
This is one of the most overlooked preparations. Kids and pets at a move are stressful for them and a distraction for you. Arrange care for moving day so everyone — including the removalists — can work without interruption.
1 Week Out — Final Checks
- Pack an essentials bag/box for moving night — phone charger, medications, toiletries, change of clothes, coffee supplies, and anything you’ll need before unpacking properly
- Defrost the fridge — most removalists won’t transport a full freezer; defrost it at least 24 hours before
- Disconnect and prepare appliances — washing machine, dishwasher, and dryers need water connections disconnected and secured
- Confirm parking clearance at the new property if on-street parking is involved
- Charge your phone — you’ll need it all day
Moving Day — Keep It Simple
- Be ready before the team arrives — dressed, organised, and able to direct traffic
- Do a walk-through of the truck before they leave to confirm everything is loaded
- Take photos of the meter readings at both properties
- Check each room and cupboard before handing over keys
- At the new property, direct the team on where to place furniture before items are unloaded — moving a couch back out of a room after it’s been placed costs time
After the Move — First Week
- Test all appliances before the old property is fully vacated if possible
- Reconnect washing machine and appliances at new address
- Update your driver’s licence address with Department of Transport WA within 5 days of the move (it’s a legal requirement)
- Send your new address to the final few contacts
- Set up the essentials room first: bedroom, bathroom, kitchen — in that order
Need Help With Your Perth Move?
Local Removal is based in Osborne Park and handles residential moves across the full Perth metro area. We do packing, furniture removal, and full moves — and we’ll confirm every detail of your booking upfront so moving day goes smoothly.