How to Prepare Your Home for Removalists

Moving day has a way of arriving faster than you expect. One minute you're booking a date, the next the truck is pulling up. The good news: a little preparation goes a long way, and it doesn't need to be complicated.

This guide covers everything you need to do before your removalists arrive, so moving day runs smoothly, efficiently, and without any last-minute surprises.

The most common mistake people make is underestimating how long preparation takes. Even a well-organised household takes longer to pack down than expected, and rushing in the final days adds unnecessary stress to an already big life event.

Aim to start decluttering and packing at least two to three weeks out. This gives you time to be thoughtful rather than reactive.

Before a single box is packed, go room by room and ask: does this item earn its place in the new home? Anything that doesn't make the cut can be sold, donated, or recycled, reducing your load and, often, your quote.

When we quote a job, we’re quoting on volume. The less you move, the less you pay, and the faster the job gets done. It's worth spending time in the weeks before your move going through wardrobes, cupboards, the garage, and the shed with a critical eye.

Sell, donate, or discard anything you haven't used in the past year. Moving is one of the few occasions where being ruthless actually saves you money.

Anything going into storage should be boxed, labelled, and grouped separately from items being moved. Flag these clearly to your move coordinator in advance so nothing gets loaded onto the truck by mistake.

Removalists work fastest when boxes are clearly labelled and grouped by room. This single habit can meaningfully reduce the time your team spends on the job.

• Write the room name on every side of the box, so it's readable from any angle on the truck

• Add a "Fragile" label on the top and one side, don't make movers guess

• Include a rough contents note, especially for boxes you'll need to find quickly on arrival

• Pack heavy items in smaller boxes, a box that's too heavy to lift safely slows everything down

Allied tip: Set aside anything that's not being moved in a clearly separate area of the house. Flag these to your move coordinator in advance.

Whitegoods need advance preparation that people often leave too late. Plan for this the evening before moving day, not the morning of.

Empty the contents, switch off, and allow overnight to defrost. Lay towels down to catch any water. Give the interior a quick wipe so it arrives at your new home clean and odour-free.

Run a final empty cycle to clear residual water, then disconnect the hoses. Check your manufacturer's manual, some washing machines require transit bolts to secure the drum during transport.

Disconnect wall-mounted TVs, remove items from furniture that could shift in transit (drawers, glass panels, loose shelving), and set them clearly aside for your removalist team.

Your removalists will be moving bulky furniture and heavy boxes through hallways, around corners, and down staircases. The more obstacles in the way, the slower and riskier the job becomes.

On the morning of the move, do a walkthrough and clear any trip hazards: rugs, cords, clutter on the floor, anything reducing clearance in doorways. If you're in an apartment building, notify management in advance to reserve the lift.

Allied tip: If your property has alternative access points, like a side gate, rear entry, or direct garage access, flag these to your move coordinator ahead of time. A better entry point can save significant time on the day.

Once the truck is loaded, your belongings are inaccessible until unpacking begins, which may not happen immediately when you arrive. An essentials bag means you're not rummaging through boxes for your phone charger at midnight.

• Phone charger and any essential electronics

• Medications, particularly anything time-sensitive

• A change of clothes for everyone in the household

• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant

• Snacks and drinks for moving day

• Important documents: lease agreements, contracts, IDs

• Bed linen for the first night

• Anything your children or pets will need

Keep this bag in your personal vehicle, not on the truck.

Moving day involves constant movement of heavy objects, open doors, and multiple people working quickly through the home.

If you can arrange for children and pets to spend the day with a family member or friend, do it. If that's not possible, designate a single room as a safe zone, ideally one that's packed last and emptied first, and keep them there for the duration.

Before your removalists arrive, make a note of any items requiring extra care, and share this with your move coordinator in advance.

• Artwork, mirrors, or antiques

• Pianos or large musical instruments

• Fragile collectibles or high-value items

• Furniture that needs to be disassembled

• Items stored in sheds, garages, or hard-to-access spaces

• Anything that may require custom crating

Allied's move coordinators can arrange specialist packing and dedicated handling for anything outside the standard scope, but they need to know ahead of time to resource appropriately.

Once loading is complete, walk through every room before the truck departs, including wardrobes, cupboards, the garage, the shed, and under beds. Check inside appliances, behind doors, and in any outdoor areas.

Allied tip: Take photos of each empty room once loading is complete. This is useful for bond or end-of-lease obligations, and gives you a clear record that the property was left in good condition.

With more than 95 years of experience and a team of over 400 relocation professionals across Australia, Allied is built to take the pressure off moving day, before, during, and after.

From your first enquiry through to final delivery, you'll have a dedicated move coordinator by your side. Get a free quote today and find out why thousands of Australians trust Allied for every move.