Canberra offers a range of properties to make your own—whether you’re seeking a modern apartment, a family-friendly house in the suburbs, or a scenic property near the bush. Our job is to help you get a loan solution for your dream home that meets your lifestyle needs, requirements and budget.
But what happens once you’ve secured your home loan and your settlement date is set? You’ll need to plan the move into your new home.
We understand that relocating to or within Canberra can be a stressful experience—so we’re here to help you through the process.
This guide covers moving tips, checklists, timelines, advice on selecting the right removalist, and settling-in suggestions to make the transition into the home you’ve worked so hard to get a breeze.
1. Planning your moving timeline
A well-structured moving plan can make all the difference when transitioning to your new home.
To help you stay organised and reduce stress, here’s a step-by-step timeline to keep your move on track:
Eight weeks before
– Start researching and comparing reputable removalists in your area.
– Sort your belongings and declutter – decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard.
– Create a moving checklist to track important tasks, especially around coordinating family and pets and work and school schedules.
– Use a furniture volume calculator to work out your furniture inventory and the cost of your move.
– Research trusted removalists in your area, read reviews, check their insurance and gather competitive quotes.
Six weeks before
– By now you should have a confirmed booking with your chosen removalists to secure availability for your moving day.
– Notify essential service providers such as electricity, gas, internet, and water companies about your upcoming move.
– Start using up perishable food items and minimising grocery purchases.
Four weeks before
– Begin packing non-essential items, such as seasonal clothing and décor.
– Update your address with Australia Post and notify banks, insurance providers, and other relevant institutions.
– Arrange any necessary leave from work to accommodate your moving schedule.
Two weeks before
– Confirm the details of your move with your moving team, ensuring dates, times, and any special requirements are set.
– Pack an essentials bag containing items you will need for the first few days in your new home (e.g., toiletries, medications, important documents, and a change of clothes).
– Set up mail forwarding to ensure you don’t miss important correspondence.
Moving day
– Supervise the loading process closely to ensure everything is handled carefully—a
professional removalist has the expertise and experience to do this smoothly, and
efficiently.
– Do a final walkthrough of your old residence and check that nothing is left behind.
– Lock up your previous home and hand over the keys as required.
2. Selecting the right removalists
Choosing a reliable moving team is pivotal for a smooth move.
Look for vetted Canberra removalists, as this ensures they meet industry standards.
Check their reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge reliability and service quality.
Consider the services they offer, and if they can cater to your specific needs, such as packing, storage, or handling delicate items.
The added benefit of a professional removalist team is that they provide comprehensive insurance to protect your belongings during transit.
3. Packing made easy
Using the right packing materials will help protect your belongings during the move. Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and strong packing tape.
Label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs to for easy unpacking.
When packing fragile items such as glassware or electronics, wrap each item individually with bubble wrap and secure them in a box with sufficient padding to prevent movement.
For clothes, use wardrobe boxes to keep them organised and minimise wrinkles.
Bonus tip: keep important documents, valuables, and essential items in a separate, easily accessible box to avoid misplacement during transit.
4. A smooth moving day is possible
On the day of your move, ensure that everything is packed and labelled correctly before the removalists arrive.
Keep a checklist of all items on the delivery truck and double-check each room to avoid leaving anything behind.
Have an essentials bag with necessary items such as toiletries, medications, snacks, and a change of clothes. If you have children or pets, arrange for their care to keep them safe and stress-free.
Once everything is loaded, do a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure all lights are off, doors are locked, and utilities are disconnected.
5. Unpacking process
Once you have arrived at your new home, start unpacking the essential items, such as bedding, toiletries, and kitchenware to make your first night more comfortable.
Prioritise setting up frequently used spaces such as the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom.
Unpack one room at a time to stay organised and prevent clutter from piling up.
Use storage solutions such as shelving units, drawer dividers, and closet organisers to keep your new home tidy.
Break down and recycle empty boxes as you go to free up space. Allow yourself time to settle in gradually rather than rushing to unpack everything in one day.
5. Settling into Canberra
After moving to Canberra, it’s essential to update your address with Access Canberra and apply for an ACT driver’s license within three months.
Similarly, updating your details on the electoral roll should be done after residing at your new address for at least one month.
Understanding local services will make your transition smoother.
Familiarise yourself with Canberra’s recycling and waste management system, including bin collection schedules and accepted waste types.
If you rely on public transport, explore Transport Canberra’s services and consider obtaining a MyWay+ card for convenience.
Joining local groups or attending community events can help you settle in and make new connections.
The National Multicultural Festival, held annually, is a great way to experience Canberra’s diverse culture.
Explore nearby parks, gyms, and other recreational spots to maintain an active lifestyle and appreciate everything around you.
Talk to us
Deciding your ideal location may involve some give and take. A good starting point is finding out what you can afford to buy.
Get in touch today and we’ll help you work out your borrowing capacity.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.
