Moving out for the first time can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Whether you’re leaving home, sharing with friends, or setting up your own space, it’s a big step. The key to a smooth move? A good plan and a solid checklist.
Here’s a complete guide to help you pack, plan, and move with confidence—plus a few tips to avoid common moving day mistakes. And remember, if you’re in Melbourne and need help packing or moving, Big City Movers is just a call away!
What to Prepare Before Your Moving Day
There’s a lot to juggle before the big day, but breaking it down into simple steps makes it manageable. Give yourself enough time to plan and sort things out well in advance.
Create a Timeline
Start early—at least 3-4 weeks before your moving date. Create a checklist of tasks by week, such as:
- Notifying your landlord or real estate agent
- Booking a moving company like Big City Movers
- Packing non-essentials first
- Sorting out your utilities
- Changing your address
Budget Your Move
Moving costs can sneak up on you. Create a basic budget that covers:
- Bond and rent in advance
- Moving services
- Packing supplies
- Furniture and home items
- Cleaning services
Big City Movers offers affordable pricing starting from $120/hr, so you know you’re in safe hands without breaking the bank.
Sort and Declutter
Moving is the perfect excuse to declutter. Donate, sell or toss anything you don’t use or need anymore. The fewer items you move, the easier and cheaper the process will be.
Organise Utilities
Set up the essentials for your new home before you move in:
- Electricity and gas
- Internet
- Water
- Contents insurance
- Council or strata info (if needed)
Change of Address
Make sure your new address is updated for:
- Your bank and super
- Driver’s licence or ID
- Subscriptions (Netflix, magazines, etc.)
- Work and uni
- MyGov and ATO
Must-Have Essentials When Moving Out of Australia
Bedroom Essentials
Your bedroom is your personal space, so make it comfy and organized from the beginning. You don’t need everything right away, but the basics will help you sleep better and feel settled.
Checklist:
- Mattress and bed frame
- Pillows and doona
- Sheets and pillowcases
- Clothes hangers
- Laundry basket
- Storage bins or bedside table
Kitchen Starter Kit
You don’t need a fancy setup—just a few basics to cook simple meals and stay fed during the first few weeks. Start with the essentials, and you can build your kitchen over time.
Checklist:
- 1–2 pots and pans
- Plates, bowls, cups, mugs
- Cutlery set
- Chopping board and knife
- Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs)
- Dishwashing liquid and sponge
- Rubbish bin and garbage bags
- Food containers for leftovers
Bathroom Necessities
A clean, stocked bathroom makes all the difference after a long day of moving. Have the basics ready from day one so you’re not rushing to the store.
Checklist:
- Shower curtain (if needed)
- Toilet paper
- Towels (2 per person)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo
- Bathroom cleaning products
Tech & Utilities
These are the little things that keep you connected, powered up, and productive. Pack them in an easy-to-reach box—you’ll want these straight away.
Checklist:
- Phone chargers
- Power board/extension leads
- Laptop or desktop computer
- Desk lamp
- Internet router (if bringing your own)
Cleaning Supplies
Even if your new place is clean when you arrive, you’ll want to keep it that way. These basics will cover your daily cleaning needs and help you stay on top of messes.
Checklist:
- Broom and dustpan
- Mop and bucket
- All-purpose cleaner
- Disinfectant wipes
- Cloths or paper towels
- Vacuum cleaner (if needed)
Important Documents
Keep these in a folder or safe spot. You may need them for rental agreements, IDs, or emergencies—especially during your first few weeks.
Checklist:
- Rental agreement
- Passport or ID
- Emergency contact list
- Medical records (if applicable)
- Bank and employment info
Packing & Labelling Hacks
Packing for relocation doesn’t have to be a nightmare. A few simple hacks can save you hours of unpacking stress:
- Label boxes by room and contents
- Use different coloured tape for each room
- Wrap breakables in clothes or towels
- Tape screws/bolts to disassembled furniture
- Keep essential items (toothbrush, clothes, phone charger) in a separate “first night” bag
If it all sounds like too much, Big City Movers can help with professional packing services—we handle everything with care and precision.
What People Often Forget to Pack
It’s always the small things that slip through the cracks. Don’t forget:
- Box cutter or scissors
- Tools (screwdriver, hammer)
- Toilet paper and soap
- Pen and notebook
- Torch or flashlight
- Snacks and water
- Shower curtain hooks
- Plastic bags
What About Food?
Food can be tricky when you’re packing to move.
- Finish perishables the week before moving
- Avoid buying new frozen foods close to moving day
- Pack dry foods (pasta, rice, spices) in sealed containers
- Donate what you won’t use to friends or neighbours
- Keep a few snacks and drinks handy for moving day
Don’t Forget Safety Checks
Before fully moving in:
- Check smoke alarms
- Make sure locks work properly
- Inspect windows and plumbing
- Look for water damage or mould
- Test lights and power outlets
A Quick First-Time Mover Checklist
✔️ Create a moving timeline
✔️ Book trusted movers like Big City Movers
✔️ Budget your move
✔️ Sort out utilities
✔️ Change your address
✔️ Pack essentials by category
✔️ Label everything
✔️ Pack a first-night bag
✔️ Don’t forget snacks and water
✔️ Do a final safety check
Final Thoughts
Moving out for the first time is a big step—but with the right planning, it doesn’t have to be stressful. From sorting your documents to gathering the stuff you need when you move out, a solid checklist can make all the difference. Whether you’re packing up a single room or an entire apartment, taking it one step at a time helps you stay on track. And if you need a hand with the packing or moving, Big City Movers is always here to help make your move simple, affordable, and hassle-free. Happy moving!
FAQs
1. What should I do first when moving out for the first time?
Start by organizing your important documents, setting a moving date, and creating a checklist. Planning ahead will save you a lot of stress down the line.
2. How much money should I save before moving out?
It’s a good idea to have at least 3–6 months of living expenses saved. This includes rent, food, bills, transport, and a little extra for unexpected costs.
3. What are the absolute essentials I need for my first apartment?
Essentials include a bed, basic kitchen items, toiletries, cleaning supplies, phone charger, and important documents. The blog checklist covers it all in detail.
4. Should I buy everything new or try secondhand?
Secondhand is totally fine for most furniture and even kitchenware. Save money where you can and upgrade later. Just make sure anything used is clean and in good condition.
5. Do I need help packing or can I do it myself?
You can pack yourself if you plan ahead, but if it feels overwhelming, Big City Movers offers professional packing and moving services to make the process easier.
6. What should I label when packing?
Label each box with the room it belongs to and a few key items inside. It’ll save time and confusion when unpacking.
7. What’s the best way to stay organized during a move?
Use a checklist, pack one room at a time, and don’t leave everything to the last minute. Keep a “first night” box with essentials like chargers, toiletries, and clothes.
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