When should you start planning your move?

The key to a smooth move isn’t doing everything at the last minute — it’s starting early and pacing yourself. Knowing when to begin planning allows you to stay organised, reduce stress and avoid unnecessary costs.

Planning ahead gives you time to:

• Compare moving options and book removalists
• Organise utilities and change-of-address notifications
• Declutter, pack efficiently and protect your belongings
• Coordinate settlement, cleaners, trades and childcare

Even small tasks completed early can make a huge difference to your moving experience. The sooner you start, the more choices you’ll have and the fewer surprises you’ll face on moving day.

A good rule of thumb is to start as soon as your moving date is confirmed. For most buyers, this means six to eight weeks before settlement. At this stage you can:

• Begin decluttering and sorting your belongings
• Research moving companies or truck hire options
• Schedule time-sensitive services such as cleaners, painters or storage

If you start even earlier, you’ll have more flexibility and can spread tasks out over time rather than cramming everything into the last week.

To make moving more manageable, the Smaver Smartlist divides the process into six clear stages. Planning around these stages helps you stay organised and in control:

1. Planning – Set your moving timeline, research removalists or DIY options, and organise essential services such as utilities, insurance, and mail updates.

2. One month before – Begin decluttering, pack non-essential items, compare providers for utilities and other services, and confirm removalist or truck bookings.

3. One week before – Finalise packing, check settlement and access arrangements, and prepare your essentials kit for moving day.

4. Day before – Complete last-minute packing, double-check documents, keys, and meter readings, and ensure everything is ready for moving day.

5. Moving day – Supervise loading and unloading, coordinate access, and follow your checklist to keep the day running smoothly.

6. Welcome to the neighbourhood – Update your address with all relevant organisations, settle into routines, meet neighbours, and explore your new community.

Following these six stages keeps the move structured, reduces stress, and ensures nothing is overlooked — from the first planning step to feeling at home in your new neighbourhood.

A structured checklist keeps every task visible, ensures nothing is forgotten, and lets you move at your own pace. The Smaver Smartlist allows you to:

• Track tasks for each stage of your move
• Save your progress and return anytime
• Access tips, deals and helpful reminders

Start planning your move today with the Smaver Smartlist.