Moving day is the culmination of weeks of planning — and it goes smoothly when you know exactly what to expect at each stage. This hour-by-hour moving day timeline is designed for Brisbane homeowners and renters working with a professional removalist team. Whether you’re moving between Capalaba and the CBD, or from Bridgeman Downs to the Sunshine Coast, the same core framework applies.
The week before moving day — final preparation
- Confirm your booking and the removalist’s arrival time
- Defrost the fridge and freezer (allow 24 hours for larger units)
- Disassemble furniture that needs to be flat-packed (beds, flat-pack shelving)
- Set aside an “essentials bag” — medications, chargers, documents, a change of clothes, snacks, and anything you’ll need before boxes are unpacked
- Confirm utility transfers (electricity, gas, internet) are scheduled
- Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day if needed
See our 4-week moving checklist for the full pre-move planning timeline. For packing advice, read our guide to packing fragile items.
Moving day timeline — hour by hour
6:00 am — Final preparation
Wake up early. Eat breakfast. Charge your phone. Confirm your booking details and the removalist ETA. Do a final walk-through of every room, cupboard, and outdoor area.
7:00–8:00 am — Removalists arrive
Greet the crew and walk them through the property. Point out fragile items, priority items, and anything that requires special care. Confirm the destination address.
8:00–11:00 am — Loading
The crew loads the truck systematically. Heavy items first, fragiles and boxes last. Keep a personal bag with essentials (documents, phone charger, medications, kids’ items) separate.
11:00 am–12:00 pm — Final check and departure
Walk through every room of the old home. Check all cupboards, wardrobes, the garage, garden shed, and letterbox. Confirm meter readings and lock up.
12:00–2:00 pm — Transit and new home preparation
While the truck is in transit, head to the new home first. Unlock, do a quick inspection, and decide where major furniture items will go in each room. Having a placement plan saves significant time and re-lifting.
2:00–5:00 pm — Unloading
Direct the crew as they unload. Furniture goes to its final room immediately. Review the placement of each item before the crew moves on — it’s much easier to adjust now than later.
5:00 pm — Final walk-through and sign-off
Walk through both the old address (if still accessible) and new home with the crew. Confirm all items have been delivered and nothing has been left behind. Sign off and tip if appropriate.
Evening — settling in
- Set up beds first — you’ll be tired and grateful you did
- Locate bathroom essentials and the kitchen kettle
- Update your address with Australia Post mail redirection
- Check that smoke alarms are working
- Introduce pets to their new space gradually (see our guide to moving with pets)
Tips for a faster, more efficient moving day
- Colour-code your boxes by room — attach coloured tape or stickers so the crew knows where each box goes without asking
- Pre-position boxes near the door — the less distance the crew walks per trip, the faster the load goes
- Have a placement plan ready — know where each major furniture piece will go in the new home before the crew arrives
- Keep one clear path through each room — don’t block the loading path with small items
- Offer water and a mid-morning break — crews work faster and more carefully when comfortable
Our house moving service includes the full crew, truck, furniture blankets, and straps — everything needed for a smooth loading process. See our pricing page for hourly rates or storage options if you need a gap between your move-out and move-in dates.
Frequently asked questions — moving day timeline
What time should I start on moving day?
Most professional moves begin at 7:00–8:00 am. Starting early gives you a buffer for unexpected delays, avoids peak-hour traffic, and means you’re settled before dark — particularly important if you have children or pets.
How long does a standard house move take?
A 2-bedroom unit typically takes 2–4 hours with 2 movers. A 3–4 bedroom family home generally takes 5–8 hours. Larger homes or those with difficult access can take a full day or more. Our team will give you a realistic estimate when you book.
Should I be home during the move?
Yes — or have a trusted representative on-site. Someone needs to direct the crew, authorise the load, and inspect the delivery. Being present also speeds things up considerably.
What if the move runs longer than expected?
We charge only for time used. If the move takes longer than estimated, you pay the hourly rate for the additional time. We’ll notify you if we anticipate an overrun.
When should I arrange electricity and internet at the new place?
Electricity should be active from moving day (for fridge, freezer, and overnight comfort). Arrange transfer or new connection at least 5 business days in advance. Internet is less urgent but aim for within the first week.
Is it worth doing a walk-through with the removalists before they leave?
Absolutely. Check all rooms of your old home (don’t forget the garage, shed, and loft) and confirm all items have been placed correctly at the new address before the crew leaves.
What’s the best way to handle children on moving day?
Arrange childcare if possible — moving day is hectic and dangerous for young children near a loaded truck. If they must be present, assign a specific adult to supervise them throughout the day.
Book your Brisbane move
Ready to make moving day smooth and stress-free? Book online now or call Relocation Rangers on (07) 3472 7573. We cover all Brisbane suburbs seven days a week.