Moving Out of State? Your Step-by-Step Interstate Moving Checklist

Planning an interstate move from Adelaide? This step-by-step checklist covers everything you need — from packing and paperwork to settling into your new home with confidence.

Moving interstate is a big step — one that brings equal parts excitement and overwhelm. Whether you're chasing a new job opportunity, moving closer to family, or simply craving a lifestyle change, relocating out of state can feel like a major life event. And it is.

Unlike a local move across Adelaide suburbs, an interstate move requires more coordination, more preparation, and often, more patience. You're not just packing up a house; you're navigating a new location, unfamiliar logistics, and longer timelines.

That’s why having a clear, practical checklist is essential. This guide breaks down everything you need to do before, during, and after the move, helping you stay organised and avoid those last-minute headaches that can quickly derail the process.

Start Early: Planning Your Move

The earlier you start planning your move, the smoother the experience will be. Leaving things to the last minute might work for a quick trip down the street, but it’s a recipe for stress when you’re heading out of state.

Set a moving date.
Start by locking in your moving date. This will help you structure everything else — from booking a removalist to giving notice at work or finalising rental agreements.

Create a moving folder.
Keep everything in one place. A physical folder or a digital version on your computer or phone can house receipts, quotes, checklists, and booking confirmations. It’s amazing how quickly paperwork piles up during a move.

Research your new area.
Get to know your new suburb or city before you arrive. Look into local schools, job opportunities, public transport, medical centres, and even neighbourhood Facebook groups. Understanding the essentials early helps you settle in faster once you arrive.

Book a Reputable Interstate Removalist

Booking a professional removalist is one of the most important decisions you'll make — and it shouldn’t be left to chance. The longer the distance, the more you want someone reliable handling your belongings.

Choose a licensed, insured mover.
Always verify that your removalist is properly licensed and insured for interstate moves. Look for reviews from customers who’ve done similar long-distance relocations, and don't hesitate to ask about experience, fleet condition, and insurance options.

Why timing matters.
Adelaide's removalist services can book out weeks — sometimes months — in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer or school holidays. Booking early not only secures your preferred date but often gives you better pricing and flexibility if your plans shift.

Local Adelaide options.
There are several well-regarded removalists based in Adelaide who specialise in interstate moves. Companies like Rmoverz, known for their transparency and customer service, are worth considering. Make sure to get multiple quotes and compare inclusions carefully — some providers offer packing, storage, and even unpacking services that can save you time and stress.

Declutter and Inventory

One of the smartest things you can do before an interstate move is reduce what you're taking with you. Moving is expensive, and the fewer boxes you have, the less you’ll spend — and the less you'll have to unpack at the other end.

Start with a room-by-room declutter.
Be realistic about what you use and need. Old furniture, unused appliances, clothes you haven’t worn in years — now’s the time to let them go. Sentimental items can be the hardest to part with, but try to focus on what will actually serve you in your new space.

Sell, donate, or dispose.
Organise a garage sale, list items on platforms like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, or donate to local charities around Adelaide. For things that can’t be reused, book a hard rubbish collection or visit your nearest waste transfer station.

Create an inventory.
Once you’ve streamlined your belongings, create a written or digital inventory of what you’re taking. This isn’t just useful for packing — it’s essential for insurance claims if anything is lost or damaged in transit. Include item descriptions, estimated values, and photos where possible.

Notify Important Parties

Changing your address isn’t just about redirecting mail — it’s about making sure your life continues smoothly after the move. Many services require your new address for identification and communication, so start notifying them early.

Here’s a basic change-of-address checklist:

• Australia Post – Set up a mail redirection to your new interstate address.
   
• Utilities – Contact your electricity, gas, and internet providers to disconnect and arrange final readings.
   
• Banks and insurance providers – Update your details for personal, business, and home accounts.
   
• Medicare & MyGov – Log in and update your registered address to avoid issues with healthcare access and government services.
   
• Driver’s licence & registration – Notify your current state’s transport authority and begin the process to transfer your licence and vehicle registration to your new state.
   

Don’t forget work and school.
If you’re employed, make sure your HR department has your new contact details for tax and payroll purposes. If you have children, inform the school and arrange to transfer records to the new school in advance.

Organise Utilities and Services

It’s easy to overlook utility connections until you're standing in your new home with no power or internet. Planning ahead makes all the difference.

Disconnect services in Adelaide.
Contact your current providers to schedule disconnection for the day after you move. This includes electricity, gas, water, internet, and any pay TV or home security systems. Avoid cutting services too early — you may still need lighting and hot water on your last night.

Connect services at your new home.
Set up your utilities to be activated before you arrive at your new address. Some providers offer online self-service setups, but it's often worth speaking to someone directly to confirm the connection dates.

Update subscriptions and deliveries.
Change the address for any online shopping accounts, magazine subscriptions, meal kit deliveries, or ongoing services like lawn care or pet grooming. These little details are easy to forget, but they make a big difference in settling in smoothly.

Pack Strategically

Packing can quickly become one of the most time-consuming parts of your move, but doing it strategically will save you hours (and headaches) later.

Label everything clearly.
As you pack, label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief list of contents. Avoid vague labels like “misc.” — instead, go for “Kitchen – pots, utensils, kettle.” This makes unpacking faster and helps the removalists know where to place things.

Pack a ‘first night’ essentials box.
After a long moving day, you won’t want to dig through 10 boxes to find your toothbrush or a clean shirt. Set aside a box or small suitcase with daily essentials: toiletries, chargers, basic clothing, medications, snacks, pet food, and important documents. Treat it like you’re packing for a weekend away.

Use high-quality packing materials.
Moving interstate means your belongings will be in transit for longer and may be transferred between trucks. Invest in sturdy boxes, strong packing tape, and plenty of bubble wrap or packing paper. Fragile items like glassware, electronics, and artwork should be cushioned well and marked clearly.

Transporting Vehicles or Pets

Moving out of state adds another layer of complexity when cars and pets are involved, and it pays to plan early.

Moving your car.
You can choose to drive your vehicle to your new home, but if that’s not practical, consider car transport services. Many Adelaide-based companies offer enclosed or open car carriers for interstate moves. Compare quotes, and check that your vehicle is insured during transit.

Travelling with pets.
Pets don’t always cope well with change, so try to minimise stress by preparing them gradually. For cats and small dogs, airline travel might be the fastest and safest option. Use an airline-approved carrier, and speak to your vet about calming techniques or medications if needed.

If you’re driving, plan for frequent rest stops and keep pets secure in the car. Make sure ID tags and microchip details are up to date with your new address and contact number. You may also need to register your pet in your new state, so check local council requirements in advance.

Prepare for Moving Day

As moving day approaches, being organised will help you stay calm and avoid delays.

Confirm your bookings.
Double-check all the details with your removalist, especially the time of arrival and any special requirements. If you’ve booked pet transport or vehicle shipping, confirm those details too.

Secure access.
If you live in an apartment or on a busy street, arrange for parking permits or elevator access ahead of time. Let your building manager know if a truck will be coming, and check that there’s a clear path to load and unload your belongings.

Keep the essentials handy.
Set aside a small box or bag with moving day necessities: water bottles, snacks, important documents (IDs, lease papers, contracts), phone chargers, a basic toolkit, and cleaning supplies. These will be your lifeline when everything else is in boxes.

After the Move

Once the moving truck pulls away and the boxes are stacked in your new home, it’s tempting to do everything at once. But take a breath — focus on the essentials first and ease into your new space.

Start with the basics.
Unpack your essentials box first so you can shower, sleep comfortably, and charge your devices. Then move on to high-use rooms like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. There's no need to unpack everything in a day — set realistic goals and work through the house one room at a time.

Check your inventory list.
Use the inventory you created during packing to confirm that everything made it safely. If anything is missing or damaged, report it to your removalist promptly, especially if insurance claims are involved.

Update local registrations.
Each state has its own rules for things like council registrations, driver’s licences, and vehicle rego. Register your pets with the new local council, and update your voter details to stay enrolled in your new area. Many of these updates can be done online, but it’s best to tick them off early.

Get to know your new neighbourhood.
Walk around, find the nearest shops, cafés, parks, and public transport stops. If you have kids, locate the closest school, library, or sports club. Joining local groups — online or in person — can help you feel connected and start building your new routine.

Conclusion

Interstate moving from Adelaide can feel like a huge task, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right preparation and a step-by-step checklist, you can move confidently, stay in control, and avoid last-minute surprises.

From early planning to packing, logistics, and settling into your new community, every stage is more manageable when you’re organised. Take it one step at a time, stay flexible, and keep your goals in sight.