Moving house is not only about boxes and furniture. Utilities, internet, mail, keys and access all need attention before moving day. If these tasks are left too late, you may arrive at the new home without power, internet, hot water or a clear plan for access.
This Melbourne moving utilities checklist helps you organise the practical details around the move. It is designed to sit alongside your packing list and removalist booking. For help with the physical move, JD Movers can provide a local moving quote.
Electricity and gas
Contact your electricity and gas providers before moving day. Confirm the disconnection date at the old property and the connection date at the new property. If you are renting, check the lease start date and the earliest time you can access the property.
- Arrange final meter readings where required.
- Keep confirmation emails from your provider.
- Do not disconnect too early if cleaning or moving happens after settlement.
- Check whether gas appliances need relighting or professional help.
Internet and phone connection
Internet transfers can take longer than expected, especially if the new property needs a technician appointment. Book this early if you work from home or need internet immediately after moving.
Take photos of modem cables before packing them. Keep the modem, router and important cables in a clearly labelled box rather than sending them loose with general items.
Water, council and body corporate details
For houses, check water account responsibilities and council requirements. For apartments, confirm body corporate or building manager rules before booking the move. Many buildings require lift bookings, loading bay bookings or moving time windows.
If your move involves apartment access, tell your movers about lifts, stairs and parking distance when requesting a quote.
Keys, locks and security
Changing locks or rekeying can be a sensible step after moving into a new home, especially if you do not know how many old keys are still in circulation. You may not need a locksmith on moving day, but it is worth planning security early.
Also check garage remotes, mailbox keys, gate codes, alarm codes and building fobs. Keep these separate from packed boxes.
Mail, subscriptions and address changes
Update your address for banks, insurance, licence details, work, school, medical providers, subscriptions and online shopping accounts. Australia Post mail redirection can help catch anything you forget.
Coordinate utilities with the moving schedule
Do not disconnect utilities at the old home before the move is finished. You may need power for cleaning, tools, chargers, lights or appliances. At the new home, power and lighting make unloading safer, especially during winter or evening moves.
If you are still organising the physical move, review our Melbourne removalist prices and our removal services.
Utility checklist before moving day
- Book electricity connection at the new home.
- Book gas connection if required.
- Arrange internet transfer or new installation.
- Confirm water, council and body corporate requirements.
- Update address details and mail redirection.
- Keep keys, fobs and remotes in a safe place.
- Confirm lift, loading bay and parking access.
- Send access details to your removalists.
FAQ
When should I arrange utilities before moving?
As soon as your moving date is confirmed. Internet and building access bookings often need more notice than expected.
Should utilities stay connected at the old property?
Yes, until moving and cleaning are complete. Early disconnection can create avoidable problems.
What should I tell my removalists?
Tell them the pickup and delivery addresses, moving date, stairs, lift access, parking distance, building rules and any heavy or fragile items.
For a clearer moving plan, submit your details through our quote form.