Moving Checklist Perth (2026) | Timeline + Packing Tips

Moving in Perth comes with unique challenges: summer heat, strata rules, narrow streets in older suburbs, and the north-of-the-river vs south-of-the-river timing puzzle. This checklist is built from hundreds of actual Perth moves, not generic advice.

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Quick Reference: Timeline at a Glance

Need it done faster? Same-day and urgent moves available - call by 10am for same-day service.

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Perth Property Type Guides

Choose your situation for specific advice:

If You're in a Strata/Apartment Building

Perth has strict strata rules. Miss these and your move will be delayed:

• Book the lift — 48-72 hours notice minimum. Deposits of $50-$200 common.
• Reserve the loading bay — Weekend slots book out fast. Weekdays are easier.
• Check move-in/move-out windows — Many buildings restrict to 8am-4pm weekdays only.
• Ask about padding requirements — Some strata require lift padding (we provide this).
• High-rise specific — Buildings over 10 floors often have longer wait times for lifts. Budget extra time.

CBD apartments (Exchange Tower, Brookfield Place, QV1): Allow extra buffer - security and lift access can add 30+ minutes.

If You're in an Older Suburb (Mt Lawley, Subiaco, Fremantle, Cottesloe)

Character homes mean character problems:

• Narrow driveways — No rear lane access. Truck may need to park on street.
• Tight doorframes — Measure your largest furniture. Some won't fit through heritage doorways.
• Stairs everywhere — Internal stairs, external stairs, split levels. Tell us the count.
• Street parking only — Heritage areas often have no driveway. We may need a verge permit.
• Limited truck access — Some streets can't fit a large truck. We'll send the right size.

If You're in a New Estate (Ellenbrook, Baldivis, Alkimos)

Newer doesn't mean easier:

• Narrow streets — Modern estates have tight streets and limited visitor parking.
• Construction traffic — If your estate is still being built, access can be unpredictable.
• Double garages full of stuff — New homes = space to accumulate. Budget accordingly.

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8 Weeks Before Moving

• Get 3 quotes minimum — Ask about stair charges ($50-80/flight), long-carry fees, and weekend rates. Get your free quote from us.
• Check your lease — WA requires 21 days notice for periodic tenancies, 30 days for fixed-term ending. Check with your property manager.
• Start decluttering — Sell on Gumtree/Facebook Marketplace now. Items take 2-4 weeks to shift in Perth. We do rubbish removal too.
• Create a moving budget — Include bond cleaning ($300-$600), utility reconnection fees, and mail redirection ($104/year).

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6 Weeks Before Moving

• Book your removalist — Weekends and end-of-month fill fast. Mid-week moves are 10-15% cheaper and easier to schedule.

• Notify your landlord in writing — Email is fine, but keep a record. Screenshot or save the sent email.
• Start packing non-essentials — Books, decorations, out-of-season clothes, garage items. See our packing guide.
• Arrange school transfers — WA schools need enrollment forms and immunisation records.

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4 Weeks Before Moving

WA Utilities & Admin Checklist

Address Change Checklist

• Banks and credit cards
• Medicare and Centrelink
• RACWA membership
• Car registration (DOT WA)
• Electoral roll
• Insurance policies (home, car, health)
• Subscriptions and deliveries

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2 Weeks Before - Perth Access Checklist

This is where Perth moves fail. Sort these now or pay for it on moving day.

Apartments & Strata

• Book the lift — Most buildings require 48-72 hours notice. Some charge $50-$200 deposit.
• Reserve the loading bay — Time slots fill up, especially on weekends.
• Confirm move-in/move-out hours — Many buildings restrict moves to 8am-4pm weekdays only.
• Ask about padding requirements — Some strata require lift padding (we provide this at no extra charge).

Parking & Street Access

• Reserve a parking spot out front — If there's no driveway, you may need a verge permit from your local council.
• Check street restrictions — Clearways, no-stopping zones, and school zones can block truck access.
• Warn your neighbours — If the truck will block driveways, a quick heads-up avoids confrontations.
• Narrow streets? — Let us know. We can send a smaller truck if needed.

Access Notes for Your Movers (Tell Us About These)

We need to know:

• Stairs — How many flights? Inside or outside? Stairs are charged at $50-80 per flight.
• Long carry distance — Is the truck parking far from the door? Over 20m may attract a fee.
• Tight turns — Any tight hallways, narrow doorframes, or spiral staircases?
• Fragile items — Anything needing special care? Artwork, antiques, pianos?
• Oversized furniture — King beds, pool tables, pianos, gym equipment?

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Moving Week - Perth Summer Heat Plan

If you're moving between November and March, Perth heat is your enemy. Here's how we handle it:

Our Summer Protocol

• Early starts — Book a 7am start. By 2pm in summer, it's dangerous.
• Hydration — We bring water. You should too.
• Electronics first off — TVs, computers, and vinyl records come off the truck first to minimize heat exposure.
• Fridge timing — We time fridge transport to minimise warm-up. Load last, unload first.

Your Prep

• Defrost the fridge 24-48 hours early — Wipe it dry. Mould grows fast in Perth humidity.
• Move electronics in your car — Laptops, gaming consoles, vinyl records. Don't leave them in the truck.
• Protect candles and cosmetics — They melt. Pack in an esky or move them in your air-conditioned car.
• Cold-chain medications — Insulin, some antibiotics, and eye drops need to stay cool. Carry them with you.
• Pets — Never leave them in the car. Arrange for them to stay with a friend or in a cool room. See our full pet moving guide.

Coastal Suburbs (Cottesloe, Scarborough, Fremantle)

Extra considerations for beachside moves:

• Sand — Check outdoor furniture and garage for sand build-up before packing.
• Salt air corrosion — Metal items may have rust. Point these out to us.
• Humidity — Pack electronics with silica gel packets if you have them.

Disassembly Checklist

• Beds — Remove mattresses, disassemble frames. Keep bolts in labelled ziplock bags taped to the frame.
• Wardrobes — Empty completely. Remove shelves and rails if they're loose.
• Desks — Remove drawers (they fall out in transit).
• Dining tables — Remove legs if possible to protect them.

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15 Things Perth Movers Always Forget

We see these left behind on almost every move:

1. TV remotes - Check behind couch cushions
2. Phone/laptop chargers - Plugged in beside beds
3. Fridge shelves and trays - Still in the fridge
4. Washing machine hoses - Behind the machine
5. Curtain rods and blinds - Easy to miss
6. Garage door remotes - In the car or on the bench
7. Garden hoses and tools - In the shed
8. Toilet brush and plunger - Nobody's favourite, but you'll need them
9. Outdoor furniture cushions - Left outside
10. Spare keys - In drawers or on hooks
11. Medicine cabinet contents - Check the bathroom cabinet
12. Cleaning supplies - Under the sink
13. BBQ gas bottle - Beside the house (we can't move these)
14. Ceiling fan remotes - In kitchen drawers
15. Sensor lights and doorbells - Installed items you own

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Your Essentials Box

Pack this box last. Carry it in your car, not the truck. Open it first at your new place.

The must-haves:

• Phone chargers and power bank
• Medications (especially cold-chain)
• Toilet paper (first thing you'll need)
• Kettle, tea, coffee, mugs
• Paper towels and bin bags
• Scissors and box cutter
• Change of clothes and toiletries
• Pet food, leash, and water bowl
• Important documents (lease, ID, insurance)
• Cash for emergencies

Pro tip: Pack this in a distinctive bag or box you can easily spot. Label it "OPEN FIRST".

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Moving Day Script - First 10 Minutes

When your movers arrive, here's exactly what to do:

1. Walk through together - Spend 5 minutes walking through the house. Point out:

• Fragile items that need special care
• Heavy items (pianos, safes, gym equipment)
• Anything with sentimental value

2. Confirm destination rooms - "Boxes marked KITCHEN go in the kitchen, BEDROOM 1 goes to the master bedroom." Clear labels save time.

3. Flag priority items - What needs to come off the truck first? Usually: beds, fridge, kettle.

4. Confirm payment - Cash, card, or bank transfer? Sort this before unloading begins.

5. Stay accessible - Keep your phone charged and be available for questions. Don't disappear to the shops.

This 10-minute script prevents confusion and makes the whole day smoother.

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First Week in Your New Home

• Update your address — Driver's licence, car rego, electoral roll
• Meet the neighbours — Especially if you're in an apartment building
• Locate essentials — Breaker box, water shut-off, gas meter
• Test everything — Smoke alarms, hot water, oven, air conditioning
• Council bin collection — Check which day and how many bins you get
• Book your verge collection — Most Perth councils offer 2-3 free verge pickups per year

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book a removalist in Perth?

2-3 weeks minimum for weekday moves, 4+ weeks for weekend or end-of-month moves. Same-day and urgent moves are available - call by 10am for same-day service.

How much does moving cost in Perth?

A typical 2-bedroom apartment move within Perth metro costs $400-$800. 3-bedroom houses range $600-$1,200. Get an accurate quote by telling us your inventory, access details, and travel distance.

How are stairs charged?

Most removalists charge $50-80 per flight of stairs (up or down). We charge per flight. Tell us about stairs when you get your quote - no surprises on the day.

Do I need to empty my drawers?

Yes for dressers and desks - drawers can fall out and add weight. Clothes can stay in wardrobe boxes. See our full packing guide.

Do removalists dismantle beds and wardrobes?

Most do, including us. We dismantle and reassemble at no extra charge. Just confirm when booking.

What can't you move?

Dangerous goods (fuel, gas bottles, chemicals), perishables, and plants (quarantine restrictions for interstate). We can help with most furniture, appliances, and boxes.

How do I prepare appliances for a move?

Defrost fridges 24-48 hours early. Disconnect washing machines and drain hoses. Secure any loose parts (shelves, trays, doors).

How much notice do I need to give my landlord in WA?

21 days for periodic (month-to-month) tenancies. 30 days if your fixed-term lease is ending. Check your lease for specific requirements.

Do you move on weekends?

Yes, 7 days a week including public holidays. Weekend rates are slightly higher - mid-week moves save you 10-15%. Get a quote for exact pricing.

How do I move house with pets in hot weather?

Keep them in a cool room or with a friend during the move. Never leave pets in cars - Perth heat is dangerous. See our full moving with pets guide.

What about tip runs for old furniture?

We offer rubbish removal services. Perth tip fees vary by council - Balcatta is often cheapest. We can handle the tip run for you.

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Ready to Book Your Perth Move?

Perth Priority Removals - Trusted by 100+ Perth customers. Fully insured. Same-day available.

What we need for a quote:

• Pickup and drop-off suburbs
• Rough size (studio, 2-bed, 3-bed, house)
• Any stairs or access issues
• Preferred date

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