1. Sort Your Finance Early 

(Before You Even Start Looking)

Why This Matters: When you’re upgrading, you need to know exactly how much you can spend before you fall in love with a house you can’t afford.

What to Do:

• Talk to a mortgage broker at least 3 months before you want to move
• Get pre-approval for your new loan (this shows sellers you’re serious)
• Find out if you need to sell your current home first, or if you can buy before selling
• Check if there are any penalties for paying off your current mortgage early
• Budget for extra costs like stamp duty, moving expenses, and renovations

Pro Tip: In Australia’s property market, having pre-approval can make the difference between getting your dream home or missing out to another buyer.

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2. Decide: Sell First or Buy First?

This is one of the biggest decisions when upgrading.

Option A: Sell First, Then Buy

• You know exactly how much money you have
• No stress about paying two mortgages at once
• Might need to rent temporarily or move twice

Option B: Buy First, Then Sell

• Move straight from old home to new home
• Need money for deposit before selling
• Might pay two mortgages for a while

What Most People Do: Many Australians use a “bridging loan” – this lets you buy the new home using equity from your current one, then pay it back when the old house sells. Ask your mortgage broker if this could work for you.

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3. Declutter Like a Pro 

(And Make Money Doing It!)

Upgrading to a bigger home doesn’t mean you should take all your old stuff with you! Start 8-12 weeks before moving and sort everything into four piles: Keep, Sell, Donate, or Bin.

Where to Sell Your Stuff:

• Facebook Marketplace (best for furniture)
• Gumtree (popular across Australia)
• Garage sale (great for kids’ items)
• Cash Converters (quick but less money)

Pro Tip: One family in Sydney made $2,500 selling their old furniture before their upgrade!

Download Our Complete Decluttering Checklist & Timeline →HERE

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4. Choose the Right Removalist 

(Don’t Just Pick the Cheapest!)

Get quotes from three different removalists and ask for in-home quotes so they can see exactly what needs moving.

Important Questions to Ask:

• Are you insured?
• What’s included in the price?
• Do you charge extra for stairs or long driveways?
• What happens if something breaks?

Money-Saving Tip: Moving mid-week or mid-month is usually cheaper than weekends or month-end.

Australian Removalist Costs (Rough Guide):

• Local move: $600-$1,200
• Same city: $1,000-$2,500
• Interstate: $2,500-$8,000+

Download Our Removalist Comparison Checklist → HERE

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5. Pack Smart and Label Everything Clearly

Good packing makes unpacking so much easier in your new home!

Labeling System That Works: Use different coloured markers for each room and write on each box:

• Which room it goes in
• What’s inside (be specific!)
• If it’s fragile
• If you need it on first day (“OPEN FIRST”)

Pro Tip: Pack an “essentials box” for each family member with change of clothes, toiletries, phone chargers, important documents, medications, snacks, and basic tools.

Download Our Complete Packing Timeline & Label Guide → HERE

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6. Notify Everyone About Your Move

It’s easy to forget to tell people you’re moving! Start two weeks before.

Must-Do List:

Government & Services:

• Australia Post (mail redirection)
• Driver’s license (within 14 days)
• Car registration
• Medicare
• Electoral roll

Utilities:

• Electricity and gas
• Internet and phone
• Water

Financial:

• Banks and credit cards
• Insurance companies
• Superannuation

Other Important:

• Kids’ schools
• Doctor and dentist
• Vet (update pet’s microchip!)
• Work

Pro Tip: Take meter readings on your last day at the old house and first day at the new one!

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7. Plan Your First Week in the New Home

Before Moving Day:

• Clean your new home
• Check all lights, taps, and toilets work
• Make sure you have all keys
• Know where the main water shut-off is

Moving Day Priority:

1. Set up beds first (you’ll be tired!)
2. Bathroom essentials
3. Kitchen basics (kettle, cups, snacks)
4. Internet router

Unpack in This Order:

• Day 1: Bedrooms and bathroom
• Day 2: Kitchen
• Day 3: Living areas
• Day 4+: Everything else

Smart Tip: Don’t rush to fill every room with furniture right away. Live in your space for a few weeks to work out what you actually need.

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Bonus Tip: 

Look After Yourself During the Move

Moving is stressful! Here’s how to make it easier:

• Take breaks – don’t try to do everything in one weekend
• Ask for help from friends and family
• Keep normal routines going
• Plan something fun for your first night
• Be patient with kids – moving is hard for them too
• Use lists and tick things off