Planning a move? This step-by-step guide helps you prepare with confidence, from decluttering and packing to moving day, plus trusted local support to make the transition easier.

Start planning early and declutter with purpose

• Go room by room, including the garage, and decide what’s staying and what’s going.
• Consider working with downsizing specialists if you need extra support.
• Use your new floor plan to check what will fit. Draw each room and use scaled furniture cut-outs to visualise placement.
• Request quotes from removalists and book your preferred moving date.
• Speak with your solicitor, real estate agent or financial planner about settlement logistics.
• Create a list of items to donate and review local charity options.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by where to start, our downsizing tips article offers practical advice to help you sort, simplify and make confident decisions about what to take with you.

Organise services and insurance

• Contact utility providers to transfer or disconnect services. This is a good opportunity to compare plans.
• Speak with your phone and internet provider about cancelling or transferring services. LDK residents have access to an internal telephone service and free Wi-Fi.
• Update your insurance details, including home and contents, vehicle and health policies.
• Decide whether you’ll pack yourself or use professional packing services.
• Confirm removalists and any friends or family helping on moving day.

Final address changes and practical steps

• Make a list of organisations that need your new address. Many people choose to set up mail redirection with Australia Post for a short period.
• Check that your removalist insurance covers damage, theft and loss. Not all policies include accidental damage.
• Contact our Resident Services team on 1300 535 000 to discuss access and moving day arrangements.
• Notify any regular services, such as cleaning, gardening or grocery delivery, of your move.

Stay organised and comfortable

• If you are moving out and in on the same day, have someone at your new home in case the removalists arrive first.
• Make your bed as soon as you arrive so your first night is comfortable.
• Keep essentials close, including keys, phone, wallet and important paperwork.
• Before leaving your old home, turn off lights and power, check the gas is off and lock all doors securely.

Simple tips to save time and reduce stress

• Choose strong boxes in appropriate sizes. Removalists, storage companies and retailers sell packing supplies.
• Label every box with the room name and a brief description of its contents.
• Use smaller boxes for heavy items like books and crockery, and larger boxes for lighter items.
• Wrap fragile items individually using paper, bubble wrap or protective sleeves.
• Pack a small suitcase with essentials for your first night, including linen, toiletries and a change of clothes.
• Confirm whether your removalist will dismantle and reassemble furniture, and store all screws in clearly labelled bags.

Local professionals to support your move

Removalists

• Chess Moving – www.chessmoving.com.au

Downsizing support

• The Bear That Cares – bearthatcares.com.au
• Downsizing with Care – downsizingwithcare.com.au
• Inspired Outcomes – www.inspiredoutcomes.com.au

Solicitors

• KJB Law – www.kjblaw.com.au

Financial planners

• Phillips Wealth Partners – www.phillipswp.com.au
• Aged Care Gurus – agedcaregurus.com.au
• Gail Freeman & Co – www.gailfreeman.com.au