Moving day can feel like a whirlwind—especially in a busy city like Melbourne. Between coordinating with movers, packing last-minute items, and saying goodbye to your old place, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But when you know what to expect, the process becomes a whole lot smoother.

Whether you're relocating to a trendy inner-city apartment or a quiet suburban home, this timeline offers a step-by-step guide to help Melbourne residents stay organised, efficient, and stress-free on moving day.

7:00 AM – Rise and Get Ready

Start your day early. Aim to wake up by 7:00 AM to give yourself time to shower, eat a good breakfast, and mentally prepare for the busy day ahead.

To-dos:

• Dress comfortably in weather-appropriate clothing.

• Wear closed shoes with good grip—especially important if you’re moving during Melbourne’s rainy season.

• Charge your phone completely.

• Keep essentials like wallets, keys, chargers, and important documents in a clearly labelled “essentials bag.”

7:30 AM – Final Check of Packed Items

Before the movers arrive, do one last walkthrough of your home.

To-dos:

• Double-check cupboards, drawers, and storage spaces.

• Make sure all boxes are taped securely and clearly labelled by room.

• Set aside fragile or valuable items you plan to transport yourself.

• Confirm everything is packed—especially those “last-minute” items like toiletries, kettle, or pet food.

8:00 AM – Movers Arrive

Most Melbourne moving companies start early to beat traffic and maximise daylight hours. Be ready when the moving truck arrives.

What to expect:

• The team will introduce themselves and do a quick walk-through to understand what’s being moved.

• You’ll confirm any fragile or special-care items.

• The movers will begin loading furniture and boxes, usually starting with the biggest and heaviest items.

Pro tip: Stay available to answer questions, but let the movers do their job—they’re professionals.

9:00 AM – Loading in Full Swing

By now, your home will be buzzing with activity. The moving team will be navigating between rooms, carefully wrapping furniture and packing the truck in a specific order.

To-dos:

• Keep pets and young children in a safe, quiet room or with a sitter.

• Offer movers water or a quick snack—they’ll appreciate the gesture.

• Keep pathways clear to speed up loading.

If you're moving from an apartment or need to use shared elevators, make sure they’re booked and accessible during this time.

10:30 AM – Final Sweep and Lock-Up

Once the truck is loaded, it's time to do a final walkthrough of your home.

To-dos:

• Check every room, cupboard, and closet.

• Turn off lights and appliances.

• Take out the rubbish and do a quick sweep or mop.

• Lock all doors and windows.

Don’t forget to return the keys if you’re renting or selling!

11:00 AM – Travel to Your New Home

Depending on the distance and Melbourne’s traffic conditions, the journey could take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours.

To-dos:

• Confirm the new address with the movers.

• Carry your essentials bag and any sensitive items in your car.

• Make sure someone is available at the new property to open the doors when the truck arrives.

Use this time to grab a coffee or lunch on the go—it might be your only break of the day.

12:00 PM – Unloading at Your New Place

Once the truck arrives, the team will begin unloading your items. This is where your clear labelling and room planning come in handy.

To-dos:

• Direct movers where each box and item should go.

• Check off boxes as they’re unloaded using your inventory list.

• If you're renting, take photos of your new home before placing large items or furniture—this can help avoid disputes later.

1:30 PM – Large Furniture Placement

Bulky items like beds, sofas, and dining tables will be moved in first. Take this chance to guide the movers while furniture is still easy to reposition.

To-dos:

• Confirm where you want beds, couches, and shelves.

• Set up your bed frame and mattress first—you’ll be thankful by the end of the day.

• Assemble any furniture that needs it (some movers include this service).

3:00 PM – Start Unpacking the Essentials

You don’t need to unpack everything on day one, but focus on the must-haves.

To-dos:

• Unpack kitchen essentials (cutlery, plates, kettle, snacks).

• Set up your bathroom with towels, toilet paper, soap, and toothbrushes.

• Connect basic electronics like Wi-Fi, laptop, or TV.

• Unpack your bedding and make the bed.

Having a few areas functional right away will help you settle in faster.

5:00 PM – Movers Finish Up

Most moves wrap up by late afternoon unless you’re relocating a large household. Before your movers leave:

To-dos:

• Walk through your new home with them and check that everything has arrived safely.

• Confirm that all items are accounted for.

• If you're happy with the service, this is a good time to offer a tip or leave a review later.

6:00 PM – Take a Break and Enjoy Your New Home

Congratulations! You’ve made it through moving day.

To-dos:

• Order some takeaway from a local Melbourne spot (you earned it!).

• Have a hot shower and change into comfy clothes.

• Sit back, relax, and take in your new space.

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Moving Day in Melbourne

• Traffic: Avoid peak hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM) if possible. Let your movers know about any local street restrictions or permit zones.

• Parking: Secure a spot close to your new home for the moving truck. In busy suburbs, this can save a lot of time.

• Weather: Melbourne’s weather can be unpredictable—have tarps, umbrellas, and towels on hand just in case.

• Neighbours: Give your old and new neighbours a heads-up about your move to avoid disruptions or awkward surprises.

Final Thoughts

Moving day doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a realistic timeline and clear expectations, Melbourne residents can make the process smooth and even enjoyable. From early morning prep to that first night in your new home, each step is a milestone worth celebrating.

Remember, the key to a stress-free move lies in preparation, communication, and choosing the right moving team. So, plan ahead, stay calm, and embrace the change—your new chapter starts today.

Looking for reliable Melbourne removalists? Choose Melbourne Central Movers for a fast, friendly, and affordable moving experience. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote!