brisbane moving checklist. QLD-specific, step by step.
from flood zone checks to RTA bond return — every step you need for a smooth Brisbane removal.
flood zone check — do this first
Brisbane has flooded twice since 2011. before booking a removal to a new address, use the Brisbane City Council Flood Awareness Map to check flood risk. Rocklea, Oxley, Chelmer, and parts of Ipswich Road are high-risk zones.
summer heat advisory
moving in December–February in Brisbane means 30–38°C and high humidity. minougo partners start early (7am) during this period. book ahead — peak season fills fast and prices are +25%.
8 weeks before — planning
- check flood zone mapping for new address (Brisbane City Council tool)
- request Body Corporate moving approval if moving to/from CBD high-rise
- research Body Corporate by-laws at new address (moving windows, lift bookings)
- get minougo fixed price — 90-second inventory, instant result
- notify landlord of move-out date (minimum notice: QLD standard = 2 weeks for tenants)
- request condition report from current property manager
4–6 weeks before — bookings
- confirm removalist via minougo (confirmed in 48h)
- book loading dock or goods lift at new building (1–2 weeks min, 3 weeks for CBD in summer)
- arrange parking permits if street parking is needed for the removalist truck
- organise packing materials or book packing service via minougo
- book storage if there is a settlement or occupancy gap
2 weeks before — Queensland services
- update address on MyGov (linked to Medicare, ATO, Centrelink, NDIS)
- update Queensland driver's licence via QLD Transport and Main Roads
- register new vehicle address via QRide if applicable
- notify employer, bank, and super fund of new address
- transfer or cancel QLD utilities: Energex/Ergon (electricity), SEQ Water, Origin/AGL (gas)
- arrange NBN connection at new address (book at least 2 weeks ahead)
1 week before — access and property
- photograph all rooms at current property (timestamp evidence for bond)
- confirm moving window with Body Corporate if applicable
- confirm truck access and parking with minougo removalist
- pack all boxes and label clearly by room
- separate valuables and important documents — carry these yourself
moving day
- supervise loading — check all rooms, wardrobes, storage areas, garden shed
- collect all keys, remotes, and access fobs
- take final metre readings (electricity, gas, water) — photograph with timestamp
- do a final walkthrough with the removalist before leaving
- check nothing is left behind (roof access panels, under-house storage for Queenslanders)
after moving — bond and admin
- submit bond refund via RTA website (Residential Tenancies Authority)
- complete exit condition report — attach photos as evidence
- if landlord raises a dispute: respond via RTA conciliation, then escalate to QCAT if needed
- update Medicare card address via MyGov / Services Australia
- update electoral roll via AEC (Australian Electoral Commission)
- forward mail via Australia Post for 3–6 months
brisbane moving checklist — common questions
do I need to check for flood zones before moving to Brisbane?
yes — this is Brisbane-specific and often overlooked. use the Brisbane City Council Flood Awareness Map to check your new address before signing a lease or booking a removal. flood-prone areas (Rocklea, Oxley, Chelmer) have higher insurance premiums and may require elevated storage. check this before anything else.
how long in advance should I book a Brisbane removalist?
2 weeks for off-peak (March–November), 4–6 weeks for peak summer (December–February). CBD high-rise buildings with Body Corporate loading dock rules may add another week. minougo confirms your removalist within 48h — the constraint is the building dock availability, not the booking platform.
how do I update my driver's licence address in Queensland?
visit the QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) website at tmr.qld.gov.au and update online via your QLD Digital Licence app, or visit a Transport and Motoring Customer Service Centre in person. you have 3 months from your move date to update. fines apply if you are stopped with an outdated address.
how do I get my bond back in Queensland?
submit a bond refund form on the RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority) website at rta.qld.gov.au. both tenant and landlord must agree for quick release. if the landlord disputes, the case goes to RTA-assisted conciliation, then QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal) if unresolved. submit your exit condition report with timestamped photos as evidence.