Melbourne moving checklist 2026. VIC-specific.
from OC loading dock booking to RTBA myBond claim. a complete, actionable checklist for moving in Melbourne.
updated april 2026 · victoria-specific
6–8 weeks before
give notice to landlord (VIC: 28 days for periodic tenancy, or as per your fixed-term lease end clause)
if CBD or Docklands building: contact OC / building manager for loading dock booking dates
book your minougo fixed price — removalist confirmed in 48h
start decluttering — items not moved = lower price
book storage if needed (transition period between leases)
january–february moves: book loading dock FIRST (2–3 week lead time), then book minougo
2–4 weeks before
apply for parking permit (Port Phillip, Yarra, Moreland councils if applicable — 48–72h lead time)
notify utilities: electricity, gas (AGL, Origin, AusNet), internet (NBN provider change of address)
notify VicRoads: update your licence address within 3 months of move (vicroads.vic.gov.au)
redirect mail via Australia Post (auspost.com.au/mail-redirection)
update myGov / Services Australia address for Centrelink, Medicare, ATO
notify your bank, super fund, and health insurer
1 week before
confirm removalist details: arrival time, truck size, crew count
confirm loading dock booking reference (CBD buildings) — print or save for moving day
pack room by room — label every box with destination room
disassemble large furniture (bed frames, wardrobes, desks)
defrost fridge/freezer 24h before
confirm parking permit details and display on moving day
moving day
display parking permit on the truck (if required)
provide building manager with OC approval reference before loading starts
do a final walk-through: check all cupboards, wardrobes, storage areas, loft spaces
photograph condition of property (all rooms, carpets, walls, appliances)
get metre readings: electricity and gas (photograph with date/time)
return all keys, remotes, and access fobs to landlord or agent
check all items are loaded before the truck departs
condition report photos are your protection in a bond dispute. take photos of every room, including any pre-existing damage.
after moving
claim your bond via RTBA myBond portal (myrtba.justice.vic.gov.au)
respond to any landlord condition report within 14 days of receiving it
if dispute: lodge with VCAT (vcat.vic.gov.au) — filing fee applies
update electoral roll: aec.gov.au/enrol
register with a local GP, dentist, and children's school if applicable
melbourne-specific mistakes to avoid
booking the removalist before the loading dock
in CBD and docklands buildings, the loading dock booking determines your move date — not your removalist. get the dock date first, then book minougo for that date.
not checking tram-track restrictions
if you're on Brunswick St, Smith St, Fitzroy St, or St Kilda Rd — truck access is restricted by tram tracks. your removalist needs to know your exact address to plan truck positioning.
moving on australia day weekend without advance booking
late january is the busiest moving weekend in victoria. loading docks are fully booked, removalist availability is near zero. book 8 weeks ahead if you must move on or near australia day.
not photographing the condition report
victoria's RTBA bond process requires a condition report. if you disagree with the landlord's final report, your photos are your evidence at VCAT. photograph every room, every wall, every carpet — timestamped.
forgetting VicRoads licence address update
victorian law requires you to update your licence address within 3 months of moving. fine for non-compliance: up to $300. update at vicroads.vic.gov.au or at any VicRoads office.
faq — moving in melbourne
how much notice do I need to give before moving out in Victoria?
under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), a periodic tenancy requires 28 days notice from the tenant. for a fixed-term tenancy, you must give notice before the end date — typically 28 days before the final day. your lease agreement may specify additional requirements. check your tenancy agreement or contact Consumer Affairs Victoria for clarification.
how do I redirect my mail when moving in Melbourne?
australia post offers a mail redirection service (auspost.com.au/mail-redirection). you can redirect for 3, 6, or 12 months. apply online at least 5 business days before your move date. cost: from A$35 for 3 months (domestic). also update your address with ATO, Centrelink, Medicare, and your bank separately — australia post redirection does not cover government agencies.
do I need to update my VicRoads address when I move?
yes. victorian law requires you to update your driver's licence address with VicRoads within 3 months of moving. you can update online at vicroads.vic.gov.au or in person at any VicRoads Customer Service Centre. failure to update can result in a fine of up to $300.
how do I apply for a parking permit for my removal truck in Melbourne?
most melbourne councils offer online parking permit applications for removals. Port Phillip Council (st kilda, elwood, south melbourne): portphillip.vic.gov.au. Yarra City Council (fitzroy, collingwood, richmond): yarracity.vic.gov.au. Melbourne City Council (CBD, carlton): melbourne.vic.gov.au. lead time: 48–72h. permits are date and location-specific.
what utilities do I need to transfer when moving in Melbourne?
electricity (AGL, Origin, EnergyAustralia or other retailer — notify 2–4 weeks in advance via energy provider's website). gas (if applicable — same process). internet/NBN (most providers offer a removal service or you may need to cancel and reactivate). water is managed by Melbourne Water / City West Water / South East Water — transfer via retailer or council. don't forget to submit your final metre readings with photo evidence on moving day.