Moving Out: A Property Handover Checklist

1. Put the dates and one contact in one place

Start with the date the furniture needs to leave, access to the new property, any lift bookings and the agreed inspection and key-return arrangements. Work backwards from those dates and allow time to check the finished work.

Choose one person to coordinate changes. A removalist, cleaner and gardener need to know about a timing change before they arrive, especially if they are sharing keys or using the same access.

• Record the property suburb and state, preferred dates and the person who can approve the work.
• List each task, who is doing it, the agreed scope, the booking status and the expected finish time.
• Ask your property manager to clarify any property-specific instructions before booking extra work. This checklist organises the jobs; it does not determine tenancy obligations or guarantee a bond outcome.

2. Separate what is moving from what is leaving

Decide what is moving, staying, being sold, donated or removed before the truck arrives. Label items clearly and confirm collection arrangements for anything another person is taking.

Ask a rubbish-removal provider what materials they accept and whether disposal charges are included. Flag paint, chemicals, batteries, gas bottles or other unusual materials separately; do not assume a general rubbish collection can take them.

Use the decluttering-before-packing guide

3. Agree a sequence that avoids repeat work

• Book the move around confirmed access at both properties. Include lift windows, truck access and any key-collection delay.
• Where possible, finish furniture removal and dust-producing maintenance before the final indoor clean.
• Plan gardening, rubbish removal and any suitable outdoor cleaning so they do not block the moving crew or leave waste after the clean.
• Confirm the power, water and access each provider needs. Coordinate service disconnection dates with the remaining work.
• Allow an inspection of the completed work before the agreed handover. If timing is tight, confirm what can realistically be finished.

4. Give each service a clear brief

• Furniture removals: pickup and delivery suburbs and states, date, furniture list, stairs, lifts, parking and any dismantling.
• Bond cleaning: property size, condition, empty or furnished status, areas to clean and requested inclusions such as oven or windows. Ask what is excluded.
• Handyman services: a task list and photos, who approves the work, materials needed and whether the task needs a licensed trade.
• Gardening and lawn care: approximate area, the work required, access and whether green-waste removal is included.
• Pressure cleaning: surface type, approximate area, water supply and access. Ask the provider to assess surface suitability and runoff arrangements.
• Rubbish removal: photos, approximate volume, materials, stairs or carry distance and disposal inclusions.
• Property maintenance: a prioritised job list with the required finish date and an agreed person to approve changes.

5. Confirm scope and price before booking

A coordinated plan can involve separate providers and separate bookings. Confirm who is responsible for each task rather than assuming one booking includes all the other services.

• Ask for the agreed inclusions, exclusions, total payable and applicable charges in writing.
• Check whether materials, waste disposal, travel or return visits are included.
• Confirm access arrangements, payment and cancellation terms, and what happens if the scope changes.
• If anything changes, agree the revised work and price before it proceeds.

6. Check the property and complete the handover

• Walk through cupboards, storage areas, the garage and outdoor areas to check for items left behind.
• Check the completed work against the agreed task list and raise any unfinished items with the responsible provider.
• Keep relevant photos, invoices and written arrangements together for your own records.
• Confirm how keys, remotes and access devices are to be returned, and record the handover with the appropriate person.

7. Copy this planning brief

I am arranging a move and property handover at [suburb, state]. Furniture needs to leave on [date], with delivery to [suburb, state]. The agreed handover is [date/time]. I need help with [services and task list]. Access is [stairs, lift, parking, keys]. The person coordinating the work is [contact]. Please confirm availability, the scope you can cover, exclusions and the total price before I book.

For an initial enquiry, suburbs and states are enough to start the discussion. Share exact addresses, access codes and personal contact details privately with the people arranging the work.

Using this checklist across Australia

This planning checklist can be used in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Darwin and regional areas. Dates, property instructions and provider availability must be checked for your own location.

1300 On The Move welcomes enquiries for all seven home-service divisions across every state and territory. Tell us what you need and where; service availability, scope and price are confirmed before a booking is agreed.

See the week-by-week moving house checklist