Moving checklist and FAQ

Use this week-by-week list to plan a move within, to or from Townsville. It includes wet season planning, leaving a rental and what to do if something goes wrong.

4 to 6 weeks out

• Get at least three written quotes. Ask whether each is hourly, fixed or by cubic metre, and what is included.
• Book early for end of month, weekend and school holiday dates.
• For long distance moves, decide between a dedicated truck and a backload, and ask for pickup and delivery windows in writing.
• Ask each removalist what insurance covers your goods. Most only insure their own vehicles, so consider transit or contents cover.
• If your employer is paying, check what the relocation package covers before booking.
• Moving between November and April? Allow buffer days for wet season road closures.
• Give notice to your landlord or property manager in line with your lease.
• Arrange car or pet transport separately if needed.

2 weeks out

• Start packing rooms you use least. Label boxes by room and contents.
• Make an inventory and photograph valuables and any existing damage to furniture.
• Book a bond clean for after the truck has gone.
• Arrange electricity, internet and gas connections at the new address and disconnections at the old one.
• Update your address with Transport and Main Roads, your bank, employer, insurer and the electoral roll, and set up mail redirection.
• Check access at both ends: lifts, loading docks, parking permits and stairs. Tell the removalist.
• Use up frozen food and plan to defrost and dry the fridge before moving day.

Leaving a rental

• Find your entry condition report and compare each room with it.
• Leave the property in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy, less fair wear and tear, after a thorough clean (RTA).
• Take dated photos of every room after the clean.
• Complete the exit condition report and hand it in with the keys. The property manager must send you a completed copy within three business days.
• Lodge a Refund of rental bond (Form 4) online through RTA Web Services or by post. Emailed forms are not accepted.
• If part of the bond is claimed, you have 14 days to lodge a Dispute resolution request (Form 16) for the disputed amount.

Moving day

• Keep a bag with essentials: medication, documents, chargers, keys, clothes and snacks.
• Keep jewellery, cash and important papers with you, not on the truck.
• Check QLDTraffic before a long distance move, especially in the wet season.
• Walk through with the crew at the start and point out fragile items.
• Do a final check of every room, cupboard, shed and the meter box before the truck leaves.
• Check items on delivery and note any damage on the paperwork before the crew leaves.

If something goes wrong

• Raise the problem with the removalist first, in writing, with photos.
• Keep your quote, contract, inventory, invoices and photos together.
• If it is not resolved, contact the Queensland Office of Fair Trading at qld.gov.au/fairtrading or on 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
• For bond disputes, contact the RTA.

Frequently asked questions

How far ahead should I book a removalist?

As early as you can, especially for end of month, weekend, school holiday and long distance moves. Getting several written quotes takes time, so start four to six weeks out if possible.

Do removalists insure my belongings?

Not necessarily. The Queensland Office of Fair Trading says most removalists only have insurance for their own vehicles, so consider transit or contents insurance (Queensland Government).

Do removalists need a licence in Queensland?

We have not found a removalist-specific licence in Queensland. Drivers of trucks over 4.5 t GVM need the right truck licence class (Queensland Government). AFRA membership is voluntary.

What is a backload?

A shared load on a truck already heading your way. You pay for the space you use, so it can be cheaper, but dates are less fixed. See long distance removals.

Is it a bad idea to move in the wet season?

Not necessarily, but plan for delays. The Townsville wet season runs from November to April, with the heaviest rain from late December to early April (BoM). Allow buffer days and check QLDTraffic.

How do I get my bond back?

Clean thoroughly, hand in the exit condition report with the keys, and lodge a Refund of rental bond (Form 4) with the RTA (RTA). See bond cleaning.

Should I pay a deposit?

The Office of Fair Trading suggests trying to avoid upfront deposits. If one is required, get the amount and refund terms in writing.

Who will do my move?

An independent local removalist. Moving Townsville is a referral service; the removalist quotes, carries out and is responsible for the move. Request a quote or read how this service works.