Preparing to Move to Brisbane: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Stress-Free Interstate Move
This post is a direct follow-up to my recent guide, “Moving to Brisbane? What to Know About Migration, Cost of Living, and Suburb Hotspots”, where I shared why so many of us—especially fellow IT professionals—are weighing up a move from Sydney to Brisbane.
If reading that blog post left you feeling inspired (or at least curious) about making the move yourself, this practical guide is for you. Moving interstate is a major life event, but with careful planning and the right removalist, the process can be far less stressful than you might expect.
Below, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step checklist to help you prepare for your move, and share a fact-checked comparison of trusted removalist companies who specialise in relocations to Brisbane. Whether you’re coming from Sydney, Melbourne, or beyond, this article has you covered for a smoother transition to your new Queensland home.
1. How to Prepare for an Interstate Move
Moving to Brisbane isn’t just about packing boxes. Here’s what you should consider before booking your removalist:
a) Start Planning Early
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Book your removalist 4–8 weeks in advance for best rates and availability, especially during peak moving periods (school holidays, end of lease dates).
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Create a moving checklist and timeline for decluttering, packing, paperwork, and final inspections.
b) Declutter and Downsize
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Donate, sell, or dispose of items you don’t need. Fewer items = lower removalist cost.
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Consider Brisbane’s climate—do you need all your winter gear?
c) Organise Utilities & Address Changes
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Arrange connection/disconnection of gas, electricity, water, and internet at both locations.
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Update your address with the post office, banks, the ATO, and subscriptions.
d) Research Brisbane Suburbs & Schools
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If you have kids, check school zoning and enrolment deadlines.
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Shortlist your preferred suburbs based on lifestyle, commute, and amenities.
e) Pack for Interstate Travel
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Use sturdy boxes and label them by room.
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Protect fragile items and consider insurance for valuables.
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Keep essentials (medications, chargers, important documents) with you.
2. Choosing a Reliable Interstate Removalist: What to Look For
Not all removalists are created equal! Here’s what to check:
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Interstate Accreditation: Choose companies accredited by the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA).
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Insurance: Ensure both transit and public liability cover.
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Transparent Quotes: Get detailed, written quotes—beware of “hourly rate only” offers for long-distance moves.
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Reviews & Reliability: Check recent customer reviews for reliability, punctuality, and care with belongings.
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Tracking & Communication: Some companies offer real-time tracking and dedicated move coordinators.
3. Top Interstate Removalist Companies for Moving to Brisbane (2025)
Below is a comparison table of leading removalists for Sydney/Melbourne to Brisbane moves, with indicative pricing, ratings, and key features (as of June 2025):
| Company | AFRA Accredited | Indicative Cost* | Google Reviews (★/5) | Reliability/Notes | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Removals Group | Yes | $4,200–$6,000 | 4.3 (960+) | Highly professional, insured, move tracking, full-service packing | grace.com.au |
| Kent Removals & Storage | Yes | $3,800–$5,800 | 4.1 (1,900+) | AFRA, reliable, door-to-door, backloading options | kentremovalsstorage.com.au |
| Allied Moving Services | Yes | $4,000–$6,400 | 4.4 (1,500+) | Nationwide, premium service, insurance included | allied.com/au |
| Two Men and a Truck | Yes | $3,400–$5,000 | 4.5 (1,400+) | Budget-friendly, good reviews, basic and full pack | twomen.com.au |
*Indicative cost for a 3-bedroom house, Sydney/Melbourne to Brisbane, includes GST, packing, loading, transport, and unloading (June 2025). Actual prices may vary depending on volume, access, and time of year.
How to Use This Table:
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AFRA Accreditation: Guarantees best practices and dispute resolution.
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Google Reviews: Recent averages (as of June 2025) indicate real customer satisfaction.
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Reliability/Notes: Highlights what makes each company stand out—look for insurance, real-time tracking, and customer service ratings.
4. Quick Tips for a Stress-Free Move
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Ask About Backloading: If your dates are flexible, backloading (sharing truck space) can save hundreds.
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Check for Hidden Fees: Confirm if quotes include stairs, heavy items, fuel, and weekend surcharges.
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Read the Fine Print: Ask for a contract and read cancellation/rescheduling policies.
5. Moving with Kids or Pets?
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Arrange care for pets and small children on moving day.
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Set up kids’ rooms first for a smoother transition.
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Register pets with your new local council in Brisbane.
6. Final Steps: Settling In
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Inspect your new home with the removalists present; report any missing/damaged items immediately.
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Explore your new neighbourhood and introduce yourself to the neighbours.
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Register for Medicare, GPs, and update your driver’s licence to a Queensland address.
Useful Resources
Conclusion
Moving to Brisbane is a big step, but with early planning and the right removalist partner, it can be a positive experience. Focus on reputable, insured, AFRA-accredited movers; get clear quotes and read real reviews. Organise your paperwork, utilities, and packing in advance, and you’ll be able to hit the ground running in your new Brisbane home.
