If you’ve been following a longer moving timeline, the last 48 hours are really about tying off loose ends rather than starting anything new. Here’s what those final two days should actually look like.
Two days out
- Confirm your removalist booking — time window, both addresses, and any access notes (stairs, lifts, parking)
- Finish packing everything except daily essentials
- Defrost and clean out the fridge/freezer if it’s travelling with you
- Charge phones, laptops and any portable devices
- Set aside anything you’ll need immediately in a bag that won’t go on the truck
- If you haven’t already, check off anything outstanding on your change-of-address checklist and confirm your utilities are booked
The night before
- Pack the last of the essentials into boxes, leaving out only what you’ll use that evening and the next morning
- Set aside cash or a card for the day, plus any keys, remotes or access cards you’ll need to hand over
- Get a full night’s sleep if you can — moving day goes more smoothly when you’re not running on empty
Moving day morning, before the crew arrives
- Do a final walk-through of drawers, cupboards and any storage areas (garage, balcony, garden shed)
- Have your essentials bag somewhere it won’t accidentally go on the truck
- Make sure access is clear — parking, lift booking confirmed, any building notifications sent
Why this matters more than people expect
Most last-minute stress on moving day doesn’t come from the move itself — it comes from something that should have been sorted days earlier surfacing at the worst possible time. A tight 48-hour routine catches almost all of it before it becomes a problem.
Planning further back
If you’re reading this earlier than 48 hours out, our 4-week moving checklist covers the full lead-up. Ready to lock in your booking? Get a quote and we’ll take care of the day itself.
Frequently asked questions
What should already be done by 48 hours out?
Ideally all your packing except daily essentials, your removalist booking confirmed, and the bigger admin items (address changes, utility bookings) sorted. The last 48 hours are for tying off loose ends, not starting fresh.
Should I finish packing completely before moving day?
Everything except what you need for that final evening and the morning of the move. A partially packed home on the morning of the move is one of the most common causes of delays.
What’s worth doing the night before specifically?
Setting aside cash, cards, and any keys or access items you’ll need to hand over, plus getting a proper night’s sleep. Most of the physical packing should already be behind you by then.
Should I confirm my booking again before moving day?
It’s a good habit, particularly if anything’s changed since you booked — access, timing, or an extra item. A quick confirmation two days out avoids surprises for both you and the crew.
What’s the most common last-minute panic, and how do I avoid it?
Realising something essential got packed into a box that’s now sealed and loaded. Packing a separate bag with your true essentials, and packing it last, avoids this almost entirely.