You have booked the removalist, packed the boxes, and you are ready to hand over the keys. It is tempting to think your job is done and the removalists will handle the rest.

However, a successful move is a partnership. While the removalists are the heavy lifters, you are the project manager. If the truck arrives and cannot park, or if the washing machine leaks water all over the other furniture in the truck, the liability—and the cost—often falls on you.

Here is a clear breakdown of your specific responsibilities on moving day to ensure everything runs on time and on budget.

1. Access and Parking (The Most Overlooked Task)

The number one cause of delays and extra charges on moving day is poor access. A 10-tonne truck is not a Toyota Corolla; it cannot just squeeze into a driveway or double park without consequences.

Parking Permits

  • Your Duty: You must guarantee a legal parking spot for the truck at both the pick-up and drop-off addresses.
  • Action: If you live in an inner-city area (like Surry Hills in Sydney or Fitzroy in Melbourne), contact your local council 1–2 weeks in advance to apply for a parking suspension or permit.
  • The Risk: If the removalist receives a parking infringement because you didn't organise a spot, that fine will be added to your final bill.

Physical Access

  • Height Clearance: If you are in an apartment complex with a basement loading dock, check the height clearance. Most removal trucks are between 3.2m and 4.2m high. If the truck doesn't fit, they will have to park on the street, which adds time and "long carry" fees.
  • Lift Booking: In high-rise buildings, you often need to book the service lift. If you don't, and the movers have to share a small passenger lift with residents, the move will take twice as long (costing you more if you are paying an hourly rate).

2. Preparing Your Appliances

Removalists are transport experts, not plumbers or electricians. They generally will not disconnect utilities due to liability reasons.

The Fridge and Freezer

  • Your Duty: Empty, defrost, and dry your fridge/freezer at least 24 hours before the move.
  • Why? If a freezer defrosts inside the truck, the water can damage your other furniture or cardboard boxes. Mould can also grow in a closed, damp fridge very quickly.

The Washing Machine

  • Your Duty: Disconnect the hoses and drain the water. Crucially, you must install transit bolts (the metal rods that came with the machine) to lock the drum in place.
  • The Risk: If you move a washing machine without locking the drum, the suspension can snap. This is considered "customer negligence" and is rarely covered by insurance.

3. The "Ready to Go" Rule

Unless you have paid for a "full pack and move" service, your removalists expect everything to be ready when they arrive.

  • Boxes Sealed: All small items must be in boxes. Removalists cannot efficiently carry loose items like toasters, lamps, or kettles.
  • Labelled Clearly: Label every box with its destination room (e.g., "Master Bedroom"). This stops the movers from asking you where to put things every 30 seconds.
  • Dismantling Furniture: Check your quote. If disassembly isn't included, you need to take apart the bed frames and remove the legs from tables before the truck pulls up.

4. Being Present and Accountable

You cannot just leave the door unlocked and head to work. You (or a trusted adult representative) must be present for the entire load and unload.

The Walk-Through

When the movers arrive, take the team leader for a walk through the house. Point out:

  • Items that are not going (e.g., things staying with the landlord).
  • Fragile items that need special care.
  • Existing damage (e.g., "That scratch was already there").

Signing the Inventory

If you are moving interstate or into storage, the removalist will create an inventory list.

  • Your Duty: Check this list carefully. If a box is missing at the other end, but you signed a sheet saying it was loaded, it becomes very difficult to claim insurance.
  • Tip: When comparing quotes, look for companies with high ratings for "communication." A communicative driver makes this process much smoother.

5. Safety and Security

Moving sites are hazardous zones. Heavy furniture, ramps, and trolleys are in constant motion.

  • Keep Pathways Clear: Remove rugs, pot plants, and door stops that could cause a mover to trip.
  • Manage Pets and Kids: As covered in the Pet Relocation Guide, keep animals and young children locked in a safe room or off-site. If a mover trips over a dog, the injury liability could fall on you.
  • Valuables: Keep your "essentials box" separate. Passports, car keys, jewellery, and medication should travel in your car, not the truck. Removalists accept no liability for cash or jewellery.

6. The Final Sweep

Before the truck doors close, it is your responsibility to do one last check.

  • Look behind doors, inside built-in cupboards, and in the garden shed.
  • Check the walls and floors for any scuffs caused during the move. It is much easier to resolve a damage dispute if you point it out immediately rather than three days later.