Moving a service is rarely one button. The old account needs a clear end date, the new address must be serviceable, equipment rules differ and some bookings depend on access. A short overlap can be useful, but accidental overlap can keep you paying after you leave.
In this guide 8 sections
Scope: This checklist covers ordinary Queensland household moves. New-build connections, embedded networks, life-support equipment, business mail and complex account disputes need provider-specific steps.
The connection critical path
Do the dependency checks first. A preferred activation date is not useful if the address, equipment or access is wrong.
About four weeks before the move
- Confirm the exact new address, unit number, access date and whether utilities are included or separately metered.
- Check your existing energy and internet contract for transfer options, notice, exit charges and equipment return terms.
- Use nbn's address checker and contact the chosen provider to confirm the available connection type, plan and any installation appointment.
- Ask the property manager what fixed nbn equipment should already be present and report anything missing before move day.
- Decide whether Australia Post mail redirection is useful, then separately list every organisation that needs your address updated.
Electricity: create two dated instructions
The Australian Energy Regulator advises giving your retailer at least three days' notice when moving, while warning that a longer period may be required. Contact the retailer early and record two separate instructions: stop responsibility at the old address after your final access, and start the new account when you legally take possession.
| Old address | New address |
|---|---|
| Final date and time, forwarding address, final bill, meter access and account-holder change in a share house. | Start date, exact premises, plan and tariff, connection fee, meter access and whether the site is in an embedded network. |
| Photograph the meter only if it is safe and lawfully accessible. Do not enter restricted electrical areas. | Even if power is already on, the AER says you still need a retailer contract and account. |
If somebody relies on life-support equipment, contact the retailer well before moving and follow its registration and continuity instructions. Do not rely on a general checklist for that situation.
Internet: check the address before moving the plan
nbn says connection technology can differ between addresses. Check the new address, then ask the provider to confirm the available plan, activation date, technician visit, connection fee, modem or router compatibility and fallback if the service is delayed.
Leave nbn-supplied equipment behind. nbn says its connection box, power adaptor and supplied cables are registered to the premises. Do not confuse them with a Wi-Fi router you bought or rent from your provider.
Photograph the fixed equipment and serial labels without publishing them. If the box is missing, contact the phone or internet provider. If an installation or equipment relocation would alter the property, discuss access and approval with the property manager before work is booked.
Plan a realistic fallback
If internet is essential for work, study or health services, test mobile reception at the new address and decide whether a temporary hotspot or another provider-approved option is adequate. Check data limits and device needs rather than assuming phone tethering will cover the household.
Mail: redirect, then update directly
Australia Post offers personal mail redirection for selected periods and requires proof of identity. The service forwards eligible letters and parcels, but it is not a universal change-of-address service. Check current prices, concession eligibility, lead time and exclusions on the official page before applying.
Banking, licences, electoral roll, ATO, Services Australia, insurers, employer and health providers.
RTA forwarding address, vehicle registration, toll account, pet registration and schools.
Retail accounts, subscriptions, parcel profiles and recurring food or medication orders.
Remove saved old addresses from checkout defaults and do not leave labelled documents behind.
Queensland's moving-in checklist provides a broad notification list. Use it as a sweep after completing the critical financial, government and tenancy updates.
Moving-day evidence
- Keep electricity on long enough for safe removal, cleaning and final inspection.
- Take safe meter photos at both addresses where accessible and record the time.
- Leave nbn-supplied equipment and cables at the old property.
- Keep your own router, account equipment and return instructions separate.
- Save key handover, disconnection, connection and redirection confirmations.
- Check the old letterbox and remove all personal paperwork.
The RTA's moving-out checklist also prompts tenants to arrange utility disconnection for the last day. Pair this with the Queensland moving-out notice guide so dates remain consistent.
Within the first week after moving
Test power, internet and connected services. Check that the energy account identifies the correct meter and address, review any estimated or final reading, and confirm the old account is closed. Watch for mail that still arrives under the old address and update the sender directly.
Keep final bills and move confirmations until both addresses are reconciled. In a share house, confirm in writing who takes responsibility for the old energy account. The AER warns that failing to cancel can leave the named customer paying for later use.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice should I give my electricity retailer?
The AER recommends at least three days, but says a retailer may require longer. Confirm the required notice with your retailer.
Should I take the nbn connection box with me?
No. Leave nbn-supplied equipment, adaptor and cables at the address. Your own router is separate.
Does mail redirection update every organisation?
No. It forwards eligible mail. Update important organisations directly and check current exclusions.
What should I record on moving day?
Keep safe meter photos, confirmations, equipment records, redirection details, key handover evidence and final bills.
The practical bottom line
Work backwards from legal access and key handover. Check each address, book both ends, protect essential connectivity, then keep the evidence until the old and new accounts agree.
General information only: Provider rules, tariffs, connection technology, mail eligibility and tenancy arrangements differ. Check current official and provider terms. Last reviewed 7 September 2026.