- Geff
- January 18, 2026
A long distance move is not just a bigger local move. It means more planning, better packing, paperwork for pets and plants, and a removalist you can trust with everything you own for hundreds of kilometres. This guide walks you through a move from Wollongong and the Illawarra to anywhere in Australia, whether that is Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra or a regional town.
Your 8-week interstate moving timeline
8 weeks before
- Get quotes and book your removalist. Popular dates (end of the month, school holidays, December and January) book out first.
- Start decluttering. Interstate moves are priced by volume, so everything you leave behind saves money.
- Research schools, childcare and doctors at your destination.
4 to 6 weeks before
- Arrange time off work and plan how you and your car will travel.
- Book the connection of electricity, gas and internet at the new address.
- Start packing things you rarely use.
- Organise storage if your new home will not be ready on the day.
2 weeks before
- Set up mail redirection with Australia Post.
- Use up frozen food and pantry items.
- Confirm access at both ends: lifts, loading docks, parking and long driveways.
Moving week
- Pack a first-night box and a bag with documents, medication, chargers and valuables to travel with you.
- Defrost and dry the fridge and freezer at least 24 hours before.
- Take photos of valuable furniture before it is wrapped.
Packing for a long trip
Everything on an interstate truck needs to be packed tighter than for a local move:
- Use strong double-walled cartons, not old supermarket boxes.
- Wrap fragile items in paper or bubble wrap and fill empty space so nothing moves.
- Label every box with its room and a short list of contents.
- Ask for professional packing for the kitchen, artwork and anything valuable.
Pets, plants and vehicles
- Plants: Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania have strict biosecurity rules. Check the rules for your destination before packing any plants or garden soil.
- Pets: book pet transport or plan regular breaks if they travel with you, and update microchip details after you move.
- Cars: if you are not driving your car, book a car transport company separately and in advance.
Insurance and protection
Interstate moves with 777 World Removals include full comprehensive insurance, from pickup to delivery. If you have something especially valuable such as art, antiques or a piano, call our office on 1300090977 to arrange extra cover. Read more in our guide to removalist insurance.
How to choose interstate removalists
- Do they move you door to door on one truck, or does your furniture go through depots? With us it stays on the same truck, with the same crew.
- Is the price fixed and based on volume, with everything included?
- Will your furniture travel on its own truck, or share space with other moves?
- What insurance is included?
- Do recent reviews mention long distance moves?
Wondering whether to share a truck or book your own? Read our guide to backloading vs a dedicated VIP truck.
Popular routes from Wollongong
See fixed from-prices for Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne and more on our interstate routes page, or get a quote for your move.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book interstate removalists?
Book 4 to 8 weeks ahead. Allow more time for school holidays, the end of the month and the December to January peak.
How is an interstate move priced?
Interstate moves are a fixed price based on the volume you move, not an hourly rate, so traffic and time on the road never add to your bill.
Can I move plants interstate?
Some states, including Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania, restrict plants and soil. Check the biosecurity rules for your destination before you pack any plants.
Will my furniture go into a depot?
Not with us. Your belongings are loaded once and stay on the same truck, with the same crew, door to door.
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