Darwin's cyclone season runs from 1 November to 30 April — and a lot of people move house during it, including Defence families arriving for posting season and renters at the end of their leases.
Most moves in cyclone season go ahead without a problem. This checklist helps you plan for the ones that don't.
Always follow official advice from SecureNT, the Bureau of Meteorology and emergency services. This guide is general information only.
The rule: If a cyclone watch or warning is issued for your area, don't move. Prepare your home, follow official advice, and reschedule.
Understand the NT alert levels
SecureNT uses three warning levels:
| Level | What it means | What to do about your move |
|---|---|---|
| Advice | An incident has started; no immediate danger | Stay informed. Check your emergency kit. Call your removalist to talk through options. |
| Watch and act | Conditions are changing; prepare and decide whether to stay or go | Postpone the move. Secure your home and belongings. |
| Emergency warning | Highest level — take shelter now | Follow instructions immediately. Your move doesn't matter. |
Official sources: SecureNT (securent.nt.gov.au), the Bureau of Meteorology, local radio, and the NT Emergency Service on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call 000.
Before you book
- Ask your removalist about their cyclone and severe weather policy
- Ask whether rescheduling for a cyclone watch or warning is free
- Check your lease end date and talk to your agent about flexibility if weather delays a handover
- Book a morning slot — storms often build in the afternoon
- Check that your contents insurance covers items in transit and at both addresses
✎ Edit: State your policy, e.g. "We reschedule free of charge if a cyclone watch or warning is issued for either address."
2 weeks before
- Build or check your emergency kit — water (SecureNT recommends at least 10 litres per person), food, torch, radio, batteries, first aid, medications and copies of documents
- Pack important documents, photos and electronics in sealed plastic tubs
- Keep your emergency kit separate from moving boxes so it doesn't end up on the truck
- Find out where the strongest room is at your new home
The week of your move
- Check the Bureau of Meteorology forecast and tropical cyclone outlook daily
- Keep vehicles fuelled
- Don't leave packed boxes outside or under the house overnight
- Confirm the time with your removalist and agree how you'll contact each other if the weather turns
If an Advice is issued
- Call your removalist to discuss whether to proceed
- Keep monitoring SecureNT — cyclones can change direction or intensify quickly
- Tie down or bring in outdoor furniture, bins and loose items at both properties
If a Watch or Warning is issued
- Postpone the move
- Move packed boxes inside, away from windows, and off the floor if flooding is possible
- Put valuables and documents in the strongest part of the house
- Follow all instructions from authorities
After the cyclone
- Wait for the all-clear from authorities
- Check both properties for damage, water and fallen trees before rebooking
- Photograph any damage for your insurer and landlord
- Check stored boxes for water and mould. See Packing for Darwin Humidity
Moving in the wet season more generally
Storms and humidity are the everyday challenges between November and April. Read Moving House in the Wet Season for how to protect furniture on the day.
Book with a team that plans for the weather
Get a free quote · or see our house removals service.
Frequently asked questions
When is cyclone season in Darwin?
Cyclone season in northern Australia officially runs from 1 November to 30 April.
Should I move house during a cyclone watch?
No. Once a cyclone watch is issued for your area, focus on preparing your home and family. Talk to your removalist about rescheduling.
Where do I get official cyclone warnings in the NT?
Use SecureNT (securent.nt.gov.au) and the Bureau of Meteorology, plus local radio. For help during storms and cyclones, the NT Emergency Service number is 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call 000.
What should I do with packed boxes if a cyclone is coming?
Move them inside, away from windows, and off the floor if flooding is possible. Keep documents and valuables in sealed plastic tubs in the strongest part of the house.