10 things to do before moving into a new house

Moving house is something that most of us will do several times, if not dozens of times in our lives and it’s important to try to make these occasions as stress free as possible.

There are a few things that most people tend to leave until the last minute that should really be done well in advance of moving house. We’ve put together a handy moving into a new house checklist:

10 things to do before you move into a new home

1. Connect your internet

This needs to be booked in at least three weeks before you move. Internet service providers are often booked weeks in advance so you need to do this as soon as possible. Living in a new house without internet can be very frustrating and inconvenient so save yourself the stress and book in early.

2. Connect your energy

When you move house, you need to disconnect the energy in the previous tenants’ name and reconnect it in your own name. The process is very simple, you just call your energy provider, give them your address, your preferred connection dates, contact numbers and identification and concession details if applicable. It’s important to this just before you move so the previous tenants won’t be charged for your energy usage and vice versa.

3. Have a plan for children & pets

Make sure you’ve thought about what young children and pets will do on the day. It can be handy to ask a friend or family member to help out so you can focus on organising the move.

4. Update friends & family with your new contact information

Although it’s important to make sure you officially change your address with relevant businesses it’s also important to update your friends and relatives. Send around a text message or email notifying people of your new address and phone number so the important people in your life can contact you when you start living at your new residence.

5. Change your address

It’s best to do this as early possible, so you don’t have to rely on the new tenants of your old home to forward your mail. Notify the post office immediately of your new address and then contact businesses and government bodies individually and promptly to make sure your mail is going to the correct place. Don’t forget to…

• update magazine or box-style subscriptions
• contact your car insurance and registration provider to change your address
• update your details on the electoral roll
• let your bank know you’ve moved
• update your details with all superannuation funds

• 6. Pack an un-packing box

  One of the first things you need to pack when moving house is an unpacking box. This box should contain allen keys, any tools you might need to construct furniture, labelled ziplock bags with screws from furniture you dismantled in the move, scissors, screwdrivers, masking tape, dust cloths and glue. Having these items all in the same box will save you time and your sanity when setting up your new home.

  7. Organise house & contents insurance

  When you move house it’s important to contact your insurance provider to make sure you’re covered for the duration of the move. Your current home insurance policy should cease the day after you’ve moved out and your next insurance policy should start the day before you move. That way you’re totally covered on the day of the move when you technically aren’t living anywhere.

  8. Have the new house professionally cleaned

  Theoretically speaking, most properties will be given a professional clean before the previous owners or tenants move out, but sometimes a house will be empty for an extended period of time which means it will need another clean before you move in. Make sure you hire professional cleaners who specialise in final house cleans and have them steam the carpets and do a thorough job on the bathrooms and kitchen.

  9. Have spare keys cut

  Do this as soon as you have the keys to your new house. Moving days are stressful and busy so it’s very easy for keys to get lost or locked inside the house especially as you don’t have an established key routine at your new residence yet. Have a set of keys cut for each member of the household and have a set cut for family members or friends that live nearby.

  10. Pack a first night box

  Just as important as the un-packing box, the first night box is essential to a successful move. It should contain a change of clothing, basic toiletries, toilet paper, pyjamas, towels, bed linen and any other essentials you may require like tea bags or a coffee plunger. It makes such a big difference to the comfort of your first night in your new home so you aren’t frantically searching through boxes at midnight trying to find your toothbrush.

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