Setting up your rental property

Making sure you have power and gas when you move in can make your transition into a rental easier and more comfortable, so it’s a good idea to organise your utilities in advance.

You can call up your provider and organise to have everything turned on the day you move in. But the company will need a few days to set this up in advance.

Be sure to do research on your provider to make sure you get the best deals. Also consider whether you want a long or short contract and adjust your plan accordingly.

Moving day can be stressful – the secret is to have a game plan to make everything run smoothly.

Here is a checklist of everything you need to think about for the big day:

• Have everything boxed and ready to go before movers arrive to avoid wasting their time and your money.
• Ensure appliances like fridges have been turned off at least 24 hours prior so they are ready to relocate.
• Name boxes with their contents and room to help deliver them straight to their ideal position.
• Sweep, mop and clean all surfaces before you start unpacking.
• If you have young kids or animals consider finding them a play date or somewhere to go during the move.
• Make a day pack in advance, which should include a phone charger, any medications, food, water, toothbrush and items for any animals. Anything you might need while unpacking.
• Fill out your condition report and take photos before you begin.
• Make beds first and settle any kids or pets, if they are with you, before you get cracking with the unpacking.

Making your new home feel like it’s yours can be a lot of fun.

But it also requires a lot of thought about exactly what you need to make a house a home – not to mention a whole lot of decorating.

• Kitchenware – Eating is essential so it’s best to be prepared and have all the tableware and cutlery you need along with cooking implements like pots, pans and wooden spoons.
• Furniture – This sounds like a no brainer, but many people delay buying bigger items when it’s best to bite the bullet early on. Necessary items include a couch, chairs, television and tables.
• Bed sheets – Clean linen is one of the most welcoming things after a big day moving. Don’t forget all the rest of the linen too, including towels and tea towels.
• Cleaning supplies – Be prepared and come with mops, brushes, cloths, and cleaning agents, so you can clean as you unpack.
• Toiletries – Toothbrushes, toothpaste and toilet paper.
• Luxuries – For some people this may be books candles or incense, for others it might be art to decorate your space. Regardless of what your luxury items are, be sure to include them to help you settle in.

Obviously, a house renovation is off the cards when you are renting but there are a few quick hacks that will help make a rental feel more homely.

• Lighting – swap any lightbulbs over to your desired colour, such as warm yellow bulbs to create ambiance. Also bring in lamps to craft the mood.
• Indoor plants – greenery can instantly soften a room and will not damage walls.
• Rugs – to hide wooden floors and to communicate your own style.
• New bedding – can help you settle in and create a design aesthetic.
• Hang art – while you may have to get permission to put in more wall hooks, it will be worth it with art being a great way to communicate your style.
• Accessorise – cushions, rugs, throws, vases and mirrors. Homewares can help individualise a rental.
• Change the shower curtain – these make a funky or colourful addition to the bathroom and can help set the tone or theme for what would otherwise be a plain white bathroom.
• Portable kitchen island – if your rental lacks bench space, then a portable island or butchers block can be a useful addition.
• Swap curtains – this can be a simple and effective way to dress rooms and bring in colour without making any permanent changes.

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