Moving into a new home is exciting but it can also be overwhelming. From booking removalists to setting up utilities, changing your postal address, and organising your belongings, there is a lot to manage. This home buyers moving checklist will help you stay organised and make your move smooth and stress-free.
1. Plan your move in advance
Successful moves start with planning:
- Set your moving date and coordinate with your buyers agent, conveyancer / solicitor, real estate agent, and removalists.
- Create a moving folder to keep all important contracts, receipts, and documents together.
- Declutter before moving by selling, donating, or recycling items you no longer need.
3. Set up utilities and services
Ensure your new home is ready on day one:
- Electricity and gas: transfer accounts or set up a new connection.
- Water: contact your local water authority to transfer billing. (e.g. Sydney Water & Urban Utilities)
- Internet and phone: arrange a connection in advance to avoid downtime.
- TV and streaming services: update accounts and access at your new home.
5. Home Essentials and Safety Checks
- Change locks or update security codes for peace of mind.
- Test smoke detectors and fire safety equipment and replace batteries if needed.
- Deep clean your new home or hire professional cleaners before moving in.
- Pest control is optional but useful for older properties, especially timber homes for termite protection.
7. Update Records and Services
- Insurance: update home, contents, and car insurance with your new address.
- School or childcare: notify institutions of your move.
- Healthcare and veterinary records: update contact details.
- Emergency contacts: friends and family should know your new address.
2. Book reliable removalists
Choosing the right removalists is crucial:
- Compare quotes by getting at least two and reading online reviews or getting recommendations.
- Confirm your booking including details like fragile items, furniture, or special equipment.
- Pack systematically and label boxes with room and content for faster unpacking.
4. Change your address
Avoid missing important mail:
- Australia Post Mail Redirection: set up redirection for at least 3 to 6 months.
- Banks and financial institutions: update your home address for statements and cards.
- Government agencies: update Services Australia (Centrelink & Medicare), ATO, your state’s government body (e.g. Service NSW & QLD Government) and your local council.
- Subscriptions and deliveries: magazines, grocery deliveries, and online shopping accounts.
- Healthcare providers: doctors, dentists, and specialists.
6. Organise your new space
- Unpack essentials first such as kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom items.
- Furniture placement: measure in advance to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Check utilities to make sure water, electricity, gas, and internet are working.
- Meet your neighbours and get local tips on schools, shops, and services.
Quick Moving Day Tips
- Keep valuables, documents, and essentials with you.
- Have a moving day kit with snacks, water, phone chargers, and basic cleaning supplies.
- Stay flexible because delays happen but a calm mindset makes the day smoother.
Best of luck with your big move.