So, moving day is finally over. You’ve got all of your furniture, boxes, and items into your new place. Time to sit down and relax, right? Well, not quite. There is still a lot to do when you first move into a new home but don’t worry; we’re here to guide you through the process step by step.
1. Make a List
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of everything you have to do, start making a list. By having it all written down, getting it done will feel less overwhelming, and you won’t have to worry about leaving anything out. Start by writing down everything you already know you need to do, or add some of the tips from this article to get you started.
2. Decide on Project Priorities
You may have already thought about some projects you’d like to undertake on your new property when you first viewed and bought it. Whether it’s changing up the garage, repainting a bedroom, or doing a kitchen renovation, stop and take note of it now.
The reason this one makes it so high up the list is that if you’re planning on redoing your kitchen or something else major as soon as possible, there’s no point in unpacking items into that room. You may as well keep it empty and start on the project before the place gets cluttered. This will make it easier to start and get it done quickly.
3. Unpack One Room First
While you’re in the midst of unpacking, cleaning, and settling into your new home, you will need a chaos-free sanctuary. That’s why we recommend unpacking one room first, preferably your own bedroom. Put everything away in the closet, make the bed, and ensure you have all of your essentials in the ensuite. That way, when you’re exhausted after a day of unpacking boxes, you can escape to a calm and peaceful area to relax and switch off.
Out of necessity, you might then want to start on the kids’ bedrooms, ensuring that at least the beds are made before your children will need to go to sleep.
4. Change of Address Notices
If you didn’t do it before moving, now is the perfect time to send out change of address notices. Ensure that all of the main government entities are aware of your new address. This includes the Australian Tax Office, Australia Post, Electoral Commission, and Centrelink. You’ll also want to update your driver’s license, library card, car registration, and local council. Plus, don’t forget to let your family and friends know!
5. Check Your Locks
One of the most important things to do right after moving into a new house is to check your locks. Check all of the doors and windows, and if locks are missing, install new ones. Check that the locks will suffice for your needs – you may want to install a deadlock system or more secure option.
If the house used to be a rental, it’s a good idea to get the locks changed, as you won’t know who has had keys in the past. This gives you the peace of mind that you’ll be safe and secure in your new home. Don’t forget to hide a key somewhere that others won’t be able to find it, just in case you lock yourself out. We recommend inside an alarmed garage that only you have the code for, but anywhere other than under the doormat would do.
6. Get Ready for Emergencies
The last thing you want is to have an emergency right after moving into a new home and not know where your shut-off valves, switchboard, and fire extinguisher are. So, go around the house and locate all of these early on. That way, you’ll be able to quickly and easily switch off the water if you need to, such as when installing your dishwasher. This will save you from panicking later on. You’ll also want to check where your circuit breaker is, so if you plug in one too many appliances and the power shuts off, you can still find it easily.
7. Check the Smoke Detectors
Your new house should already have working smoke detectors installed, but it’s always important to check this when setting up your home. That way, they will be working when you need them the most. Most smoke detectors these days have a button to check whether it’s working, so you can make sure that you can hear the sound which indicates the battery is working. If you aren’t sure, change the batteries anyway. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
8. Find Contact Information for Local Repairmen
As you meet your neighbours, make sure you ask who the best local repairmen are. When you move to a new area, it can be hard to find trade businesses you can trust. It’s always handy to have the number of a good plumber and electrician who you can call should something go wrong or you have a project in mind. You might also want to ask around about gardeners, landscapers, and general handymen, depending on what your property’s needs are.
9. Celebrate!
Congrats, you’ve had a successful move, and now it’s time to celebrate and enjoy your new home!
If you’re moving soon, you don’t have to do it all on your own. There’s enough hard work ahead with setting up your house, packing, notifying people of the change of address, and more. EasyMove are Melbourne movers who are the experts in moving your possessions safely and securely. Book in your move with us and take one thing off your list of things to do right now!
We are a professional moving company with years of experience in the business, so you can rest assured that your belongings will be in safe hands. We can even pack up your home if you are keen to just go ahead and focus on your new place without the hassle of packing and cleaning at your old house.