So, you’ve just bought a new house, and the excitement is settling in. Now, where do you start?! Here’s your ultimate guide to moving house after settlement.
Declutter
As you start to pack, it’s the perfect time to do a big overhaul spring clean. Go through each room and donate items that you no longer use. This will make moving house after settlement more manageable and give you a fresh start in your new home.
Packing
- Go Room by Room: Box items together that are stored together. For instance, if your cookbooks are stored in your entertainment unit, pack them together instead of putting them in a kitchen box. Mark each box clearly, e.g., “Living Room – Entertainment Unit – Cookbooks.” This will help enormously when unpacking after settlement.
- Tag Electrical Cords: Tape cords together and label them (e.g., “Living Room TV Cords”).
- Clean Out Your Fridge and Freezer: Get these ready for moving day.
- Pack a First Night Box: Include everything you need for your first night to avoid rummaging through multiple boxes.
- Unpacking Box or Bag: Include scissors, markers, tape, and any other essentials you might need to sort through your boxes easily.
Booking Removalists
If you plan on hiring removalists, we recommend booking them for the day following settlement in case there are any delays. You have until 12 noon to hand back the keys, so get those removalists in first thing the next day. Handle all your small stuff the afternoon prior.
Cleaning
Decide whether you have time to clean the property yourself between packing or if you need to book a cleaner to come in around you.
Accounts
Contact your service providers (internet, landline, gas, electricity, water) about three days before settlement and inform them that your services need to be closed off the day you are moving out. Don’t forget to forward your mail with Australia Post!
Moving In After Settlement
- Set Up Utility Accounts: Do this as soon as settlement is completed.
- Cleaning: Determine if the property is at your level of clean or if you need to have someone come and clean it for you.
- Put Boxes in Assigned Rooms: Avoid unloading them in the garage only to move them again later.
- Start in the Bedrooms: Build your personal space while the rest of the house is still being sorted. This is especially helpful for settling kids into new rooms.
- Take Your Time: It’s easy to rush through things only to have to move items around again if they’re not where you initially planned.
- Enjoy: This is your new home! Try to enjoy the process of setting up your space.
By following these steps, moving house after settlement can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. The Simple Settlement Co is here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring a seamless transition to your new home.