Alleviate stress with our list of often forgotten – but very important – tasks for moving into a new place. 

There are so many things to remember when moving into a new home. Unsurprisingly, when the to-do list seems to just keep on growing, it’s easy for things to slip off the schedule. Just make sure it’s not these!

1. Get insurance

Remember, you may need to start looking into home insurance before you even technically own your new home. Depending on your state’s regulations, you may be responsible for insurance before the actual date of settlement.

Make sure you know your insurance responsibilities so you can get home insurance at the right time. Picture: Getty

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“Having cover for the cost of repairing or replacing your belongings if they’re damaged or lost in an insured event can provide massive relief for home owners,” Head of AAMI, Joshua Kelland, explains.

“A home is a huge investment – one of the greatest assets you’ll ever own. So, it’s worth considering taking out insurance properly and early to protect that asset.”

However, this doesn’t just apply to home owners. Renters should also consider contents insurance which can cover your contents for loss or damage caused by insured events like burglaries or storms, which may leave you needing urgent repairs or replacement of your must-have items.

2. Change your address

While most bills and bank statements can be delivered via email these days, there are still elements of life that require you to update your address, like your voter registration.

Regarding the rest of your mail, you can register a change-of-address with Australia Post, who can redirect it as it arrives.

3. Transfer your utilities in advance

Fortunately, transferring your utilities can be arranged online or over the phone – just make sure you give them enough time.

Don’t skip a beat with your energy and internet by planning the transfer of your utilities in advance. Picture: Pexels

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While electricity can be turned on or off reasonably quickly, things like internet take a little longer as they require time to establish a connection if it isn’t already hooked up. Give your service provider enough time to arrange everything by sussing out your internet options and alerting them to your move at least a month in advance.

4. Take measurements

Imagine getting to your new home on moving day, after days – nay, weeks! – of packing and realising you can’t even get some items through your door.

Not only that, but the fridge doesn’t fit, the dining table looks too big for the space and you can’t open your built-ins because your bed is in the way.

Avoid moving mishaps by taking measurements and making a layout plan. Picture: Pexels

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The moral of this story is: measure everything!

Measure your belongings and the space to get a reasonable idea of layout, then go the extra mile by measuring doorways and making sure you’re all clear for a smooth moving day.

5. Change the locks

You never know who may be holding a spare key to your home, even if it’s brand new. Previous owners, their friends or family, former tenants, builders, real estate agents – there could be a dozen extra keys floating around without your knowledge.

Changing the locks to your newly acquired home can provide an added layer of security and peace of mind. Plus, it’s not too expensive. This way you can start fresh and know exactly who has access.