Ultimate Moving Home Checklist

Change your address: Update your address with the post office, banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, and other relevant organisations

Plan the move: Decide whether to hire professional movers or handle the move yourself. If you choose to hire professionals, book them at least a month and a half in advance to ensure the widest range of options.

Home insurance: Purchase or update your home insurance policy to ensure your new home is adequately protected.

Declutter and organise: Begin by decluttering and packing non-essential items, such as breakable or rarely used items, with care while the house is still organised. Label boxes by room for easier unpacking later.

Arrange for storage (if necessary): If there’s a gap between moving out of your current home and moving into the new one, make arrangements for temporary storage of your belongings.

Notify schools and transfer records: If you have children, notify their current schools about the move and arrange to transfer their academic records to their new school.

Hire a cleaning service: Schedule a professional cleaning service to clean your new home before you move in. This ensures a fresh start in a clean environment. Direct Connect partners with Whizz who offer a range of cleaning services including residential cleaning, end-of-lease cleaning, and deep cleaning.

Change the locks: For security purposes, consider changing the locks on all exterior doors or rekeying them.

Familiarise yourself with the neighbourhood: Research amenities, such as nearby grocery stores, healthcare facilities, schools, and recreational areas. Locate the nearest police station, fire department, and post office.

Set up necessary services: Arrange for home security systems, lawn care, and any other services you may require.

Get acquainted with home systems: Locate and understand important features of your new home, such as the main water shut-off valve, circuit breaker panel, and heating/cooling systems.

Purchase new home essentials: Make a list of items you may need for your new home, such as furniture, appliances, kitchenware, bathroom essentials, and window coverings.

Arrange for pest control: Consider scheduling a pest control service to inspect and treat your new home if needed. You may need to arrange this with the previous owners if there is someone living there, but usually, an inspection is ok.

Plan for pets: Update pet tags with your new contact information and research local veterinarians.

Set up a change of address for your licence: Update your driver’s licence and vehicle registration with your new address.

Take metre readings and hook up your utilities: Note down the readings for gas, water, and electricity metres on the day you move in. This will help ensure accurate billing

Take your time unpacking: Don’t rush the unpacking process. Prioritise setting up essential rooms, such as the bedroom and kitchen, and gradually tackle the rest.

Put a time in your calendar a week after moving in to go and meet the neighbours: Introduce yourself to your new neighbours and build a sense of community.