8 Tips for Moving Day
Moving Day has finally arrived – Congratulations! After you have signed the lease and picked up the keys there are a few things you need to do before you start moving your stuff in.
Take photos of the property condition
Regardless of whether you are renting only a room or the whole place – you need to document the condition of the place so you don’t get stung with repair or cleaning bills when you move out. Take lots of photos and email them to the property manager/leaseholder so you both have evidence. This will come in handy when you are applying for the return of your Bond so you can compare the condition of the property from when you moved into when you move out.
Clean
Give the place a good clean before you move your bits and bobs in AND make sure you clean the space you have just left. You might need to mop, sweep or vacuum the floors, especially if the space has been vacant for a while or if there is still foot print traffic from the inspection.
Pop a bag in the kitchen for any rubbish like tape from boxes etc. and soap so you can wash your hands on the go.
Sketch the layout
Do a rough sketch of where you want everything to go. It saves confusion for anyone helping you move. Take note of where the power points are so you don’t have your bed set up on the opposite wall of when your phone charger needs to be.
Make the bed
As soon as you can – make the bed. Moving is exhausting and the last thing you want to do at midnight is try to find your bedding, when all you want to do is sleep…
Locate the Power Box and Water Mains
Electricity – Find out where the Powerbox is located and make sure it is easily accessible i.e. nothing leaning up against it or obstructed by a bush. Identify the mains switch and make sure there is a spare fuse.
Water – Locate the Water Mains Value. If a water pipe bursts – you need to shut off the water – quickly! Then go get the mop…
We had a pipe burst in an upstairs bathroom, I had no idea where to the water mains outlet was – by the time I got the agent on the phone and found the water mains tap our bathroom was ankle deep in water. Worse, the water leaked into a downstairs bedroom, through the ceiling light onto a housemate’s laptop. The landlord paid for the repairs to the house but housemate didn’t have contents insurance so he had to buy another laptop with money that he didn’t have.
Check the utilities are working
- Make sure you have power and if the fridge has been turned off – you want to make sure it is switched back on before you put any food in it;
- Check that you have hot water and gas;
- Check that there are light bulbs in the light sockets – some people can go crazy when they move out of a place and take everything with them!
Start Unpacking
Start with the bedroom, then bathroom then the kitchen. You don’t have to unpack everything all in one day but try to settle in best you can over the next few days. Avoid having unpacked boxes laying around for weeks or months. Have your clothes within reach for the next day.
Set Up the TV and Order In
Plug in the TV and order takeaway, leave the cooking for another day. Moving day can be exhausting so plan to stay in on your first night in your new home.
Savour the silence and your new found independence!
What next?
Go grocery shopping. You need to get some staples in the kitchen, pantry and laundry. You don’t need to buy everything – go slow and enjoy!
