You’ve won at auction, or gone unconditional on your first home. Congratulations. There are still a lot of steps to ensure a successful move.
Those essentials include everything from setting up utilities accounts to buying furniture and changing the locks.
If you’re already flatting in the area the move will be easier because you probably own furniture and have utilities accounts that can be transferred to your new home.
Even so, to cut down on the stress, follow OneRoof’s checklist of what you need to know before moving into your first home.
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Step 1: Make a list of everything you need to buy
That’s everything from beds down to cleaning cloths. Once you have your list, consider asking friends and family if they have extras. This is an expensive time, and it’s Kiwi culture to stock a first home with hand-me-downs. Local buy-sell groups can also be a great source of cheap essentials. Some of the items you may need include:
● Furniture and bedding
● Fridge/freezer, microwave oven, washing machine, dishwasher and vacuum cleaner
● Curtains or blinds
● Pots, pans, plates, cutlery, cups and glasses
● Tool kit and smoke alarms
● Garden equipment such as spades and washing lines
● A television
Step 2: Set up or transfer utilities
You will need to connect the electricity/gas, water and internet when you move into a new home. Most utilities companies allow you to transfer an existing account to the new property, which makes life easy. If you live in an area that charges for water, set up an account. Utility accounts should be organised a week or two before moving into the house. Check if the home has fibre connected if that is important to you, or if you can schedule the work.
Step 3: Organise your insurance
Homes are very expensive to replace. It’s essential to have current house insurance at all times. For the first year it can be easier to get it through your bank, or the same company your car is insured with.
Step 5: Book a moving van
You may be able to move using your own vehicle, or a hired one. If you need to use a removal company, book as soon as you know when the settlement date will be. If you can afford one extra day’s rent, then plan to move the day after settlement. That way you’re not paying good money for the removal staff to sit around doing nothing if settlement is delayed.
Step 4: Start packing
Most people accumulate too much stuff. If you haven’t already, consider decluttering ahead of time. Other steps to take include:
● Unless you are using professional packers, then collect boxes and other packing materials such as bubble wrap and newspaper.
● Pack your belongings. Label the boxes so you know which room they belong to at the other end. You may want to pay for storage for items that are not needed immediately.
● Book a move-in clean service if this is important to you. Some people like to get the carpets, walls and ceilings cleaned while the house is empty.
● Pack first-day essentials together. Consider dedicating one box to items you need immediately. Everything else can be unpacked one box at a time.
● Keep your valuables and important documents separate. Consider moving them yourself.
● Book a locksmith if you want to change the locks. If the home has been tenanted or you are worried about who might have keys to the property, then consider getting this done on moving day.
Step 5: Change your address and set up a postal redirect
Try to think of every organisation that has your postal address, from Waka Kotahi for your vehicle registration, to your KiwiSaver provider. Consider setting up a mail redirection from your old address to the new one for six or 12 months.
Finally, moving is hard work. Consider taking a few days off work to give yourself time to get settled.
- Check out OneRoof’s first home buyer guide here.
