First-Time Mover's Checklist: Essential Tips for Moving in to a New Home

Update: 03/02/2024

Share This Post

Moving away from your family home for the first time can be challenging, but this guide will make it easier. It provides a thorough move-in checklist to help those taking their first independent steps. Keep your notebook ready and embark on an organized journey!

With this guide, you can be confident that your move will be a success. Follow our guide for a smooth and effortless relocation. It covers crucial elements such as choosing professional movers, managing relationships with new housemates, and efficiently establishing your new living space. Our guide provides essential advice and insights to simplify your shift.

Preparation Checklist for Moving Day

Handling Utilities Before the Big Move

When settling into an apartment where utilities are included in the rent, it’s crucial to verify who’s in charge of setting them up. This could be either the landlord or you, the tenant. Make sure these essentials are activated before your arrival to avoid any inconvenience like being without Wi-Fi, heating, or electricity.

Water Services

Typically, the water connection remains under the landlord’s name. However, payment responsibilities for water usage can vary by location. For instance, in Melbourne, landlords generally handle water supply charges unless stated otherwise in the agreement.

Water Services Provider Contact Details:

Electricity and Gas Essentials

Ensure that electricity and gas services are active prior to your moving day. The requirement for these services depends on your new home’s setup – some may need both, while others might rely solely on electricity. Remember to set up accounts with your local providers for both, if necessary.

Electricity and Gas Providers Contact Details:

Internet and Television Connections

Consider opting for a bundle service that includes both internet and TV. Since arranging these services can be time-consuming due to high demand for technicians, it’s wise to address this well in advance.

Internet Providers Contact Details:

Vital Paperwork and Address Updates

Don’t forget to update your address across various platforms to ensure all your mail and important documents reach you. Here’s a list of places to notify about your change of address:

Government entities through myGov, like Medicare, Centrelink, the Australian Taxation Office, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
State transport departments for updates on car registrations and driver’s licenses.
Healthcare providers, including your GP, dentist, optometrist, physiotherapist, and mental health professionals.
Financial institutions like banks, credit unions, superannuation funds, and your financial advisor.
Employers and educational institutions, whether it’s a school, university, or TAFE.
Insurance companies.
Your local post office, which can arrange mail redirection.
Subscription services, libraries, veterinarians, and gym memberships.

Updating your address is more than just rerouting your mail, it’s about ensuring your personal and professional life remains uninterrupted during your transition to a new home.

Essential Items Checklist for Your First Move

After dealing with the important initial details, focus on collecting the household essentials for your new home. Completing the pre-move tasks will provide ample opportunities to gather everything you need to make your apartment a comfortable place to live.

Figuring out what you need for your apartment may seem daunting at first, but with a confident approach, you can easily identify the essentials. Organizing your needs into specific categories ensures a streamlined and stress-free process of setting up your new living space. This approach simplifies the process and makes it more manageable.

Essential Cleaning Products for Your New Home

It’s common to overlook cleaning supplies when moving out, but they’re vital for those unexpected messes! Start with a versatile multi-purpose cleaner suitable for various surfaces. Add dishwashing liquid to your list – even budget-friendly options are effective for keeping dishes clean. Don’t forget laundry items and larger cleaning tools like brooms and mops.

Key Cleaning Items:

Multi-purpose cleaner
Dishwashing liquid
Laundry detergent and stain remover
Vacuum cleaner
Dustpan and broom
Mop
Rubber gloves
Garbage and FOGO bags

Kitchen Must-Haves

Initially, focus on essentials to feed yourself and any housemates. A full dinner set can wait, ensure you have sufficient everyday utensils. Starting with basic items, even second-hand, is a practical approach.

Essential Kitchenware:

Pots, pans, cups, mugs
Bowls, plates
Small appliances: kettle, microwave, toaster
Fridge
Cutlery organizer, chopping boards, knife block
Oven mitts, oven trays
Paper towels and holder
Food storage, measuring tools
Dish towels, sponges, dish brush
Aluminum foil, cling wrap
Rubbish and recycling solutions

Bathroom Basics

Equip your bathroom affordably and efficiently. Keep toiletries accessible during the move for convenience.

Bathroom Necessities:

Soap, body wash
Laundry basket
Shower curtain and hooks
Toilet essentials: paper, brush
Towels: hand and bath
Bath mat

Bedroom Essentials

Ensure a comfortable first night with at least a mattress and sheet set. If possible, bring a bed, but a mattress will suffice initially. Don’t forget pillows and other bedroom furniture for comfort and organization.

Bedroom Items:

Mattress, sheets, duvet/quilt
Pillows, bed, bedside table
Storage solutions: coat hangers, drawer organizers
Lamp

Living Room Basics

Create a cozy space with seating like a lounge or armchairs. Assess space for a dining table after arranging existing furniture.

Living Area Essentials:

Lounge, coffee table
TV and stand
Dining table and chairs

Miscellaneous Items for Your Home

These additional items might vary in importance but are worth considering.

Miscellaneous Essentials:

Light bulbs, first-aid kit
Tools: screwdrivers, duct tape
Step stool, batteries, measuring tape
Comfort items: painkillers, tissues
Household tools: ironing board, umbrella, scissors
Sewing kit, extension cords, storage solutions
Kitchen extras: baking sheet, food processor
Safety: carbon monoxide and smoke detectors

Tips for Living with Roommates

Adapting to life with new roommates requires understanding and cooperation. Here are tips to navigate shared living without resorting to extreme measures like labeling individual food items.

Adjusting to Life with New Roommates

Transitioning to living with friends or strangers requires adaptation. To avoid extreme measures, such as comical fridge egg labels from movies, use straightforward strategies.

Open Communication: Start with clear conversations about your expectations and boundaries. Address issues promptly to prevent escalation.
Respect for Schedules: Acknowledge and accommodate each other’s work shifts and routines. Understanding differing schedules is key to harmonious living.
Balanced Socializing: While it’s exciting to spend time with roommates, especially friends, ensure to allocate time for solitude to maintain a healthy balance.
Self-awareness: Recognize your habits and how they might affect others. It’s as important to be aware of your behaviors as it is to tolerate your roommate’s quirks.
Sharing Common Spaces: Practice fairness in using shared areas. Dominating the living room or kitchen can create tension, so it’s important to take turns.
Acceptance Over Change: Instead of attempting to change your roommate’s lifestyle, focus on understanding and compromise for a peaceful coexistence.

This guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to transition smoothly when moving out. It is important to keep in mind that you may want to consider getting a thoughtful gift for your mum before embarking on this new chapter. We are confident that you will do great as you settle into your first apartment!

About Us

Quick Pick Movers, your go-to removalists in Melbourne, offer efficient and reliable moving services. Our skilled team ensures a seamless relocation experience, making your move stress-free and hassle-free.

Quick Pick Movers

Service Areas

Moving to Melbourne?

Ready to make the move to Melbourne? Get a quote today and start your journey!