Everything you need to get organised before moving into your new home.

You’ve just done all the hard work and bought your new home. So now it’s time to get organised to move in.

DECLUTTER.

Work out what possessions you’ll be taking with you, and which you’ll sell, give to charity or chuck out.

SET THE DATE AND GATHER THE TROOPS.

Book the removalists, or your own DIY van, and investigate where they’ll be able to park.

UTILITIES.

Connect all the utilities like electricity, gas, water and internet, and change your address with all your existing contracts, like your traffic toll passes, the Electoral Commission, doctor and dentist, your employer, banks and credit card companies. Redirect all your mail via Australia Post.

PROTECT YOUR ASSETS.

Organise home and contents insurance for your new home and check to see if your car insurance might change with your new address. You might also want to ask your removalists if they insure against damage, or if you need to take out special insurance for the day.

CHECK AND MEASURE.

Check the measurements of your new rooms and, if you plan to buy furniture, consider ordering it now as some companies have up to a six-month waiting time.

GET PACKING.

Take a plan of your new home, divide it into numbered areas and make a number of copies. Then, when you pack, mark each box clearly with the number of the area you want the removalists to leave it in as well as its contents to help you with the unpacking. Give a copy of the plan to each removalist. Also, buy some FRAGILE stickers and put those on your glassware, crockery and any other valuables.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS.

Put the items you’re going to need soonest – like your toothbrush, hairbrush , any medications and a change of clothes – in a suitcase so you’ll know where they are, instead of having to rummage through everything.