Before the Move
Secure Your Lease: Take a good look at that lease agreement, make sure you’ve got all the move-in deets locked down—like the dates, deposit, and any surprise fees they may have snuck in there.
Plan Utilities:
Electricity and Gas: Don’t let your first night in your new place be a candle-lit adventure. Set up or transfer your electricity and gas ahead of time so you’re not left in the dark.
Water Services: Is water included in your rent, or do you need to set it up? It’s worth asking before your first shower becomes a surprise.
Internet and NBN: You’ll want Wi-Fi that’s faster than your ex’s excuses. Check if your apartment has an NBN box or if you’ll need to schedule one. Pro tip: test the speeds and compare plans—because buffering is a dealbreaker.
Other Services: Do you need pay TV or a home security system? Better arrange these now so you’re not scrambling when you realize your favorite show is on and you’re still looking for your remote.
Check for Storage: Take a look at your new place’s storage situation—do the cupboards look like they could house your mountain of shoes? Maybe add a few shelves or cute bins if you need more organization. No one wants their kitchen cluttered with stuff.
Change Your Address: Tell the post office, your bank, and that subscription box service that sends you mystery snacks that you’re moving. Don’t let those packages get lost forever.
Declutter: Start sorting through your stuff and donate or sell anything that you haven’t used since last year. Less stuff to move means more pizza on moving day!
Packing Essentials
Boxes and Supplies: Find sturdy boxes (you don’t want a “clothes avalanche” situation), packing tape, bubble wrap, and some markers to label everything. Don’t forget to stock up on wine for later—after packing, obviously.
Pack Strategically: Start with non-essentials (goodbye winter jackets in summer) and tackle room by room. Label those boxes like your life depends on it because it will later when you’re digging through boxes of kitchenware to find a spoon.
Important Documents: Keep your lease, passports, and other important papers in a safe folder. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you can easily find your lease agreement without a panic attack.
Moving Day Checklist
Final Walkthrough: Before you leave, do a last-minute scavenger hunt of your old place. You’ll be amazed at the things you forget about (or accidentally leave behind).
Essentials Box: Pack a box with things you’ll need RIGHT AWAY—think toiletries, a change of clothes, chargers, and basic kitchen stuff so you’re not wandering around your new place like a lost soul the moment you walk in.
Communicate with Movers: Confirm arrival times, directions, and any special instructions. Make sure they know the important stuff (like where the couch should go).
After the Move
Unpack Essentials First: Start with your kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, so you can survive the first night in your new digs without eating takeout on the floor in your pajamas.
Inspect Your Apartment: Look around for any damage and report it to the landlord ASAP so you’re not left paying for someone else’s mistakes.
Explore Your Neighborhood: Find the local spots: coffee shops, parks, grocery stores, and that one restaurant everyone says you have to try. Because it’s always nice to know where the best coffee is that provides lots of chocolate on top of you cappucino.