Moving House Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Homeowners

Just Bought a New Place? Here’s Your Step-By-Step Checklist to Avoid Move-In Headaches!

You’ve Got the Keys... Now What?

There’s no feeling quite like the buzz of collecting the keys to your new home.

There’s that emotional high - finally! Settlement’s done. It’s real. You’re standing in the doorway of your new home… but not long after comes the overwhelm and the “now what?”

Boxes. Bills. Wi-fi that isn’t working. Power that hasn’t been connected. Did I remember to change my address? Where do I even begin unpacking?

Suddenly, the list of to-dos hits hard. And it’s a lot.

But don’t worry - you’re not alone feeling like that.

Whether it’s your first home or your third, moving into a new home always brings chaos when the emotional high of purchasing a new home gives way to the logistical challenge of actually moving into a new home.

So if you're staring down what feels like a mountain and wondering where to start - take a breath. You're in the right place.

That’s exactly why we pulled together this practical moving house checklist, designed to help you take control, reduce stress and get settled faster.

From rouge utilities to friendly neighbour intros, we’ll walk you through exactly what needs to be done, when and why - plus throw in a few tips we know you’ll be grateful for later.

Because let’s be honest, it’s easy to forget the small stuff when your whole life is - quite literally - in boxes!

Step 1. Change the Locks & Secure the Property Before You Settle In

Let’s start with something people often forget - changing the locks.

You’d be surprised how many people overlook this. But it should be at the very top of your moving house to-do list.

Why? Because there’s probably multiple sets of keys still floating around.

Even if the previous owners were lovely, you just don’t know who else might still have access – from tradies to cleaners, maybe even the previous owner’s cousin’s mate - ex-property managers may also still have keys or codes - so it’s better not to risk it.

Get a locksmith to rekey your doors, reprogram the garage remote and reset any security systems.

And if the place came with a smart lock or camera setup, make sure everything’s connected to your own account.

If it doesn’t, consider installing a basic home security system for added peace of mind.

“There’s a unique vulnerability that comes with spending that first night in a new home. But at very least, it should feel safe,” says Kate Barnett, Director of We Connect Property.

“So don’t put off lock changes or security updates. It’s the one job I always recommend people do before anything else.”

**Step 2: Set Up Utilities & Internet Before You Move**

Few things are more frustrating than arriving at your new place and discovering there’s no electricity, hot water or Wi-fi.

Utility connections aren’t automatically transferred to - or activated at - your new address.

So it’s best to organise your utilities at least a week before you move in, and arrange connections to happen a day or two before you arrive so you’re not unpacking in the dark or waiting three hours for a technician to arrive.

In South Australia, many service providers offer flexible move-in dates, plus, to get a good deal, you can often compare electricity and gas plans via government-accredited comparison sites.

Another tip? Chat with the real estate agent.

“The selling agent will usually have a list of reputable, affordable local utility brokers or providers they trust - and some even offer deals through partner services like We Connect Property do, at Move Me In, so always ask,” advises Kate.

Step 3: Update Your Address

It’s one of those tasks that feels deceptively simple - “I’ll just update my licence and be done with it.”

But the reality? Your address is tied to a lot more than you think.

So start with the big-ticket items: your bank, credit cards, Medicare, MyGov, private health fund, car insurance and home insurance.

Then move onto the everyday stuff:

Online shopping accounts
Subscription boxes
Loyalty programs
Gym membership
School or childcare records
Even your pet’s microchip registry

It’s easy to miss a few, which is why mail redirection with Australia Post is a smart safety net too.

Set it up for at least 3 - 6 months while you catch any stragglers.

That way, if your new debit card or council notice gets sent to the old place, it’ll still find you.

“Updating your address can feel like a never-ending admin task - but sorting it early saves future hassles,” says Kate.

“There’s nothing worse than missing a bill, or your new credit card being sent to the wrong house.”

It’s a small job that brings big peace of mind, and keeps things ticking along without disruption while you get settled.

Step 4: Sort Out Insurance Immediately

This is one of those things people always plan to do after they move - and then forget.

But it’s also one of the costliest steps when missed.

Another common error many new homeowners make is organising insurance to become active on move-in day.

In reality, it should actually be active right from settlement day to ensure the property is protected from the minute you take ownership.

That’s because the moment the property’s legally yours, you’re responsible. If the roof caves in or a pipe bursts the night before you arrive, that’s your problem now.

“Always confirm that your policy is active as soon as the home is yours,” Kate advises. "A few minutes on the phone could save you thousands."

When it comes to what actually needs to be covered, there are two type of insurance you’ll need to look into - building insurance for the structure itself and contents insurance for your belongings.

Additionally, if you’re carrying valuables into the house or having removalists handle furniture, you’ll want to be very clear on what your policy covers - and what it doesn’t - as some policies don’t cover items in transit.

If in doubt, speak to your insurer directly and get written confirmation.

“I once had a client lose their TV and an expensive sound system to water damage mid-move. They assumed it was covered - it wasn’t,” Kate says.

“Always double-check any insurance policy you take out is active and appropriate before anything moves an inch.”

Step 5: Plan Your Layout Before You Pile In

Moving day is chaotic by nature.

Boxes everywhere, removalists asking questions, decisions needed to be made on the fly.

And we get it - by the time the moving truck shows up, you just want everything inside.

But a little prep can save you days of re-shuffling everything later.

Take 15 minutes to roughly map out your new room layouts. Even a quick sketch will do.

Label boxes clearly by room and measure large furniture (like your fridge or couch) in advance to make sure they’ll actually fit through the front door.

These are simple tricks that help you feel in control amid the chaos - and avoid the inevitable “where on earth is the kettle” moment at 9pm on move-in day.

It might all sound a bit trivial, but trust us, it makes an enormous difference to your sanity.

Step 6: Clean Before You Move In, Even If It “Looks Fine”

Even if your contract included a professional clean, you’ll still want to give the house your own once-over.

Why? Because while the place might look clean, “lived-in” clean and "move-in" clean are very different things.

That, and you’ll thank yourself for doing a final once-over before your furniture arrives and makes things more difficult.

So before the fridge goes in or the beds are set up, go through and do a deep clean. Floors, cupboards, windows, behind the loo - you get the idea.

Focus on the things most people miss, like:

Inside cabinets
Behind appliances
Bathroom grout
Air conditioning vents
Light fittings and ceiling fans

Not only does it feel better walking into a freshly cleaned space, but it also gives you a chance to spot maintenance issues before they’re hidden behind furniture: think mould under the sink, loose fixtures or a forgotten drawer of old belongings.

You’re much more likely to spot these before your own everyday clutter obscures them.

If you’re short on time or energy (and honestly, who isn’t when moving), consider booking a one-off professional clean.

Your real estate agent will likely have someone trustworthy they can recommend.

“We always recommend buyers schedule a post-settlement clean before move-in. It’s a great time to catch anything that might have been missed during handover,” says Kate.

Step 7: Create a New Home Binder (Yes, Really!)

One thing we always suggest new homeowners do is create a simple physical binder (or digital Google Drive folder) that contains things like:

Appliance manuals and warranties
Council rates and rubbish collection info
Spare keys and garage codes
Insurance documents
Maintenance records or logs
Contact details for local trades
Other emergency contacts

And while it might sound like overkill, future-you will thank you. You’ll be amazed how often you’ll refer to it in the first few months.

Of course, it’s not about being organised for the sake of it.

It’s about avoiding those horrible moments of panic later when something goes wrong and you have no idea who to call or where the warranty is.

When something breaks, leaks or stops working in six months, you’ll know exactly where to look.

Create it once, and you’ll thank yourself ten times over.

Step 8: Book a Preventative Maintenance Check

Your new home might be freshly built or recently renovated, but that doesn’t mean it’s issue-free.

So before you get too comfy, have a licensed inspector in to check the plumbing, electrical, roofing and potential pest hot-spots for any early warning signs.

It’s a low-cost way to avoid nasty surprises six months down the track, and can help avoid unexpected costs.

If you’re not sure where to start, check with your local real estate agent.

Many agents have trusted relationships with reputable tradespeople and can connect you with someone who won’t overcharge or cut corners.

Step 9: Little Touches Go a Long Way Towards Settling In

There’s a difference between being moved in and feeling at home.

Yes, the admin matters. But don’t forget to do a few things that make the place feel like your own:

Having the kettle and coffee cups unpacked first
Set up the bed and a few comfort items properly on night one
Light your favourite candle or play music you love
Unpack photos or your favourite piece of artwork

These little rituals help your space feel lived in, even when there are still boxes stacked three-deep in the hallway.

And let’s be honest - moving can be an emotional time. Creating little pockets of calm amongst the chaos can make the whole experience more manageable.

Step 10: Say Hello to the Neighbours

Making time to meet your new neighbours is easy to put off, especially when you’re tired and covered in dust.

But it’s one of the simplest ways to settle in and feel connected.

The best bit? You don’t have to knock on every door, bake muffins or throw a backyard BBQ.

A simple smile and wave during a morning walk, a brief hello at the end of the driveway or a quick “thanks for putting up with our moving truck” note in the letterbox can go a long way.

Building connections early helps you feel part of the community and creates a sense of safety and belonging – not least because your neighbours are also the people who’ll notice if something’s not right when you’re away.

Plus, they’re usually your best source for local intel – things like where to find best cafés, hidden playgrounds and dog-friendly parks – as well as commute shortcuts and a quick heads-up about bin days.

In fact, they’re often more helpful than Google!

“We always suggest spending a few hours walking the neighbourhood at different times of day after you move in,” says Kate.

“Even a two-minute chat with a neighbour can make a huge difference - you can learn so much from people who have lived in the area for a while already. So start building those connections early, even if they’re small.”

When you’re moving into your new home, it’s tempting to rush to get everything perfect. And it’s rarely a seamless process.

But it doesn’t have to be chaotic either.

Just remember, like the old saying goes… no home was finished in a weekend.

So once the essentials are handled, take a moment to stop and breathe.

Look around. You’ve made it.

The stress will fade, the personal touches will be put up, the boxes will eventually get unpacked and the space will slowly become your own.

But what really helps you settle in is feeling confident you haven’t forgotten something important.

That you’ve covered the admin, avoided the classic traps and can finally sit back with a cup of tea and say, yep - we’re home.

And if you’re still feeling overwhelmed? Reach out.

Real estate agents don’t disappear after the contract’s signed - a good one will stay connected.

As Kate puts it: “There’s no such thing as a completely stress-free move - but with the right preparation, you can avoid most of the things that catch new homeowners off guard. And checklists like this one can help you take control, one task at a time.”

Need help settling in? Let’s connect! We’re not just here to help you buy or sell – we’re here to help you settle in with confidence.

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DISCLAIMER: All recommendations made by We Connect Property are general in nature and not to be relied upon as legal or financial advice. To ensure accuracy, we always strongly recommend seeking independent, professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any investment or financial decisions.