Moving Guides: Top Ten Tips on Moving In

The lead up to your move can be hectic to say the least! But have you thought about what to do when you arrive at your new home? Below are some tips to help you after your move has taken place.

It's a good idea to get get cleaning before the removalist arrives. It's much easier to clean your new home before all of your furniture is delivered. It would be nice to think that the previous residents had your high standards for cleanliness, but, often it's not the case!

Double check that everything that was to be delivered by your furniture removalist has arrived, and check the condition of your goods. It's best to check that everything has been delivered before the truck has left. A good tip is to have a copy of your inventory on you, checking each item as it comes off the truck. Then you'll be able to identify any missing items at a glance before the truck leaves.

If you own your new residence it's highly recommended that you change your locks as soon as possible. It's likely that you don't know the people who have lived there before and have no idea how many people have had access to the keys. Even if you knew the previous residents, did they change the locks when they moved in? Your precious items have been delivered, conveniently packed into boxes for a quick removal by an opportunistic thief!

If you are renting the new property, it's advisable to check with your landlord or estate agent to obtain permission to change your locks. It's usually not an issue, but it's likely that copies of the new keys will be required by the agent and landlord.

Emergencies can occur at any time. You need to be prepared as early as possible for any emergency. Some things you might consider doing early include:

• Unpack your first aid kit. Better yet, carry it on your person over the course of your furniture removal.
• Complete a fire plan. While house fires can occur at an time, many Australians also live in bushfire prone areas. Locate and speak to your local fire brigade and get started early on your fire plan. Get the whole family familiar with your new plan and work out the best routes to your local safe zones.
• Locate your local emergency service locations and contact details (the closest hospital, health professionals, police station, veterinary clinic, etc.).
• Provide your new doctor and dentist with your medical history and advise first aid officers at your children's new school or your new workplace of any special medical requirements.
• Got a baby or your children? It's time to childproof your new home. You're going to be preoccupied unpacking all your boxes. It's an easy time to become distracted and not see imminent danger. Get down to their level and check your new home, both inside and out, for any inherent dangers and deal with them ASAP.

Organise your Mail Redirection service with the post office, if you haven't already done so. It's important that you get your mail redirected from your old address to your new one. Don't rely on the new residents in your old home to forward your mail - they'll soon tire of it. Having your mail redirected also shows you who you need to inform of your address change. There's often so many important companies, people and regulatory bodies you'll need to inform of the change that it's easy to forget one or two.

Have you updated the following details?

• Your electoral details
• Your drivers license and registration
• Your home, contents, automobile and health insurance policies
• Your details with the taxation office
• Your superannuation details
• Your Medicare details

Before you start putting up all your mirrors, painting, and pictures you should check what you can and can't do with your landlord or estate agents. The may ask you not to remove any existing hooks or nails. They may stop you from putting anything on your walls. They may allow it, but may require that you don't use adhesive products to mount your pictures. Every landlord/agent can have different rules for changes you can or cannot make to your new rental property. It's always advisable to check.

If you have children or pets, you might like to unpack some of their favourite items first. Moving can be a stressful time for both children and animals. The more familiar items they have around, the less traumatised they'll be and the quicker they'll adjust. Unpacking their toys might help get them out of your hair while you unpack too!

Prioritise. What will you need today? You'll likely need the beds assembled and made up with clean linen. You're likely going to need some cutlery, glasses and crockery. You'll need some fresh towels and a change of clothes for after your hard earned shower. Don't try to do it all on the first day. Just make sure you've got all the things you'll need for the day unpacked and ready.After you've got the basics, it can be less daunting to unpack on a room-by-room basis. What rooms will you use the most? Your kitchen? The bathrooms? The bedrooms? Work down the list of importance and you'll soon get there!

If you've moved to a new state, city or country, it's important that you get out there and start to rebuild your social life. Locate you local sports clubs, gym's and community organisations and get involved. If you've got kids, drop them off at school (for their benefit as much as yours) or join the school's parent-teacher association. Your kids often make friends faster than you will – just ride on their coattails! Your children are a great source of conversation with other parents.

Are you, your partner, children or pets coping with their new surroundings. The initial excitement may lead you to believed that everyone's happy about the move. It's important, however, that over the next few days, weeks, or even months that you monitor how everyone is coping – including yourself. It's important that you get on top of emotional issues arising from your big move before they get out of control. Speak to everyone candidly and with empathy. Is everyone fitting in okay in their new community? Is everyone making friends? Is anyone experiencing a sense of loss after leaving their old life? Seek professional help if required. Never underestimate how much emotional turmoil this upheaval can cause.

This is a new start. It might be hard work (both emotionally and physically) but it's also a great OPPORTUNITY to make new friends, grow and experience new things. So get out there and embrace your new community!



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