MOVING INTO YOUR NEW RENTAL PROPERTY CHECKLIST! 

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23 April 2019

Whether you’re moving into a rental because you’re sick of living with your parents, your landlord is selling up or you simply want a change, shifting house can be exciting but also stressful at the same time.  Before you get too overwhelmed by the thought of moving, we’ve made a checklist for you which will hopefully make the move go as smoothly as possible!

1.    UPFRONT COSTS

The bond! This is usually four weeks’ worth of rent which needs to be paid prior to moving in. This is designed to cover the costs of any damage you might have made to the property during your leasing time. Therefore, be sure to have a fair amount of cash stashed away prior to moving into your new house. Also, to best manage your cash flow and to avoid getting any passive aggressive SMS’ sent to you, make sure you set up an electronic bank transfer for all rental payments that are due.   

2.    MAKE THIS A GOOD EXCUSE TO THROW AWAY THINGS YOU REALLY DON’T NEED

Allow this new move to be a great excuse to get rid of the items you don’t use! From old CD’s, clothes, handbags, plastic takeaway containers that you keep telling yourself you will use – throw them out NOW!  Also, this is a great chance to make some extra cash by selling your unwanted items online via eBay, Gumtree or your local Buy Swap Sell Facebook page. Less items and more cash in your wallet – WINNING! 

3.    START WITH THE SMALL STAFF

Pack away the photo albums, the candles, the artworks and other small room fillings, into a box ready to go! Being this organised will give yourself the best chance to make moving day go painlessly quick!

4.    GET THE UTILITIES SORTED

Go onto your state energy compare websites such as the Victorian Energy Compare website, look for the best electricity and/gas plan and sign up! Generally, companies need up until a week’s notice to organise the connection of your service. DON’T FORGET, to tell your internet provider of your move as well because everyone loves to go over their mobile data – said no one ever!

5.    INFORM SUPPLIERS OF YOUR NEW ADDRESS

This will include your bank, VicRoads, Superfund, Australian Electoral Commission, PayPal and/or any of your online shopping suppliers, all your insurance providers including ambulance cover and private health and your employer/s. May I suggest you block out an hour in your day, list down all your supplies and get updating – you might as well throw in a glass of red to reward yourself for your efforts. If you’re not 100% sure you’ve nailed your suppliers list, leave your new address with you previous landlord or agent so they can forward you mail through to you!

6.    GO THROUGH YOUR MOVING OUT CHECKLIST

Get your mop bucket, vacuum, duster, spray and wipe, lawn mower, pop your fav Spotify playlist on and get cleaning! Your landlord or agent will supply you with a cleaning checklist, which outlines all areas throughout the house which must be clean before you leave. I admit, this is the most boring part of the moving process, but the more thorough job you do, the more bond money you’re likely get to keep in your pocket.

7.    GO THROUGH YOUR MOVING IN CHECKLIST

As a tenant, you will receive a checklist which notes down any damages that already exists at the new property.  Therefore, before you go packing your entire world into your new rental, give the property an extensive inspection. List down any stains, scuffmarks, cracks and chips that’s not included on the original checklist and TAKE PICTURES! This way, you won’t get the blame for any pre-existing damage caused and you will save the risk of not receiving all your bond back when you leave. 

FINALLY, keep calm because YOU’VE GOT THIS!