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Each year, millions of Australians change their place of residence. Moving into a new place is often synergized with a new beginning and moving onto a new chapter in life. Whether you are someone that is looking to buy or rent, there are a series of tasks that you should consider when moving into your new home. Are you unsure of where to start? We have provided you with a checklist that you can use before moving into your new home.
Check for pests – termites, rats
You don’t want to move into your new place and have unwelcome guests scurrying around the place. Whether you are renting or buying a home, arrange for a pest control inspection to determine whether there are any issues with rodents, termites or any other pests that may become a nuisance in your new home. Should an issue arise, negotiate an arrangement with the landlord or homeowner to resolve any issues prior to moving in and ensure that the treatment is done regularly.
Check the small print – will you be liable for damage
There are good landlords and homeowners and there are bad ones. When you are moving into your new home, ensure that you check the fine print to ensure there aren’t any clauses or wording that will make you liable for damage or issues with the property, or have your landlord or the homeowner elude any responsibilities that they should take when it comes to resolving any issues with the property.
Check the safety standard of the building
Get a building inspection done to check the structural status of the property. Issues such as leaks and building structural defects can be expensive to repair and the damage may fall into your liability. Get a building report conducted by the homeowner or landlord to certify that there aren’t any structural issues or safety risks with the property prior to moving in. The last thing you want is an expensive repair bill to resolve safety issues that were the responsibility of your landlord.
Check out the neighbourhood
The home itself may be in good shape on the outside, but quite often there are many things that go unseen. Thankfully, you can ask the neighbours to give you historical insight into the property. Most neighbours are friendly enough to give you their point of view on how the property was and how well it was maintained. If there were any major issues (especially if it affected them), it is likely that they would be honest and share their side of the story.
Look out for signs of pets
This is more for pets that live in the neighbourhood. You can manage what is inside of your home, however is the area known for certain pets keeping the neighbourhood awake at night? You don’t want to move in and find out that there are bats, birds, dogs, possums or other creatures in the night causing you to stir.
Check out any unusual odours
You usually don’t notice anything until it is too late. Check the property for any unusual odours. Should you find any, will you or the landlords of the property be able to sort out the problem? And if not, is this something that you will be able to live with?
Don’t forget anything from your old house – kids, pets, sentimental items.
This should go without saying, but people do leave the most bizarre things behind when they are moving home. Keep a checklist of the items that you are taking to your new place. If there are items that you are choosing to leave behind, find out if the next lodgers to your old place want to keep any items, otherwise you can sell them or donate them to charity. Plan to keep what you need. Don’t hoard, give the items away or sell them. But if you have kids or pets, definitely keep them!
These are just a few tips that you can use for when you decide to move into your new home. Make your move a smooth transition and plan well so you can move into a happy home!