Moving-in checklist

1. 01 Connect the utilities Confirm electricity, gas, water, and internet are on in your name from the day you move in. Don't forget: Internet can take a week or more, so book it before moving day.
2. 02 Take meter readings Photograph the electricity, gas, and water meters on day one as your starting point. Don't forget: A dated photo settles any dispute over the previous occupant's usage.
3. 03 Find the shut-offs Locate the water stop tap, the gas meter, and the switchboard with the safety switch. Don't forget: You want to know where these are before an emergency, not during one.
4. 04 Change or re-key the locks You don't know who else has a key, so changing the locks is a cheap first-week job. Don't forget: Previous tenants, agents, and tradespeople may all have held keys.
5. 05 Test the smoke alarms Press to test every alarm and replace the batteries so you start with fresh ones. Don't forget: Working smoke alarms are a legal requirement and an easy thing to overlook.
6. 06 Test the services Run the hot water, heating and cooling, the stove and oven, and check the toilets and taps. Don't forget: Better to find a fault in week one than in the depths of winter.
7. 07 Set up mail redirection An Australia Post redirection from your old address catches anything you missed. Don't forget: Redirects can take a few days to start, so arrange it early.
8. 08 Update your address Driver's licence (within 14 days via VicRoads), Medicare, electoral roll, banks, super, and insurance. Don't forget: The licence has a legal deadline; the rest are easy to forget.
9. 09 Confirm your insurance Check your building (and contents) insurance is active from the settlement date. Don't forget: Cover should already start at settlement, but confirm it actually did.
10. 10 Council and owners corporation Confirm council rates are now in your name, and register with the owners corporation manager if it's a unit or townhouse. Don't forget: Rates notices still in the vendor's name mean the change hasn't gone through.
11. 11 Clean before the furniture An empty house is the one chance to deep-clean floors, cupboards, and wet areas easily. Don't forget: It's far harder once everything's moved in.
12. 12 Gather manuals and warranties Collect any appliance manuals, warranties, alarm codes, and remotes left by the vendor. Don't forget: Ask the agent if these weren't handed over with the keys.

General information only. This checklist is a practical guide for moving into a home in Victoria. It is general information only and not legal advice.