RENTERS CHECKLIST & PREPARING FOR THE MOVE

Don’t forget to notify important businesses/organisations that you are moving, for example:

• Gas & Electricity (arrange final readings at the old place and same-day connection at the new)
• Internet & NBN (book transfers 2–3 weeks early to avoid downtime)
• Phones
• Water
• Insurance (contents & portable items)
• myGov (ATO, Centrelink, Medicare)
• Electoral Roll / AEC (legally required within 8 weeks)
• VicRoads / State Transport (Driver’s licence & vehicle registration)
• Pet registration with local council & microchip registry update
• Banks / financial institutions / superannuation / credit cards
• Car insurance & road tolls (Linkt / EastLink e-TAGs)
• Subscriptions & Online Shopping (Amazon, PayPal, Food Delivery apps, Magazines)
• Australia Post – address redirection

We know there's lots to think about, so here are a few other things to consider:

• Declutter before packing – donate, sell, or dispose of unwanted items to save on moving costs.
• Start packing as early as possible (begin with out-of-season clothes and rarely used items).
• Book your removalist early and check if they hold transit insurance for your belongings.
• Arrange care for pets and young children on moving day to keep them safe and stress-free.
• Book end-of-lease vacate cleaners
• Arrange garden maintenance & rubbish removal
• Update contents insurance so coverage starts at your new address on moving day.
• For Apartment blocks, book the moving-in/moving-out lift and loading bay time allocation with the building manager well in advance.
• Collect or purchase moving boxes, heavy-duty packing tape, and butcher’s paper.
• Pack a "First Night / Day 1 Essentials Box" (toilet paper, kettle, tea/coffee, chargers, basic tools, toiletries, change of clothes, and bed linen).
• Defrost freezer & drain washing machine the day before moving.
• Take meter readings and photos of gas, electricity, and water meters on both move-out and move-in days.

To protect your bond, ensure you cross-reference your vacate cleaning with your original Ingoing Condition Report. Keep receipts for professional end-of-lease cleaners or carpet steam cleaning, and take clear time-stamped photographs of the property once it is completely empty and cleaned.

Fair wear and tear refers to normal deterioration caused by ordinary everyday use over time (such as minor carpet wear in high-traffic hallways or faded paint from sunlight). Damage refers to accidental or intentional destruction caused by negligence, such as carpet stains, gouged walls, or broken window fittings.

It is recommended to schedule electricity, gas, and water connections at least 3 to 5 business days before move-in day so power and hot water are working the moment you collect keys. NBN / Internet transfers should be booked 2 to 3 weeks ahead.

Note it down on your Ingoing Condition Report with clear photo evidence, and email your Property Manager as soon as possible so an urgent or non-urgent repair request can be logged.