Purchasing a new home is exciting, but the weeks leading up to settlement can be busy. Here’s a step-by-step guide for buyers to ensure a seamless move-in experience, based on expert recommendations.

Three Weeks Out: Finance and Planning

1. Confirm your settlement date with your conveyancer and lender.

2. Ensure your finance is unconditional and confirmed.

3. Arrange building insurance from the date of contract signing (risk transfers to you at this point).

4. Book your removalist early and plan your move.

5. Notify your children’s school of your new address.

6. Complete the legislated anti-money laundering identity verification with your Sales Partner and conveyancer.

Two Weeks Out: Utilities and Admin

1. Arrange electricity and gas connections at your new address from settlement day.

2. Book internet/NBN (allow up to two weeks for connection).

3. Redirect your mail via Australia Post.

4. Update your address with banks, ATO, Medicare, and other key contacts.

5. Review your settlement statement and confirm stamp duty arrangements.

One Week Out: Prepare the Move

1. Confirm removalist booking and access details (ideally book for the day after settlement).

2. Pack systematically and label every box.

3. Prepare an essentials box for your first night (kettle, bedding, toiletries, chargers, snacks, important documents).

4. Arrange care for children and pets on moving day.

5. Creating a floor plan for furniture placement can assist on moving day

6. Confirm key collection with your Sales Partner.

Settlement Day: Moving In

1. Wait for confirmation from your conveyancer that settlement is complete.

2. Collect keys from your agent, remotes, and alarm codes if applicable.

3. Take meter readings and check utilities are live.

4. Direct removalists

Finance and Legal Essentials

Your conveyancer and lender handle most of the process, including transfer documents, settlement adjustments, and notifications. Ensure building insurance is in place from contract signing, and confirm stamp duty is arranged.

Setting Up Utilities

Arrange all connections at least two weeks in advance. If you have trouble, ask your agent for the vendor’s provider for a smoother transition.

Updating Your Address

Work through a checklist to update your address with all relevant parties, including Australia Post, banks, government agencies, and subscriptions.

First Night Essentials

Pack a dedicated box with everything you’ll need for the first night to avoid unnecessary stress.

Security and Settling In

Consider re-keying locks, test smoke alarms, and introduce yourself to neighbours. Allow time for children and pets to adjust.

After Settlement

Once settlement has taken place, your conveyancer will be your first point of contact for any matters relating to the contract or the property. They are best placed to liaise directly with the vendor’s conveyancer if anything requires clarification or follow-up. Our team is always here to assist where we can and to help guide you, however anything of a formal nature is typically managed between the conveyancers.

Here to Support You

As you move through the final stages and beyond settlement, our team is here to support you. Whether it’s recommending trusted suppliers or helping you navigate what comes next, we’re always here if you need us.

If you have any questions at all, please reach out Grant Wills on 0419 865 829 or Yvonne Lu on 0420 896 333.