Buying guide
Trade Me Property moving house checklist
There is a lot to think about when moving house. Let us help you with this handy checklist!
31 January 2024
Moving into your first house is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do in your life. It’s such a major milestone and one you’ve probably worked towards for a number of years, so enjoy every minute. Get someone to carry you over the threshold or do it for your co-owner, enjoy the elation any way you can.
While saving for your home deposit has been such a huge achievement, we hope you’ve left a pot of money for move-in expenses.
If you’re still at the buying and negotiation stage, be smart and ask if there are any items the sellers would be happy to leave behind or sell. It’s likely they won’t want to take all their old stuff anyway so don’t worry about sounding cheeky, it might solve some problems for them too. Obviously. they’ll be more open to this if you’ve been a good buyer to deal with.
Then, make that list of items, big and small, that you’re going to need, and research if you can get them second hand as well as new to make your budget go further.
First home owners will often get some whiteware new on 0% interest for the first year or two. Keep in mind that if you do this you’ll have to start paying interest in a year’s time along with all your other household expenses which can be a rude shock.
It may be hard to visualise exactly what you’ll need when you move house, so let's break it down into a checklist by room, because it’s easier to get your head around it that way.
Moving house checklist
- fridge/freezer
- microwave
- dishwasher
- coffee machine
- blender/food mixer
- kettle
- oven
- dining table and chairs
- sofa
- coffee table
- side tables
- lamp
- rug
- curtain
- TV
- stereo system/record player
- bed
- duvet/sheets
- headboard
- wardrobe
- chest of drawers
- bedside tables
- lamps
- curtains/blinds
- mirror
- heated towel rail
- bathroom storage
- towels
- soap dispenser
- bathroom bin/sanitary bin
- desk
- chair
- shelving and storage
- computer monitor
Bonus tip: It’s always a good move to ask your employer if they’ll help finance your home office or lend you some office furniture. It’s in their interests, especially if they don’t have enough desks at the office.
- washing machine
- dryer
- laundry basket
- vacuum
- clothes line
- clothes rack
- broom
- floor mop
- garden shed
- wheelbarrow
- gardening tools
- lawnmower
- compost bin
Bonus tip: It’s always worth seeing if the neighbours are willing to share or co-own their lawnmower or strimmer with you.
And, if you’re looking forward to bringing friends round to the new pad, a new or used barbecue or outdoor oven may be one of the first things you buy so you can celebrate home ownership with a roar. You’ll also need some outdoor furniture to do the thing properly.
Declutter old belongings
At the same time as investing in some new bits and pieces for the new pad, you’ll probably be shedding some of the stuff that has followed you around your rental homes for years.
You’ll do this before you move ideally, so you can plough the money into some of the items on your move-in list. Your flatmates would be your first port of call but if they’re not interested, try listing your items on Trade Me Marketplace. You’ll be surprised how much cash you may walk away with.
Some other key things to sort out before your move are:
Set up utilities
This chore is definitely something to go near the top of your moving house checklist. It might be your first chance to choose the utilities provider you want, as opposed to your flatmates, so take time to do the research. You want that light switch going on on your first day in the new home, not to mention the gas, if relevant, and you’ll be transferring your internet connections too.
Maybe you’ve dreamed of putting in solar panels and becoming more self-sufficient. Trade Me Marketplace has these, but consult the experts about whether your property is well positioned to benefit from these.
Plan your movers
It's always good to get a recommendation when choosing a moving service, and your real estate agent may be able to help with that.
Sign up for insurance
You may have had contents insurance at your rental or former home and you’ll want that at your new place. This time your contents will be worth a bit more so expect payments to go up. People usually pair their contents cover with their chosen home insurer, but, again, do your research. Trade Me Insurance is a good place to start plus, Trade Me members can receive up to 15% off insurance.
Change your address
And another thing not to forget when moving house is giving your change of address to organisations you rely on, like your employer, your bank and KiwiSaver provider. And don’t worry, the council will know all about you, your first rates bill will find you. Now you’re going to be paying council taxes, it’s a good idea to include those big quarterly payments in your monthly or quarterly budget. Oh the joys of being a homeowner! We’re with you all the way.
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