7 Things to do before moving into your new rental property

As soon as your lease has been signed, you should get the ball rolling.

Organize connections

Ensuring the property will have electricity, gas, phone line and internet connection on moving day. Use the time between signing the lease and moving in to organize your utilities. Remember to disconnect the utilities in your old home.

Change address and redirect mail

While snail mail seems antiquated to some, it’s important to update the relevant organizations about your change of address, and to redirect mail, to ensure nothing gets missed.

Plan what will go where

Label boxes will make it much easier for the movers and yourself when you get around to unpacking.A methodical approach to packing and unpacking will save a tremendous amount of time and frustration.

Arrange care for children and pets for moving day

It’s best to have someone watch any children and pets on moving day.

Get it clean

While a good property manager will ensure a property is ready for its new occupants, many tenants choose to do a thorough clean – either themselves or by a professional – before they start living at their new address.

Get spare keys cut

You will be provided with a set of keys to the property for each tenant named on the lease, but you can cut spare keys if you wish. You can request a duplicate security door key from your agent or landlord.

Do the paperwork

Take your property condition report with you, so that you can mark items off and add any important observations during your initial tour of the property. Record as much detail as you can, because your bond refund is determined by a comparison of the property’s condition against the entry report, less wear and tear. Sign off on any changes and provide a copy to the property manager.