Moving Hints & Tips

Discover essential moving hints and tips from our experts to make your relocation stress-free and efficient. Get ready for a smooth move.
Lady using four fingers to navigate moving tips for week 4 with Move-In Connect.

4 Weeks Before The Move

  1. Settle all outstanding bills
    Start collecting boxes
  2. Notify your real estate agent/landlord of your moving date
  3. If you require a removalist, book them for the required date.Otherwise, consider booking a truck or trailer for your move.
  4. If you require a cleaner or gardener, book them for the required date
  5. Begin packing all the items you don’t need until you move to your new property
  6. Take note of what items are fragile or need bubble wrapping/special care
  7. Dispose of your unwanted items – donate, throw out or sell.
  8. If required, book storage facilities

3 Weeks Before The Move

  1. Attach inventory lists to each box as you pack them, including what room they’re for.
  2. S Organise necessary paperwork into a box so you can easily access it when needed.
  3. If you have pets, notify your new council for re-registering.
  4. Notify anyone who needs to know your new address, such as banks, employers, the ATO etc. Australia Post’s Notify Organisations service can help you arrange address notifications and mail redirections for banks, memberships, car registration/driver’s license, Medicare, superannuation, insurance, frequent flyer and other loyalty programs.
Lady using three fingers to navigate moving tips for week 3 with Move-In Connect.
Lady using two fingers to navigate moving tips for week 2 with Move-In Connect.

2 Weeks Before The Move

  1. Contact Move-In Connect on 1300 786 045 or complete our online application form at www.Move-In Connect.com.au to connect your utilities
  2. Arrange a cleaner for your existing home once you’ve moved out
  3. Arrange your final meter read/disconnections for your utilities
  4. If required, arrange for a babysitter to look after the kids on moving day

1 Week Before The Move

  1. Organise a property inspection
  2. Empty and clean your fridge and pantry, clean the interior of your oven
  3. Plan for the first night in your new home with sufficient clothing, toiletries, sheets and towels, so you don’t have to sort through boxes immediately.
  4. Carry all essential documents and valuables with you on your move – passports etc.
  5. Towards the end of the week, precook a meal for the first night in your new home
Lady using one finger to navigate moving tips for week 1 with Move-In Connect
A woman uses fingers to navigate the Moving day moving tips on the Move-In Connect platform, focusing on unpacking and settling in.

Moving Day

  1. Do a final check of the property before leaving
  2. Turn off the gas, electricity, NBN, Foxtel, Pay TV, water and all switches
  3. Hand your keys to the real estate agent/owner/tenant
  4. Leave a note for the new occupants detailing your new address for mail redirection.
  5. Prioritise rooms or furniture you will need on the first night, i.e. beds, cots, a few chairs if needed.
Guide To Connect Utility

About Move-In Connect

Move-In Connect is a one-stop shop for all your utility connections and internet services. Our move-in specialists help you connect electricity and gas, broadband, and Foxtel (PayTV).

Move-In Connect was established in 2017 to make moving homes easier for Australian families and businesses. We have helped over 200,000 Australians by ensuring their energy and broadband connections are organised before they move into their new homes & businesses.

Our moving & comparison services are for all Aussies homes, new movers, renters or just want to compare. If you are looking to connect power, gas, or NBN. We can help you set up your connection for all essential utilities. We understand moving time is stressful. You can connect by calling or entering your details on our online forms.

We Service Homes and Businesses Across Australia

Are you looking for moving utility connection services in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane, Geelong, Wollongong, New Castle, Ballarat, Bendigo, or others? We cover most cities and states in Australia.

Energy Connections

We can help set up your gas and electricity connection from our panel of energy retailers to ensure the best possible energy retailers in Australia from our panel which includes: 

Internet and Broadband

Looking for fast internet for your home or business? Let us know if you want a new NBN plan or a super-fast Optus 5G connection. We can help our customers with different speed packs from 25 Mbps to 1000 Mbps. Alternatively, you can choose an Optus 4G connection for unlimited broadband.

Utility Connections Made Easy

We can make your moving easier by connecting your utility connections. Whether you’re moving homes or need to connect electricity and gas for your business, we take care of everything from start to finish. 

5 Star Customer Experience 

Aussies love Move-In Connect. We enjoy 5-star reviews on Google and Trustpilot. Learn more about us on Google and read feedback from some of our customers. We are committed to providing value services to moving home customers. Connect now for your energy and broadband by visiting our website or call us at 1300 786 045.

Our Service is 100% Free

Our service is free across all states and territories in Australia. Are you moving home in Victoria, moving interstate to NSW, needing an urgent energy connection in South Australia, or confused about your electricity connection in Queensland? We’ve got you covered.

Our customer service specialists will let you know about fees and charges from NBN setup costs to help you with connection fees & charges from different energy retailers on our panel. Do you have a question about the connection time or are you unsure about your real estate connection recommendation?

We can provide you with a step-by-step guide throughout your moving homes journey. Call us on 1300 786 045 or visit our website to enter your details for us to get in touch with you. 

Process of Moving Utilities

Moving Electricity Connections

Non-urgent electric connections can take anywhere from 1 day to 3 business days. For urgent or same-day connections, it can be connected within a few hours. Please find out from our support staff about the cut-off time. Each electricity retailer and energy distributor have different cut-off timings. It also depends on the cut-off time of the energy providers and distributors. If you are a resident of Victoria, you may have a smart meter; the energy retailer can get a connection remotely. The distributor can turn on the power on a remote connection request.

  1. For Existing Connections: Reconnecting a property with an electric connection typically takes 1-3 business days.  To avoid inconvenience to you and your family, please plan your move in ahead. Call Move-In Connect to assist you with moving electric and gas connections at least a week before your move-in.
  2. For New Meter Requests: Connection time can last up to a month from the distributor. Please check your energy distributor to find out how to get a meter installed at your new property The process of connecting electricity for the time can span months; therefore, reaching out to your retailer well in advance is recommended.

Moving Gas Connections

On the contrary, a gas connection can take 3-5 business days. It can be quick for Victorian and smart meter customers as it can be energised remotely, whereas the analog meter may require physical inspection. Gas connections, on the other hand, can take between 2 and 5 business days. In Vic and SA, for same-day connections, you need to contact your retailer before 2 p.m. In NSW, you need to contact your retailer before 1 p.m. In QLD, next-day inspection is offered.

Your Pre-Move in Checklist

When you’re moving homes, connecting power like gas, electricity, water, and the internet is crucial. To make the process easier, ask yourself the following questions:

Who is my current energy provider?
Check if you need to transfer or cancel your existing account.

Does my rent cover electricity, gas, or water?
Some rentals include utilities, while others don’t, confirm with your landlord or agent.

Have I recorded my meter readings?
Take photos of your electricity, gas, and water meters before moving out to avoid billing disputes.

Will I stick with my provider or switch to a better plan?

Compare energy and broadband providers to find the best deal.

Do I need to book a same-day electricity connection?

If you need power urgently, check the cut-off times for your area.

Have I checked my new home’s connection type?

NBN, private fibre, 5G home internet, knowing what’s available will help you pick the right plan.

Do I need to organise a gas connection?

Gas often takes longer to connect than electricity, so book in advance.

Is my new home energy-efficient?

To reduce your bills, check for LED lighting, proper insulation, and energy-saving appliances.

Have I updated my address with providers?

To ensure a smooth transition, notify your electricity, gas, internet, and water companies of your new address.

Have I arranged for disconnection at my old property?

Make sure your old utilities are disconnected after your move to avoid being charged for extra days.

Do I need to connect my utilities with my real estate utility connection services?

The answer is simple: No. Move-In Connect does the shopping from the panel and gives you the best possible energy supplier for your new home.

Also see Our Moving Tips Before Moving.

How to Set Up Utilities When Renting

Setting up connections for your rental property can feel exhausting with so many options available. That’s where Move-In Connect comes in. We partner with Australia’s top providers on our panel to find competitive and efficient utility connection services suited to your needs. Simply provide your details, connect plans, and get connected quickly and hassle-free. Connect electricity to your rental property today. Additionally, inquire whether the retailer offers reconnection services at your location.

To avoid any move-in dramas, call Move-In Connect to get your power, gas, and internet connection organised before moving day.

Tenant Rights and Paying Bills 

As a renter, you have the right to a property that meets health and safety standards. The rental agreement outlines these standards and other important terms, such as how much notice your landlord or agent must give before an inspection. 

Here’s what to expect when moving into a rental:

  • Your landlord or agent must provide a condition report outlining the state of the property.
  • You’ll usually pay a bond equivalent to one month’s rent, which is refundable if the property is left in good condition.
  • Any major issues affecting the property’s livability must be addressed by the landlord.

For more details on your rights as a tenant, visit your state’s consumer affairs website.

Remote Move-Ins & Move-Outs

A remote move-in allows electricity to be switched on without a technician visit, usually within a few hours if the property has a smart meter. 

The Connection request is made by your electricity company, typically before midday, for same-day activation unless it is an urgent connection, which can cost the customer a few hundred dollars. Older meters or safety concerns may require a manual connection, which takes longer.

A remote move-out disconnects power without an on-site visit, but cut-off times apply for same-day processing. In some cases, a manual disconnection may be needed.

Timeframes & Charges

Remote services follow distributor-set deadlines, usually requiring morning requests for same-day completion. Fees may apply, especially if a technician visit is needed.

Why Remote Connections May Fail

Common issues include the main switch being off, safety hazards, or an unresponsive smart meter. If this happens, a technician will need to visit, and extra charges may apply.

To check if your home qualifies for a remote move-in or move-out, confirm with your provider before your move.

Visual Safety Inspection (VSI) in Queensland

In Queensland, a VSI is required to reconnect electricity to properties without power for more than 30 days. The inspection ensures the meter, wiring, and electrical systems are safe before reconnection.

What to Expect:

  • The meter and wiring must be undamaged.
  • The main switch must be off before the connection.
  • The inspection area must be accessible and free from hazards.

Certification from an electrician may be needed if major electrical work has been done.

  • Booking & Access: Your retailer will arrange the VSI and provide appointment details. Someone may need to be on-site if the meter is inside or locked away.
  • Exceptions: A VSI may not be required if the property has had power in the last 30 days.
  • Cancellation: If you don’t need a VSI, you can cancel it by calling your retailer.

Why Choose Move-In Connect for Utility Connections?

Move-In Connect provides an unbiased perspective on the utility market compared to other connection services. We can compare and connect your electricity plans, gas plans, and NBN plans at no cost to your pocket. Our service is 100% free. Move-In Connect isn’t just about moving utilities; it’s about creating a hassle-free experience. We ensure everything is ready when you need it. Let us make your move stress-free and memorable.

Get Started Today

To compare energy in VIC, NSW, SE QLD, SA, the ACT and TAS, call CheapBills on 1300 786 045 or enter your details online.

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