Moving In!
The day to move into your new home is fast approaching! It's an exciting time, and we're here to help you prepare.
Congratulations!
You've successfully navigated the entire home buying journey. Now it's time to move into YOUR new home!
Key Points for Moving In
- Give your landlord proper notice and arrange final rental inspection
- Arrange house and contents insurance before settlement (required by lender)
- Set up power, phone, and internet at least 1-2 weeks before moving
- Redirect your mail through NZ Post and notify important contacts
- Start packing non-essentials early and label boxes by room
- Now you own property, you should have a will
Tasks to Complete Before Moving Day
Give Notice on Rental
Provide proper notice to your landlord (usually 3-4 weeks) and arrange final inspection.
Start Packing
Begin packing non-essential items early. Label boxes by room for easier unpacking.
Arrange Insurance
Ensure your house and contents insurance is active from settlement day.
Redirect Mail
Set up mail redirection through NZ Post and notify important contacts of your new address.
Power & Internet
Arrange connection or transfer of power, phone, and internet services.
Rally Help
Organize friends and family to help, or book professional movers.
Save Money on Your Move with Moving Hub
Moving Hub wants to make the moving process simple and effortless, whilst giving people the opportunity to save money by finding plans better suited to their needs.
How Moving Hub Can Help First Home Buyers:
- •Compare power, broadband, and insurance providers in one place
- •Find plans better suited to your needs and budget
- •Simplify the moving process with one easy form
- •Potentially save hundreds on your utility setup
House Insurance - REQUIRED!
You will need to arrange full cover insurance for your new home. This is required by your lender to protect their interest in your property and must be arranged BEFORE moving in.
Essential Insurance Types:
House Insurance
Required by lender - full replacement cover
Contents Insurance
Protect your belongings and possessions
Car Insurance
Comprehensive cover for your vehicles
Personal Insurance
Life, health, income protection
Why Insurance Matters:
- • Purchasing your first home is one of the most financially significant milestones
- • Protection is a critical responsibility
- • Protects your asset and your lender's investment
- • Required by your bank before settlement
Writing a Will
Now That You're a Property Owner
Now that you are a property owner, you should have a will. Your solicitor can assist you with this. While none of us like to consider our own mortality, life happens to all of us - sometimes sooner than we expect.
Why You Need a Will:
Having a will ensures that your loved ones don't suffer the additional anguish of having your home and property go intestate (dying without a will).
What Happens If You Don't Have a Will?
The Public Trust advises: This is called dying intestate. If you die without a will, your estate will be distributed according to the Administration Act 1969.
Distribution depends on:
- • Whether you are survived by a spouse or partner
- • Whether there are children
- • If your parents are still living
Examples:
- Spouse/partner + children: Spouse receives all personal chattels, $155,000 and 1/3 of the remainder. Children receive the remaining 2/3.
- Spouse/partner + parents (no children): Spouse receives all personal chattels, $155,000 and 2/3 of the remainder. Parents receive the remaining 1/3.
Consequences:
- • Legal expenses usually greater
- • Time delays are longer
- • Doubt over who will administer your estate
Things to Consider Before Making a Will:
- •Personal effects and property distribution
- •Funeral wishes and arrangements
- •Who will be executor of your estate
- •Guardianship of any children
Other Handy Tools
Re-Direction of Mail
You can arrange for re-direction of your mail via NZ Post:
- •In-person at your local post shop
- •Online (requires valid Driver's Licence)
- •Fees apply
- •Free change of address postcards available
Moving Companies
Need help with shifting? Get free online quotes from The Smooth Movers - professional moving services to make your move easier.
Read: Expert Tips from The Smooth Movers →Phone and Internet
Use broadband comparison sites to find the best deals on:
Contact providers 1-2 weeks before settlement to arrange connection.
Arranging Power
Check out the best power deals at powerswitch.org.nz - compare providers and find the best rates in your area.
Related Articles
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving In
Frequently Asked Questions
Share Your Story
Your journey to homeownership could inspire other first home buyers! We'd love to hear about your experience and share your success story with our community.
Whether you overcame challenges, found creative solutions, or just want to celebrate your achievement - your story matters and could help others on their journey.
Share Your Story →Welcome Home!
Congratulations on becoming a homeowner! You've successfully completed all 8 steps of the first home buying journey.
We hope this journey has been rewarding, and we're proud to have been part of helping you achieve your homeownership dream.
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