29 Aug Moving Day Made Simple: A Broker’s Guide to Settling In Smoothly

Moving Day Made Simple: A Broker’s Guide to Settling In Smoothly

Image Source: UPMOVE

So, you’ve signed the papers, celebrated your approval, and the keys are in your hand, congratulations! But as any homeowner will tell you, getting the loan is just one part of the journey. The next big chapter? Moving in.

Moving day can be exciting and overwhelming all at once. After helping clients secure their finance, I’m often asked: What happens next? So, I’ve put together a simple guide to help you tackle the post-settlement transition with confidence, and a lot less stress.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading to your next home, these tips will help you settle in smoothly. 

1. Time your settlement and move strategically

If possible, avoid booking your move on settlement day itself. Delays in the funds transfer or key handover aren’t uncommon, and removalists waiting by the truck can be an expensive stress you don’t need.

Instead, give yourself a buffer, settle first, then plan your move for the following day or weekend. If that’s not an option (we know sometimes it’s tight!), confirm the estimated time of settlement and make sure your removalist is flexible.

Tip: A great broker will coordinate with your conveyancer and keep you in the loop so there are no surprises come settlement day.

2. Book your removalists early, and ask the right questions

Good Sunshine Coast removalists can book out fast, especially around weekends or end-of-month. Once you know your likely move date, start getting quotes and locking in a provider.

Here’s what to ask:

● Do they offer fixed pricing or hourly rates?
● Are they insured for damage or delays?
● Will they help with disassembling and reassembling furniture?
● Can they work with body corporate or narrow access requirements?

Moving with pets or young kids? Some services even offer packing help so you’re not juggling boxes and tantrums at once. 

3. Sort your utilities and internet before you move

It might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to line up power, water, and internet until after they move in, and then face a few days in digital darkness.

A week before your move, make sure:

● You’ve set up new accounts for electricity, gas, and internet
● You’ve cancelled or redirected services from your old address
● You’ve updated your postal address for banks, your broker, the ATO, and any subscriptions

Trust me, there’s nothing like unpacking boxes with the lights on and Netflix ready to go.

4. Check your insurance before the move

If you took out home and contents insurance for settlement, now’s the time to review the policy.

Make sure:

● Your new address is correctly listed
● Your policy start date matches your settlement date
● Contents coverage includes transit, especially if you’re using a removalist

Some insurers won’t cover damage during the move itself unless you specifically request it, so it’s worth a quick phone call to be sure.

5. Don’t forget the little things (they make a big difference)

Here’s a quick moving checklist I always recommend to clients:

✅ Pack a ‘first night’ box with essentials, kettle, mugs, toothbrushes, toilet paper

✅ Take photos of meter readings before you leave the old place

✅ Label your boxes by room (and number them!)

✅ Arrange a cleaner or do a final sweep for your old property

✅ Do a walk-through of the new home before the truck arrives

These little steps make a huge difference when your brain’s running on adrenaline and takeaway.

One last tip from a broker who’s moved more times than she’d like to admit…

Moving house isn’t just a physical shift, it’s a big emotional one too. Between the loan approval, the conveyancing, and the logistics, it’s easy to forget to actually enjoy the moment.

So once the couch is in place and the boxes are stacked, pause. Order pizza. Take it in.

You did it.

Need help navigating settlement or planning for your next home?

At Fundli, we’re here to support you from the very start of the home loan process, right through to moving day and beyond.

Want more practical tips like this? Feel free to reach out or browse more insights on the blog.

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