If you’re moving out and organising an electricity connection at your new place, you’ll need to make sure the main switch at the property is turned off. If it isn’t, the connection can’t be completed safely.
Note: If you are unsure whether your main switch needs to be off, it is best practice to turn it off before you move in to avoid interruptions. Just remember to turn it back on once your move is complete.
Where to find your main switch
House & Unit
If you’re moving into a house or unit, your main switch is usually located in the meter box. This is commonly found at the front of the property, on the porch, in the garage, or on an external wall.
Keep in mind these can vary depending on the age of the property and the style of the meter box, see examples below.
Source: Image 1: IoTaWatt, Image 2: NexaSolar, Image 3: Logical Choice Electrical
Apartment & Multi-dwelling building
If you’re moving into an apartment or multi-dwelling building, there’s often a centralised location for main switches and meter boxes, such as a meter room, basement, car park, or shared cabinet.
If there isn’t a centralised setup, your main switch may be located inside your residence, typically in the hallway, garage, cupboard, or under the sink, see examples below.
Source: Image 1: Reddit, Image 2: Trade Access Panels, Image 3: Reddit
How to turn your main switch off
Turning off your main switch is simple and takes just a few minutes. Simply follow the steps below:
Step 1: Open your meter box and locate the switch labelled “main switch.”
Step 2: Check if there’s also a separate hot water switch.
Step 3: Turn the main switch (and hot water switch, if you have one) to the off position, usually shown as “O” (off) vs “|” (on).
Step 4: Wait for your energy provider to confirm your electricity connection is complete.
Step 5: Once confirmed, turn the main switch and hot water switch back on.
Moving house can be stressful, but with the right planning, you can make the process smooth and hassle-free. This guide breaks down everything you need to do in the four weeks leading up to your moving date, ensuring nothing is forgotten. Follow this checklist to stay organised and make your move as stress-free as possible.
Looking for a more digestible to-do list? We’ve got you covered, with a dedicated moving checklist page that cuts straight to the chase – https://www.myconnect.com.au/checklist/
Need to arrange utility connections?
Get connected4 Weeks Before the Move
Settle Outstanding Bills
Before moving, pay off any outstanding bills for utilities, rent, or other services. This prevents unnecessary charges and ensures a clean financial slate for your new home.
Start Collecting Moving Boxes
Gather sturdy boxes of various sizes from local supermarkets, office supply stores, or online marketplaces. Consider purchasing specialty boxes for fragile items like glassware and electronics. Be sure to stock up on plenty of packing materials while you’re at it.
Notify Your Real Estate Agent or Landlord
If you’re renting, provide the required notice to your landlord or property manager. This ensures you get your bond back and allows them time to find new tenants.
Organise a Removalist or Moving Vehicle
If you need professional help from movers, book a moving company early to secure your preferred date. If you plan to move yourself, consider reserving a truck or trailer well in advance.
Arrange a Cleaner or Gardener
If your lease requires professional cleaning, book a cleaner to ensure your property is spotless before handing over the keys. If you have a garden, arrange for it to be tidied before your final inspection.
Begin Packing Non-Essentials
Start packing items you won’t need before moving day, such as seasonal clothing, books, and decorative pieces. Label boxes with their contents to make unpacking easier.
Identify Fragile Items
Take note of fragile or valuable items that need extra care. Wrap them in bubble wrap and pack them securely to prevent damage during transit to your new house.
Declutter – Donate, Sell, or Throw Away Unwanted Items
Sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you don’t need. Sell items online, donate them to charity, or dispose of broken or unusable items responsibly.
Need to declutter larger items?
3 Weeks Before the Move
Label and Inventory Boxes
As you continue packing, attach inventory lists to each box, and note what’s inside and which room it belongs to. This makes unpacking far more efficient.
Organise Important Paperwork
Place important documents such as birth certificates, passports, and rental agreements in a clearly labeled box or folder that’s easily accessible.
Notify the Council for Pet Registration
If you have pets, inform your new council about your move so their registration details can be updated.
Update Your Address
Notify key organisations of your change of address, including:
- Banks
- Employers
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
- Superannuation funds
- Insurance providers
- Medicare
- Car registration, car insurance, and driver’s licence
- Memberships and loyalty programs
- Electoral commission
- Any potential subscription service
Australia Post’s Notify Organisations service can help streamline this process and set up mail redirections.
Who needs to know when moving house?
Change of Address Checklist – Who needs to know when moving house?
2 Weeks Before the Move
Arrange Utility Connections for Your New Home
Contact MyConnect on 1300 854 478 or visit www.myconnect.com.au to organise electricity, gas, internet, and water connections at your new address.
Book a Cleaner for Your Current Home
If you haven’t already, finalise cleaning arrangements to ensure your rental bond is returned or your home is ready for its new owners.
Schedule Final Meter Reads and Utility Disconnections
Contact your utility providers to arrange final meter reads and disconnect services at your old home. This prevents any unnecessary charges after you move out.
Organise Childcare for Moving Day
If you have young children, consider arranging for a babysitter or a family member to look after them on moving day. This will make the process less stressful and allow you to focus on the move.
1 Week Before the Move
Schedule a Final Property Inspection
If you’re renting, book a final property inspection with your landlord or property manager to ensure everything is in order.
Clean Out Your Fridge and Pantry
Start using up perishable food and avoid buying groceries in bulk. Empty and clean your fridge and pantry to prevent any mess during the move.
Deep Clean Your Oven
Many rental agreements require the oven to be cleaned before moving out. If you’re selling, a clean oven can also make a better impression on buyers.
Pack a “First Night” Essentials Box
Prepare a box with all the essentials for your first night in your new home, including:
• Clothing for the next day
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, toilet paper)
• Sheets, blankets, linens, and towels
• Phone chargers
• A basic toolkit (screwdriver, scissors, tape, box cutter)
Keep Important Documents and Valuables with You
Instead of packing passports, jewelry, medical records, and other valuables in a moving truck, carry them with you for security.
Prepare a Pre-Cooked Meal for Moving Day
Moving is exhausting, and you may not have the energy to cook. Prepare and freeze a meal to defrost in advance so you can have an easy, home-cooked dinner on your first night.
Final Thoughts
Moving doesn’t have to be a chaotic experience. By following this step-by-step checklist, you can stay on track, reduce stress, and settle into your new home with ease without any last-minute worries. Start early, plan ahead, and enjoy the excitement of this new chapter!
Need to arrange utility connections?
Get connectedIt goes without saying that renting a home is a big financial commitment, and it’s crucial to assess how much rent you can afford before signing a lease.
In Australia, where rental prices vary widely depending on the city and neighbourhood, understanding your budget and the factors influencing rental costs is essential.
With that being said, here’s a guide to help you figure out how much rent you can afford.
Cross Utilities Off Your List
Get connectedDetermine Your Budget
The first step in figuring out how much rent you can afford is to create a detailed rental budget. This involves calculating your monthly income and expenses so you can compare the budget to the potential rent payment.
When calculating your income, be sure to include your net income after taxes. If you have multiple sources of income, add them all up.
Be sure to list all your monthly expenses, including utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, entertainment, savings, and any debt repayments to any loans or credit cards.
The 30% Rule
A common guideline when it comes to affordability for monthly rent is to spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. This self-imposed rule helps ensure that you have enough left over for other essential living expenses and savings.
For example, if your monthly gross income is $5,000, then the calculation should be; 0.30×5,000=15,000.30. You should aim to spend no more than $1,500 on rent in this case.
An even better alternative to crunching the numbers is using our calculator below to determine what 30% of your monthly gross income looks below!
Consider Your Lifestyle and Priorities
While the 30% rule is a good starting point, your personal circumstances might require adjustments. Things like location, household size and any additional future plans will either assist the 30% you’ve got to work with or force some changes in looking at rental properties in high-demand houses.
Rent prices in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are higher compared to regional areas, so be sure to determine what amenities and proximity to work or school are important to you. Renting a larger place for a family will naturally cost more than a smaller apartment for one or two people too.
Lastly, if you plan to save for a home deposit or other major expenses, you might want to allocate less to rent.
Additional Costs
Rent is not the only expense when renting a property, as there are several additional expenses to factor in. This ranges from utilities and insurance to maintenance and bond.
Some properties may require you to cover minor maintenance and repair costs, which are typically listed in the tenancy agreement so you’re not blindsided by the costs.
Other additional costs include the cost of hiring movers or renting a vehicle, and having enough funds for the rental bond, which is the equivalent of 4-6 weeks’ rent and will be required upfront.
Lastly, take into account the cost of contents insurance and how much your utility bills will cost, including electricity, gas, internet and water. If you need a glimpse into how much these bills with add up to, check out our article on the average utility bill cost for Australians here!
The not-so-obvious costs
How is Monthly Rent Calculated?
Rent is typically quoted per the weekly rate, and payments are made per calendar month. The most common mistake renters make is to assume that there are 4 weeks in a month. As you may have already discovered, multiplying your weekly rental payments by 4 does not equal the monthly rent vs weekly rent owed.
Why? The answer is simple, not every month has an equal number of days. This means that calculating your monthly rent is not as straightforward as multiplying the weekly rent by 4 or the fortnightly rent by 2 (and don’t forget leap years).
To calculate your monthly rent repayment, use this simple formula to convert weekly rent into the monthly rent payment.
- Step 1: Weekly Rent ÷ 7 = Daily Rent amount
- Step 2: Daily Rent x 365 = Yearly Rent amount
- Step 3: Yearly Rent ÷ 12 = Monthly rent amount
For example, if the rent is quoted as being $400 per week, we would plug 400 into the formula to get the monthly rent amount (step 3) below.
- Step 1: 400 ÷ 7 = 57.14
- Step 2: 42.85 x 365 = 20,856
- Step 3: 20,856 ÷ 12 = 1,738
If the weekly rent rate is $400, the monthly rent repayment will total $1,738.
Voilà!
Use Our Rent Calculator!
To save you the hassle of punching in the numbers above, we’ve created our own calculator so you can calculate your potential rent costs from weekly to monthly.
A quick disclaimer: We give no warranties on rent calculations, rent increases, interest rates, or monthly rent repayments. If you have any further input or any questions about leasing a rental property, make sure you contact your real estate agent or property manager. They will explain your month’s rent, security deposit, upfront costs, rental period, and any other tenancy or leasing concerns you may have!
Evaluate Rental Market Trends
Once you’ve laid out your financial goals and rental budget, it’s not a bad idea to keep an eye on the rental market trends in your desired location.
Websites like Domain, Realestate.com.au, and local real estate agencies provide up-to-date information on average rental prices and trends in different suburbs and cities.
Cross Utilities Off Your List
Get connectedDetermining how much rent you can afford in Australia requires careful consideration of your financial situation, lifestyle, and the rental market.
By adhering to the 30% rule, creating a detailed budget, and factoring in additional costs, you can make an informed decision that ensures you live comfortably within your means. Remember to regularly review your budget and adjust as needed, especially if your income or expenses change.
Behind the thrill of moving to a new house lies a series of hidden costs that can quickly add up, turning your move into an unexpectedly expensive affair. Understanding these hidden moving costs is crucial for proper planning and budgeting.
In this article, we dive into all the sneaky additional costs that the average Australian mover can come to expect when moving house.
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Get connectedPacking Supplies
When budgeting for a move, it’s quick to overlook the cost of packing supplies. Cardboard boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other packing materials can add up, especially if you have a lot of valuables to move.
On top of that, specialty boxes for items like mirrors, artwork, and televisions are even more expensive! While some removalist companies include basic packing supplies in their fees, many do not, leaving you to foot the bill through these extra costs.
Moving Services
If you opt to hire professional removalists to pack your belongings, be prepared for a significant extra charge compared to the DIY method of packing and unpacking.
Professional packing service can save you time and ensure your items are securely packed, but this convenience comes at a price. The average cost of hiring removalists in Australia can vary widely depending on the volume of items and the time required at an hourly rate.
Insurance
Standard moving insurance provided by moving companies often offers minimal coverage, usually based on weight rather than the actual value of your items.
You’ll need to purchase additional contents insurance if you want comprehensive protection. This extra insurance can provide peace of mind, but it’s an added expense that many people forget to include in their total costs.
Content about content (insurance)
Storage Fees
If there’s a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, you might need to store your belongings temporarily.
Storage fees can vary based on the size of the unit and the duration of storage. Climate-controlled units, which are essential for sensitive items, can be even more expensive, so it’s worth a check on what needs to be stored and what can go by the wayside when you’re decluttering.
Travel Costs
Moving long distances can incur significant travel costs. These include fuel for your vehicle (whether that be by car or moving truck), tolls, lodging, and meals during the trip.
If you’re hiring a moving company for an interstate move, their travel expenses, including fuel surcharges, meals, and lodging for the crew, will also be added to your bill.
Cleaning Costs
Before leaving your old home to head to your new address, you may need to clean it thoroughly to get your bond back if you’re in a rental property, or to prepare it for the next owners.
This might involve hiring professional cleaners, especially if you have a large home or if your lease requires professional cleaning.
Tackling Cleaning
Repair and Maintenance Costs
Both your old and new homes might require some maintenance before and after the move. This could include patching holes in walls, fixing plumbing issues, or updating outdated fixtures.
These repair costs can be surprisingly high and are often overlooked in the initial budgeting process.
Replacement of Household Items
It’s common to find that some furniture and appliances don’t fit or suit the new location, especially when downsizing to a small apartment.
You might need to buy new furniture, curtains, or appliances, which can be a considerable expense. Additionally, items may get damaged during the house move, which will require replacement or repair.
Time Off Work
Moving is time-consuming, and you may need to take time off work to manage the process. Whether for packing, the actual moving day, or settling into your new home, lost wages can add up.
Be sure to consider this potential loss of income when planning your local move.
By being aware of these hidden costs, you can make your move smoother and stress-free, ensuring that your new beginning starts on the right financial foot.
If you need help getting your utilities connected sorted, give MyConnect a call on 1300 854 478 or use the Get Connected form here! All residents from Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and more can get connected today. If you’re a first-time home buyer and you’re unsure about using a utility connection company, this post here can assist you.