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Settlement day is not the finish line. The first few weeks in a new Queensland home involve a surprising number of practical tasks, and it is easy to forget one in the middle of unpacking boxes. This checklist covers what is worth doing early, roughly in the order it tends to matter.
Utilities and Services
Confirm electricity, gas, water, and internet are connected and active in your name before or on the day you move in, since a gap in service is far easier to sort out before you are relying on it. If the property has a water authority account separate from council, check whether that also needs to be set up in your name.
Locks and Security
Consider changing or rekeying external locks early on, since you have no way of knowing how many keys exist or who previously had access. Check that all doors and windows lock properly and that any existing security system, if there is one, is working and that you understand how to use it.
Smoke Alarms
Locate the smoke alarms in the property and get a general sense of their condition and apparent age. If you have any doubt about whether they are working or compliant, this is worth raising with a licensed electrician rather than assuming they are fine.
Confirm Your Insurance Is Active
Double check that your building and contents insurance is genuinely active from your move-in date, not just arranged in principle. See our guide to home and contents insurance in Queensland if you have not finalised your policy yet.
Council Services and Bins
Register with the local council for rates if this has not already been handled through settlement, and check the bin collection schedule and which bin is used for what, since collection days and systems vary between councils.
Mail and Address Changes
Update your address with your bank, employer, the Australian Electoral Commission, Medicare, your vehicle registration, and any subscriptions or memberships. Consider a mail redirection from your previous address for the first few weeks to catch anything you missed.
School and Childcare Practicalities
If you have children changing schools or childcare, confirm enrolment is finalised, and work out the practical logistics of drop-off, pick-up, and the daily route before your first day, rather than figuring it out on the morning itself.
Basic Home Condition Observations
In your first few weeks, keep a simple record of anything you notice, such as a tap that drips, a door that sticks, or a damp patch that appears after rain. Early observations can help you catch developing issues before they become bigger problems.
Appliance Manuals and Warranty Records
Locate manuals and any warranty documentation for appliances included in the sale, such as the oven, cooktop, hot water system, and air conditioning, and note their approximate age. This makes it much easier to arrange servicing or make a warranty claim later if needed.
Emergency Contacts
Note the location of your electrical switchboard, water mains shut-off, and gas shut-off, and save the contact details for a plumber and electrician you can call if something goes wrong, before you actually need them.
Neighbourhood Orientation
Spend some time in your first weeks working out practical local details, such as the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, GP, and public transport options, and introduce yourself to immediate neighbours if that feels appropriate.
Maintenance Priorities
Rather than trying to fix everything at once, prioritise anything safety related first, followed by anything likely to get worse if left, and treat cosmetic preferences as a lower priority you can address over time.
Where Narevella Can Help
Our free Property Inspection Notes tool can also be used as a simple way to record early observations about your new home, room by room.
Disclaimer
This guide provides general practical information only and is not electrical, building, insurance, or legal advice. For any safety concern, such as electrical or structural issues, engage an appropriately licensed professional.
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