| You've done the hard work and found your perfect | | | | and Leases |
| roommate but your next challenge already awaits you | | | | If you are renting or living with roommates, before |
| - moving in and setting up your new home! As you'll | | | | moving out you should ask for your name to be |
| discover, the key to opening up the door and moving in | | | | removed from the lease and for your bond to be |
| with roommates is to focus on the "big picture" and | | | | returned if required. This is also the time to discuss any |
| not just on that one day when you move in.Preparing | | | | lease arrangements with your new roommates and |
| to move in with roommates is different to moving into | | | | pay any bonds. If you need to sign a lease and don't |
| a place by yourself or with your partner. There are a | | | | understand anything in the lease it's important to seek |
| few extra things you need to do which may not seem | | | | legal advice before signing. You can seek help through |
| important now but could make a big difference in the | | | | your local legal aid office.7. Find Out About The Rent |
| long run. The best way to prepare and successfully | | | | and Expenses |
| move in is to create a checklist of tasks that need to | | | | When moving in with your new roommates, organize |
| be done and then checking or crossing them off as | | | | with your new roommates when and how the rent as |
| they are completed. This way you can see which | | | | well as any expenses will need to be paid. For |
| tasks you have finished and which ones you still need | | | | example, the rent may need to be paid each Friday in |
| to do. Forgetting to do some important tasks like | | | | cash while extra expenses may be due on the last |
| redirecting your mail will make your move harder and | | | | Friday of each month. The advantage of knowing |
| create extra work.So, how do you successfully move | | | | when and how expenses are due will make it easier |
| in with your new roommates? Just follow these tips | | | | for you to settle in, organize your money and manage |
| and moving in will be a breeze.1. Plan Your Moving Day | | | | your budget.8. Set Up Your Journal |
| Organize with your new roommates a day and time | | | | It's useful to set up a journal that lets you record any |
| to move in, hire a moving van and arrange to pick up | | | | major events that occur while living with your |
| the keys. Don't forget to finish packing your belongings | | | | roommates such as changes to household living |
| and preparing your furniture the night before your | | | | patterns, disagreements or fallouts, changes to lease |
| move so that you can sleep easily. This is your biggest | | | | agreements and any new roommates. You can also |
| and busiest day and if you have forgotten to organize | | | | use your journal to record your rental payments and |
| something, anything could go wrong.2. Tell Your Friends | | | | expenses as well as changes to current |
| and Family | | | | arrangements. If you have any difficulties you can |
| Let your friends and family know when you're moving | | | | refer back to your journal and see what events |
| and your new contact details. This way they will know | | | | actually occurred.9. Take Pictures |
| what you're up to and won't worry if they can't | | | | As the saying goes, "a picture tells a thousand words". |
| contact you for a few days. It's also a great way | | | | It's important to take photos of your old and new |
| getting them involved and to help you on moving day.3. | | | | rooms in case you have disputes with your |
| Redirect Your Mail | | | | roommates about bonds and leases. These pictures |
| Before your moving day, visit your local post office | | | | can be used to show the condition of your room when |
| and redirect your mail to your new address. | | | | you moved in and/or out. The last thing you want is to |
| Remember to take your ID so that you can prove | | | | have to pay for any damage or breakages that were |
| your identity if required. It's important to organise this | | | | not your fault.10. Settle Into Your New Home |
| early as depending where you live it can take up to 10 | | | | To help you settle in, find a map to get to know your |
| days before your mail starts to be re-directed.4. | | | | new neighbourhood so that you find your way to work |
| Update Your Contact Details | | | | or College, go shopping and visit your friends. It's also a |
| It's a good idea to update your contact details before | | | | good time to set up any new activities you were |
| you move to ensure your mail doesn't get lost. An | | | | planning to undertake like joining the local basketball |
| easy way to remember whom to contact is to make | | | | team.There's a lot to think about when moving in with |
| a list of your mail as it arrives. This includes bills like | | | | roommates. It's important to take a step back so you |
| your cell phone, memberships such as the gym as well | | | | can see the "big picture" and create a plan that |
| as any magazine/newspaper subscriptions.5. Finalize | | | | focuses on all aspects of your move. You can make |
| Your Bills | | | | moving into your new home a breeze by simply taking |
| Don't forget to pay any outstanding bills connected to | | | | advantage of these top tips and making them work |
| your old home like electricity, phone and rent. You | | | | for you.Good Luck and enjoy your new home!Enid |
| should also ask for your name to be removed from | | | | Steiner is a Director of au, an Australian online |
| any bills. This is often required in writing. You can get | | | | roommate service. au lets people find their perfect |
| the necessary details including contact name and | | | | roommate and provides helpful share accommodation |
| address by phoning the customer service department. | | | | tips, hints and advice. |
| Ideally, this should be done before you move.6. Bonds | | | | |