10 Top Tips To Remember When Moving In With Roommates

You've done the hard work and found your perfect roommate but your next challenge already awaits you - moving in and setting up your new home! As you'll discover, the key to opening up the door and moving in with roommates is to focus on the "big picture" and not just on that one day when you move in.

Preparing to move in with roommates is different to moving into a place by yourself or with your partner. There are a few extra things you need to do which may not seem important now but could make a big difference in the long run. The best way to prepare and successfully move in is to create a checklist of tasks that need to be done and then checking or crossing them off as they are completed. This way you can see which tasks you have finished and which ones you still need to do. Forgetting to do some important tasks like redirecting your mail will make your move harder and create extra work.

So, how do you successfully move in with your new roommates? Just follow these tips and moving in will be a breeze.

1. Plan Your Moving Day
Organize with your new roommates a day and time to move in, hire a moving van and arrange to pick up the keys. Don't forget to finish packing your belongings and preparing your furniture the night before your move so that you can sleep easily. This is your biggest and busiest day and if you have forgotten to organize something, anything could go wrong.

2. Tell Your Friends and Family
Let your friends and family know when you're moving and your new contact details. This way they will know what you're up to and won't worry if they can't contact you for a few days. It's also a great way getting them involved and to help you on moving day.

3. Redirect Your Mail
Before your moving day, visit your local post office and redirect your mail to your new address. Remember to take your ID so that you can prove your identity if required. It's important to organise this early as depending where you live it can take up to 10 days before your mail starts to be re-directed.

4. Update Your Contact Details
It's a good idea to update your contact details before you move to ensure your mail doesn't get lost. An easy way to remember whom to contact is to make a list of your mail as it arrives. This includes bills like your cell phone, memberships such as the gym as well as any magazine/newspaper subscriptions.

5. Finalize Your Bills
Don't forget to pay any outstanding bills connected to your old home like electricity, phone and rent. You should also ask for your name to be removed from any bills. This is often required in writing. You can get the necessary details including contact name and address by phoning the customer service department. Ideally, this should be done before you move.

6. Bonds and Leases
If you are renting or living with roommates, before moving out you should ask for your name to be removed from the lease and for your bond to be returned if required. This is also the time to discuss any lease arrangements with your new roommates and pay any bonds. If you need to sign a lease and don't understand anything in the lease it's important to seek legal advice before signing. You can seek help through your local legal aid office.

7. Find Out About The Rent and Expenses
When moving in with your new roommates, organize with your new roommates when and how the rent as well as any expenses will need to be paid. For example, the rent may need to be paid each Friday in cash while extra expenses may be due on the last Friday of each month. The advantage of knowing when and how expenses are due will make it easier for you to settle in, organize your money and manage your budget.

8. Set Up Your Journal
It's useful to set up a journal that lets you record any major events that occur while living with your roommates such as changes to household living patterns, disagreements or fallouts, changes to lease agreements and any new roommates. You can also use your journal to record your rental payments and expenses as well as changes to current arrangements. If you have any difficulties you can refer back to your journal and see what events actually occurred.

9. Take Pictures
As the saying goes, "a picture tells a thousand words". It's important to take photos of your old and new rooms in case you have disputes with your roommates about bonds and leases. These pictures can be used to show the condition of your room when you moved in and/or out. The last thing you want is to have to pay for any damage or breakages that were not your fault.

10. Settle Into Your New Home
To help you settle in, find a map to get to know your new neighbourhood so that you find your way to work or College, go shopping and visit your friends. It's also a good time to set up any new activities you were planning to undertake like joining the local basketball team.

There's a lot to think about when moving in with roommates. It's important to take a step back so you can see the "big picture" and create a plan that focuses on all aspects of your move. You can make moving into your new home a breeze by simply taking advantage of these top tips and making them work for you.

Good Luck and enjoy your new home!