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Moving into a new house in Epping is exciting, but the first week sets the tone for how smoothly you’ll settle in. Epping recorded a population of 33,489 at the 2021 census, making it one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing northern suburbs with diverse housing options.
The challenge with moving into a new house is knowing where to start. This new home checklist will guide you through what to do after moving in, ensuring nothing important gets missed during your first week in Epping.
What to Do Immediately (Days 1-2)
The first 48 hours after moving into your new house are critical for establishing basic safety and comfort. Don’t wait to handle these essential tasks.
Check and activate utilities
Test all utilities immediately upon arrival. Turn on taps to check water pressure, test light switches in every room, check the gas stove or heating, and verify internet connectivity. Contact your providers if anything isn’t working.
Change locks for safety
Changing locks in Epping is one of the most important security steps. You never know who might have copies of keys from previous owners. Replace locks on front doors, back doors, garage entries, and side gates.
Deep clean before unpacking
Even if the previous owners cleaned, do a thorough clean before placing your belongings. Epping’s dusty conditions near construction areas make this step essential. A deep clean now saves effort later and creates a fresh start in your new home
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Set Up Essentials
Once utilities and security are sorted, focus on making your house liveable for daily routines.
Unpack essentials first
Don’t try to unpack everything immediately. Start with boxes labelled “essentials” containing bedding, toiletries, medications, phone chargers, and basic kitchen items like kettle, plates, cups, and cutlery. Set up beds first so you have somewhere comfortable to sleep after a long moving day.
Test safety devices
Walk through your Epping home testing all smoke alarms by pressing the test button. Check that circuit breakers in your electrical panel are labelled correctly. Locate trip switches and understand how to reset them.
Find main shut-off points
Locate and clearly mark your main water shut-off valve, usually near the water meter or under the kitchen sink. Find your gas shut-off valve, typically near the meter outside. Identify your main electrical switchboard.
Organize & Make the House Yours
With basics covered, turn your attention to organization and personalization.
Plan your furniture layout
Before dragging heavy furniture around, measure rooms and doorways. Decide where major pieces will go – beds, sofas, dining tables, entertainment units. Consider natural light, power outlet locations, and traffic flow.
Inspect for issues or repairs
Conduct a thorough inspection of your new Epping home. Check walls for cracks or water damage, test all windows for proper operation, inspect ceilings for leaks or stains. Document issues with photos and notes.
Note down small fixes
Create a list of minor repairs needed like squeaky doors, loose cabinet handles, chipped paint, blocked gutters, or cracked tiles. Don’t feel pressured to fix everything immediately, but having a comprehensive list helps prioritize tasks and budget for repairs.
Update Information & Essentials Outside the House
Administrative tasks are boring but essential after moving in.
Update your address
Notify important organizations of your address change including banks and credit cards. Missing this step means missed bills, lost mail, and potential identity issues. Complete address changes within the first week to avoid complications.
Set up waste and recycling schedule
Epping falls under Whittlesea City Council waste management. Check your council collection schedule for rubbish, recycling, and green waste. Order additional bins if needed through the Whittlesea Council website.
Introduce yourself to neighbours
Take time to meet neighbours on both sides and across the street. A friendly introduction builds community connections and provides local knowledge about the area.
Explore your new area
Familiarize yourself with Epping’s amenities including Pacific Epping shopping center near the train station. Drive or walk different routes to understand traffic patterns and shortcuts.
New Home Checklist
Use this quick reference checklist to track your first-week tasks:
Day 1-2 Priorities:
- Activate and test all utilities (water, electricity, gas, internet)
- Change locks on all external doors and garage
- Deep clean house before unpacking
- Unpack essential boxes (bedding, toiletries, basic kitchen items)
- Set up beds for sleeping
Day 3-4 Priorities:
- Test all smoke alarms and safety devices
- Locate main shut-off points (water, gas, electrical)
- Plan furniture layout and arrange major pieces
- Conduct thorough home inspection for issues
- Start address change notifications
Day 5-7 Priorities:
- Complete address updates for all services
- Research waste collection schedule and bin placement
- Meet neighbors and introduce yourself
- Explore local Epping amenities and services
- Create repair and improvement list
Optional But Helpful:
- Register with local Epping medical centers
- Join community Facebook groups for local recommendations
- Update home insurance with new address
- Schedule any needed repairs or maintenance
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Average Moving Timeline for Epping Homes
Understanding typical moving timeframes helps set realistic expectations for your first week.
Epping Moving Timeline Estimates
Home Type | First Week Setup Time | Common Challenges |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | 2-3 days | Limited storage, parking restrictions |
| 2-Bedroom Townhouse | 3-4 days | Stairs, shared areas, HOA rules |
| 3-Bedroom House | 5-7 days | Larger unpacking load, yard setup |
| 4+ Bedroom Home | 7-10 days | Multiple rooms, garage organization |
Conclusion
Your first week after moving into a house in Epping doesn’t have to be stressful. By following this new home checklist and tackling tasks systematically, you’ll establish a comfortable, safe, and organized home quickly. Focus on immediate priorities like utilities and security first, then gradually work through setup and administrative tasks.
Need help with heavy furniture setup, unpacking services, or short-term storage during your transition? Contact CBD Movers at 1300 223 668 for professional assistance throughout Epping and greater Melbourne. Our experienced team knows Epping’s streets, access challenges, and local requirements, making your move smooth and stress-free from start to finish.
FAQs
What should I do first when moving into a new house in Epping?
Immediately test all utilities, change exterior locks for security, and conduct a deep clean before unpacking. This establishes safety and comfort from day one in your new Epping home.
How long does it take to settle into a new home in Epping?
Most Epping residents feel settled within 2-3 weeks, but the critical first week determines how smoothly the process goes. Following a systematic checklist reduces settling time significantly.
Do I need to notify Whittlesea Council when moving to Epping?
While not mandatory, updating your details with Whittlesea Council ensures correct waste collection information and helps you receive important local updates about services and developments in Epping.
When is the best time to move into Epping?
Weekday moves (Tuesday-Thursday) avoid weekend traffic congestion on Cooper Street and around Epping Station. Spring and autumn provide comfortable weather for moving heavy items without summer heat or winter rain.
