Moving into a new house is exciting — but before you unpack the last box and put your feet up, there’s a short list of professionals worth calling first. A fresh set of eyes on the wiring, pipes, and general condition of your new home can save you thousands in repairs down the track, and clear the clutter that comes with any move.
Here’s your complete checklist of professional services to book when settling into a new home, along with why each one matters.
1. A Licensed Electrician
Old wiring, outdated switchboards, and DIY electrical work from previous owners are some of the most common — and most dangerous — surprises in a “new” home. Before you plug in appliances or let the kids loose on power points, it pays to have a licensed electrician run a full safety inspection.
A qualified electrician will check:
The switchboard and safety switches (many older homes still don’t have compliant safety switches)
Power points, light fittings, and smoke alarms
Any signs of overloaded circuits or exposed wiring
Outdoor lighting, security systems, and EV charger readiness
2. A Licensed Plumber
Right behind electrical safety, plumbing is the second thing every new homeowner should have professionally checked. Hidden leaks, ageing hot water systems, and poor drainage are rarely obvious during a walk-through or building inspection — they tend to show up weeks (or months) later, usually at the worst possible time.
A pre-move-in plumbing check typically covers:
Hot water system age, condition, and efficiency
Water pressure and any signs of leaking pipes or fittings
Drainage and stormwater flow
Toilets, taps, and under-sink connections
Gas fitting compliance (if applicable)
3. Junk Removal & Rubbish Clearance
Whether the previous owners left furniture behind, you’re clearing out a garage full of unknowns, or you simply have a mountain of moving boxes and packaging to get rid of, professional junk removal makes settling in dramatically easier — without you lifting a single mattress.
A good junk removal service will handle:
Old furniture, appliances, and mattresses left by previous occupants
Renovation or garden waste
Moving boxes, packaging, and general rubbish
Responsible sorting, donation, and disposal
4. Pest Control
Termites, rodents, and other unwelcome tenants can be present in a home long before you notice any signs. A professional pest inspection and treatment — ideally before you move furniture in — protects both your belongings and your home’s structure. Look for a licensed pest technician who can also set up a preventative treatment plan for ongoing protection.
5. Professional Cleaners (Move-In Deep Clean)
Even if a home looks clean, a professional end-of-lease or move-in deep clean covers everything a regular clean misses: inside ovens and cupboards, carpets, window tracks, exhaust fans, and bathroom grout. Starting in a genuinely clean home also makes it much easier to keep on top of afterward.
6. HVAC / Air Conditioning Servicing
If your new home has ducted or split-system air conditioning, get it serviced before you rely on it. A technician can clean filters, check refrigerant levels, and flag any units nearing the end of their life — much better to know in spring than to discover a broken system in the middle of a heatwave.
7. A Locksmith
You have no idea how many sets of keys exist for a home you’ve just bought or moved into. Rekeying or replacing locks (including garage doors, side gates, and mailboxes) is one of the simplest and most affordable security upgrades you can make in your first week.
Bonus Considerations
Depending on your situation, it’s also worth looking into:
Building & pest pre-purchase inspectors (if you haven’t already had one done)
Movers/removalists for the heavy lifting itself
Handyman or painter for small touch-ups and fresh paint before or after move-in
Security system installer for cameras, alarms, and smart locks
Building Your New-Home Checklist
Here’s a simple order of operations for a smooth move-in:
Book the electrician and plumber first — safety and function come before aesthetics.
Schedule pest control and a deep clean before furniture arrives, if possible.
Arrange junk removal for anything left behind or generated by the move.
Service HVAC systems and rekey locks in your first week.
Tackle cosmetic upgrades — paint, styling, landscaping — once the essentials are sorted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need an electrical and plumbing inspection if the house passed a building inspection? General building inspections are useful but aren’t a substitute for a specialist assessment. Licensed electricians and plumbers check for compliance and functional issues that a general inspector may not test in detail, such as switchboard capacity or hot water system condition.
How soon after moving in should I book these services? Ideally, electrical and plumbing checks happen before moving day or in the first week. Junk removal, pest control, and cleaning are best scheduled to line up with your move so you’re working with an empty, clean space.
Is it worth bundling these services together? Many local providers can coordinate timing with each other — for example, having junk removal completed before the deep clean, or the electrician and plumber inspecting on the same day. It’s worth asking each provider about availability around your move-in date.
Settling into a new home is a big milestone — getting the right professionals through the door early means you can enjoy it with fewer surprises later.