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The Ultimate Guide to Streaming Online

• What Is Streaming and How Does It Work?
• How To Watch Movies via Online Streaming
• Which Movie TV Streaming Service Should I Get?

Amrita Bala

17/10/2017 10:14 AM

Welcome to the age of Streaming. Chances are, if you haven’t been living under a rock, you have in one way or another streamed either a TV Show, Movie or your favourite Tune on one of the nifty digital devices that you own. In today’s article, we bring you the Ultimate Guide to Streaming. We will be covering everything you need to know about it, from which streaming service you should get all the way to which broadband provider will offer you the best streaming experience for all your entertainment needs. Without further ado, let’s get stuck into it.

What Is Streaming and How Does It Work?

You probably are already aware of what streaming is, but let’s have a brief look into the definition of streaming and how it works. Streaming, by definition, is content that is sent in a compressed form over the Internet and displayed viewers in real time. When streaming video or any types of media, you do not have to wait for hours to download a file in order to play it. Instead, media is sent in a continuous stream of data straight to your computer and is played in real time, as it arrives. Unlike progressive downloads, you don’t have to worry about your computer or device getting clogged up with downloaded data, as with streaming, data is automatically deleted once you are done watching a film or listening to a song. This is one of the great advantages and most appealing aspects of streaming in today’s modern world. Other forms of highly popular streaming include Live Streaming, which is specifically used for internet content delivered in real time as it happens. Live streaming is very popular with live television shows and special one-time events - think for example, of UFC fights or many other sporting extravaganzas. 

How To Watch Movies via Online Streaming

First of all, in order to immerse yourself in the glorious world of online streaming, you are going to need a streaming compatible device. Chances are, you already own one! Most people these days have purchased Smart TVs (Samsung/Apple TV/Roku), making it a piece of cake to stream videos whilst you laze on the couch after a hard day of work. Don’t own a television? Fret not. Other possibilities when it comes to enjoying your favourite movies online are Tablets (iPad/Samsung Galaxy Note), Laptops, Desktop Computers and Gaming Consoles such as the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.

Last but not least, should you not own any of the mentioned devices, you can rest assured knowing that you will be able to stream content if you own a smartphone. The screen may be a little smaller than what you would ideally prefer, but you will still be able to stream nonetheless. Most of these devices mentioned above come with applications such as Netflix and Stan already installed into the system, making it even easier for you to access your favourite shows and music with just one touch.

Next up, you’ll need to ensure that you have access to an internet connection. Whether this is a WiFi connection at home or a 4G plan with your phone service provider is entirely up to you. It is always advised that you do some research into your broadband or mobile data plans, in order to ensure that you have sufficient data and that streaming movies or music will not send you over your monthly limit, thus incurring extra fees. We will touch on this a little more throughout the rest of this article.

Last but not least, to stream, you will need to be signed up to a streaming service. Whether that is Netflix, Stan, Foxtel Play, Spotify, Apple Music or Pandora, you will need a subscription in order to access your favourite shows and music. Let’s have a closer look into that in the next chapter.

Which Movie TV Streaming Service Should I Get?

First up, let’s hone into Movies. Movies are, by far, one of the most streamed forms of media online. When it comes to streaming movies, there are a few main contenders in the game. Which one is best for you? Well, that is highly dependant on your needs, preferences and taste in shows. Below is a summary/comparison of the three most popular Movie Streaming services available to us in Australia at this current moment.

1. Netflix

Once just a company that used to provide DVDs by mail, Netflix is now a household name. From your Smart TV to your Tablet, PC, Laptop or even Smart Phone, Netflix is accessible on multiple devices. For those who want to test the waters before making any commitments, Netflix offers a trial period of 30 days free streaming, enough for you to suss out if their range of entertainment is to your liking.

A Basic Netflix subscription costs $8.00 per month, whilst a Standard subscription and a Premium subscription will cost you $11.99 and $14.99 a month, respectively. Netflix houses a library of up to 1200 titles, with 200 or so of those being TV shows as an added bonus. The entire library hours available exceed the 5000 hour mark, ensuring that there is always something for you to tune into. Netflix also racks up a reasonable 3+ star review on Product Review, with the main frustration being the unavailability of some US Netflix shows on the Australian platform. 

2. Foxtel Play

Foxtel Play, a subsidiary of Foxtel, is a service that streams Sport, Film and TV shows, along with linear play TV channels. A portable version of an actual IQ box Foxtel subscription, Foxtel play can be streamed on devices such as the Xbox, PC, Tablet, Mobile and on Smart TVs, ensuring that you will be able to watch all your favourite shows wherever you go. This is great for people who want a Foxtel connection but do not have a TV at home, or simply do not have the time to watch TV.

Foxtel Play costs are tiered by genre and may range anywhere between $30-$55, depending on the number of channels you subscribe to. Like other streaming services, there is a trial period available for all to test the service out, but this only lasts for 2 weeks. There are about 3000 library hours that clock in on Foxtel Play - certainly more than enough to keep everyone entertained. On the downside, Foxtel Play does not rank the best on Product Review, with many complaining about subpar streaming and sound quality, errors in the app itself that make it lag, and difficulty navigating through the application. One of the perks, however, is that you can sign up to sports channels and watch the Footy or EPL live - features that other streaming services are yet to currently offer.

3.  Stan

Last but not least, we have Stan. Stan is available on most devices - from your Smart TV, Apple TV and PC, all the way to your Mobile Phones and Tablets - similar to Netflix and Foxtel Play. Stan will set you back a reasonable $10 per month, with no lock in contracts involved. Just like Netflix, you will get a 30 day free trial, so you can really see if the shows offered are to your taste, well before actually committing any money to it.

Titles on Stan add up to 1250, with 7000 odd hours of entertainment available, all in HD. Shows such as Twin Peaks, iZombie and I’m Dying Up Here are also exclusive to Stan. Rated slightly lower than netflix on Product Review, Stan comes in at 2 stars with one of the main complaints being that the application tends to freeze, or is often offline at times.

Which Music Streaming Service Should I Get?

Next up, let’s look into music streaming. Gone are the days where you had to sit down and wait for hours for file transfers or for your favourite album to download into your MP3 player. Music is something that is available instantly these days, with the number of streaming services available at our fingertips. Let’s look into which music streaming service may be the best for you.

1. Spotify

You’ve probably heard of Spotify - the online music giant. In fact, they were the very first to offer a completely free service via their ad-supported option, and this ended up being what hooked so many people onto online music streaming to begin with. Since it's launch Spotify has added heaps of new features to improve user experience, such as being able to download music for offline listening. This is ideal for those who don’t want to constantly be using their mobile data to stream their favourite music on their commute to and from work everyday.

Spotify also has an auto-generated 'Discover Weekly' playlists what is a great way of finding and exploring new music. Spotify might not have the best music quality or the special exclusives that some of other big music streaming services offer, but Spotify does indeed offer one of the most polished streaming services out there, which is probably why they are so incredibly popular with people all around the world.

Price wise, you can choose to listen for free, or sign up to a Spotify Premium account which will cost you $11.99 a month. There are also family and student pricing options. If you're a student you can get access to a 50% discount, and Spotify has also recently introduced a family option, allowing up to six users to enjoy the benefits of Premium for just $17.99 a month!

2.  Apple Music

The next online music giant is of course, Apple Music. Apple Music is home to huge amounts of music, with an extensive library and some really great features. The Radio feature gives you access to Apple's live Beats 1 radio as well as other curated stations. Connect is Apple Music's social feature for "connecting" with artists and curators; and My Music gives you access to your library.

Curation is a massive part of Apple Music, and definitely a very attractive aspect of Apple Music. When you first start using the platform,  you will be asked to select some of your favorite genres of music and artists. Based off your answers, Apple Music will suggest a playlist in the 'For You' section of the app, which be listed as playlists and albums. This way, you don’t have to waste too much time adding thousands of songs to your playlist - let the application do it for you. Another bonus perk is that you’ll find playlists that correspond to the day, time and season, ensuring you have appropriate music for all occasions.

Price wise, Apple Music costs $9.99 a month but students can join just $4.99 which is an absolute steal. Family memberships are also offered and those will cost you $14.99 with gives unlimited streaming for up to six people. Unlike Spotify, however, Apple Music doesn't have a free tier which may turn off some users. Instead, a three-month trial is offered to anyone who wants to test run the car before buying it, but don't forget to cancel it before your it expires as this will roll over into actual monthly payments automatically.

3. Pandora

Our third and final contender is Pandora. Whilst the other services on this list are considered to be music streaming services that allow you to pick exactly what you want to listen to, Pandora is more like the internet version of a customised radio station. Just like regular car radio, you don’t have too much of a say in what song is going to come up next. You just anticipate, listen and enjoy. This is probably most appealing for those who are not too fussy with their music, or who don’t want to spend too much time creating playlists for themselves.

One of the downsides to Pandora is that their collection of music is nowhere near as large as that of Spotify’s or Apple Music’s. However, if you're looking for something to throw on at a party, Pandora is your best bet due to its ability to keep the beat going with only minimal intervention.

In terms of pricing, it is absolutely free to sign up and if you don't mind an ad or two every 10 minutes or so, will stay that way as long as you use it. If ads aren’t your thing, you can subscribe to Pandora One to for $4.99 a month.

How Much Data Does Streaming Use?

The amount of data that streaming uses is something that is very important to know. This will help you choose the appropriate broadband and mobile data plans, in order to ensure that you do not go over your data limits at any point. Below is a summary of how much data some of the most popular streaming platforms use. Take close note, as this will definitely help you prevent any crazy excess fees from your mobile or broadband provider.

Netflix: General data usage is 0.7 GB of data per hour for standard definition video. For those who enjoy HD streaming, you will be looking at 3 GB per hour for HD video and 7 GB per hour for Ultra HD video. If you subscribed to Ultra HD on Netflix, you are looking at a usage of 14 GB when streaming a 2 hour movie.

Stan: If you are streaming videos on low quality, you’re looking at a data usage of 0.57 GB per hour. For medium quality streaming, those digits are bumped up to 1.13 GB per hour, and 2.89 GB per hour for HD streaming. Keep in mind that the default setting on Stan is set to HD streaming.

Spotify: The highest quality you can stream music on on Spotify is 320 Kbps. At this level, you will be consuming 2.40MB of data per minute, equating to a usage of 115.2MB per hour. Reduce the quality to 160 Kbps will result in a drop to 1.20MB of data usage per minute and a grand total of 72MB per hour. With music streaming, it is good to keep an eye on how many hours you are going through a day as they can add up very quickly.

Apple Music: On Apple Music you can listen to music at qualities of either 64, 128 or 256 Kbps. In that order, this means that with every 1GB of data, you will be able to listen to either 36, 18 or 9 hours of music on this app.

YouTube: Many of us watch videos on YouTube on a daily basis. On YouTube, for every 1 hour of 720p video footage (the quality at which most of us view videos on) you watch on YouTube, you are using up about 2.2GB of data.

Which Broadband Provider Is Best For Streaming?

Last but not least, let’s look into some of the best broadband providers if you are an avid streamer. We would advise that those who truly love streaming music and movies opt for Unlimited Broadband Plans, to give you peace of mind and ensure that you aren’t going over any limits. Below are some of the best Unlimited Broadband Plans available at the moment.

Belong

Belong is a fantastic broadband provider that offers users with unlimited data plans at on a Tier 1 connection, for just between $45 - $70 a month, depending on whether you are signed up to a lock-in contract or a month-to-month subscriptions. If a Tier 1 speed connection doesn’t satisfy you, you have the option upgrading your  Belong Broadband plans to Tier 2 or Tier 5 speeds for an additional $10 or $30 respectively.

MATE Communicate

All of MATE Communicate’s plans come with unlimited data - ideal for those who love streaming. All their unlimited plans are also available to people at differing price points, For just $59 a month, you can purchase unlimited data with Mate at a the industry average Tier 1 speeds of12Mbps. Upgrades to your speed are also available with added costs - 25Mbps for $69, 50Mbps for $89 and 100Mbps for $99. Furthermore, Mate’s plans are lock in contract free and do not cost you any activation fees, so that you can keep your expenses to a minimal

TPG

TPG offers users with three of their unlimited plans (NBN Fibre Basic Liimitless, NBN Fibre Boost Liimitless and NBN Fixed Wireless Boost Liimitless) that will cost you $59.99, $69.99 and $79.99 per month respectively. In terms of unlimited broadband that can be shared between housemates and families, these plans are highly affordable for what you get out of them. Additionally, TPG offers Boost and Superfast plans that are ideal for streaming movies and TV shows. All plans, Standard, Boost or Superfast, are are available with no lock-in contracts, or as part of an 18 month deal.

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We hope that his handy guide to streaming has answered all the questions you may have had. Have any enquiries? Don’t hesitate to contact us today. 

The Ultimate Guide to the Internet

• What Is The Internet?
• How Does The Amazing Internet Work?
• What Can You Do On The Internet?

Amrita Bala

13/10/2017 09:59 AM

Could you imagine what life would be like without the internet in today’s technologically driven world? It is almost impossible for most of us tech-savvy individuals to imagine a life without WiFi, Facebook, Instagram, Netflix and online shopping. I for one, would be entirely lost without being able to buy everything I need online, from all around the globe. What about you?

The miracle and wonder of the internet is something that has truly been one of the biggest gifts to mankind. It has connected millions of people around the world to each other, and has also given us everyday folk an opportunity to share our passions and work with the world. In today’s Ultimate Guide to the Internet, we will touch on what the Internet is, what you can do on it, how you can connect to it and so much more, so keep on reading.

What Is The Internet?

The Basics:

Of course, we all know what the internet is. But wait, do we truly know exactly what the internet is? Well, for starters, the internet is is a global networkof billions of computers and other electronic devices such as tablets, smartphones and smart televisions. Via the internet, we pretty much have access almost any information we need, are given the ability to communicate with anyone in the world, and so much more. You can achieve all these things, like you probably already have been doing for years, by connecting your computer to the Internet - also known as going online. Saying that a computer is online is just a quick way of saying that it has been connected to the Internet.

The World Wide Web:

In comes the World Wide Web. Most of us simply refer to the World Wide Web by its much shorter and sweeter name, the Web. So, what is the Web exactly? The Web is simply a collection of various different websites and pages that you and everyone else can access via the Internet. Our website is just one of the many that exists in the vast galaxy of the World Wide Web.

Of course, a websiteis made up of related text, images, and other resources that are relevant to what the website is about. Websites can resemble other forms of media such as newspaper articles or television programs and movies, or they can be interactive in a way that is unique to computers. The purpose of a website can be for almost anything. You can have a Food Blog, a News website, Advertising websites, Online Libraries, Forums, Image Sharing sites or a site like ours, where we aim to school you on everything to do with the internet!

Once you are connected to the Internet via a computer or device, you can access and view millions of websites using a web browser. Think Safari, Chrome, Firefox. Do keep in mind, however, that a web browser itself is not the Internet; it simply displays websites that are already stored on the Internet.

How Does The Amazing Internet Work?

Now that we know what the internet and the Web is, we need to know how the internet actually works. The exact and in-depth answer to this is pretty dry and complicated. Not to mention, explaining it in great detail would take us hours, and we know you don’t have hours to spare.  Instead, let's look at some of the key things you should know about how the internet works.

It is important to note  that the Internet is a global network of physical cables, some of which include TV cables, copper telephone wires and fiber optic cables. Even wireless connections such as Wi-Fi and 3G/4G connections on your smartphone rely on these physical cables to actually be able to access the Internet. When you log on to your favourite website, your computer will send a request over to said wires/cables which then sends it to a server. A server is where websites are stored, works very much in the same way to your computer's hard drive. Once the request arrives, the server retrieves the website you are looking for and then proceeds to send the correct data back to your computer. Just think for a second - all this happens in a mere split second. How cool is that?

Other Random Bits & Bobs

One of the best and most adored features of the Internet is the ability to communicate literally anyone around the world, whether that be via  email or Social Media. On top of that, there are thousands of things you can do on the internet to ensure that you never have a dull moment. Whether it is online shopping, learning off tutorials, watching TV shows and movies, streaming music, paying bills or managing your bank account, you can be sure that you will never run out of things to do on the internet.

What Can You Do On The Internet?

Above, we have just skimmed the surface of what you can do on the internet. In this section of the article, we will look a little deeper into the numerous things you, your friends and your family can do with the internet - it’s the gift that keeps on giving!

Education and Finding Information Online

One of the best things about the internet is the ability for us to find out information about basically any and everything imaginable. With the billions of websites that are  online today, you can be sure that there is a lot of information on the Internet. Search Engines such as Bing or Google help us make information easier to find. All you have to do is type some keywords into a search bar, and the search engine will look for relevant websites. I’m pretty sure most of us already do this multiple times a day. If we need to know a fact, find out information about what is happening in the world or need to find out where the nearest Thai takeaway is, chances are, we head to Google because it holds all the answers we are looking for.

Emails

Email is a short form term for electronic mail, which is a way to send and receive messages across the Internet. Almost all of us who use the Internet has an email account, known as an email address. Email addresses are essential in this day and age as you need them to sign up for accounts, for online banking and so much more. Emails are the backbone of most corporate communications, and is still as relevant today as they were 20 years ago.

Social Networking

Without a doubt, we live in the era of Social Networking. Social Networking is a way in which we can communicate and connect with our friends and family all across the world. Rather than sharing with just a few people over private emails, social networks allows us to connect and share with a whole group of people at the same time. Of course, Facebook is currently the world's largest social networking site, with over1 billion users worldwide. Other popular Social Networking websites are Instagram, Myspace and LinkedIn, though LinkedIn is used mainly for the business and corporate world.

Instant Messaging

Chances are you use apps such as Facebook Messenger and Whatsapp to connect with your friends and family. Instant Messages are short messages that are sent and read in real time, allowing you to communicate a lot more quickly with people. Instant messages are generally used when both parties are online, so that messages can be read immediately. In comparison, emails are usually only seen when recipients check their inboxes, making it a slower process overall.

Online Media

Online Media such as movies/shows on Netflix, Hulu, Stan and other platforms are something that all of us engage in nowadays. Aside from shows, we also stream music on apps such as Spotify, Pandora and Apple Music. Guess what? We have the internet to thank for this!

Errands and Tasks

Aside from all that has already been mentioned, the internet is also a fantastic way for us to efficiently get our errands and tasks done. Need to manage your bank account or pay bills? You can definitely do that on the internet. Need to order a big shop from the Supermarket? You can do that too, all in the comfort of your own home.

How Do I Connect To The Internet?

If you don’t already have a connection to the internet, fret not. Connecting to the internet is not a mammoth task, as long as you know the few things you need to do and get sorted. In Australia, most of us already are or will be connected to the NBN very soon. The NBN, or National Broadband Network, is a government owned network that aims to provide all us Australians with a reliable, fast and efficient broadband connection, regardless where you are in Australia. The NBN runs on  a fibre-optic, fixed wireless and satellite infrastructure which aims to replace all existing broadband infrastructure with faster and more reliable broadband services to all homes and businesses across the nation.

So, Can I Get The NBN?

Chances are, yes you can. But of course, this is highly dependent on the NBN rollout map.Whilst the NBN is aimed to reach almost all residential and business properties by 2020, it does take time to get everything up and working for the entire nation. The easiest way to check if your home is in an NBN accessible area is to head over to the NBN Rollout Map. This easy to use and understand map just requires you to type your address in, and it will let you know if NBN services are currently already available in your area, or otherwise, if building has commenced already.

How Do I Connect To The NBN?

Once you have found out that your area is NBN eligible, it’s now time to actually get connected to it. Doing this is relatively simple. First of all, you will need a NBN compatible modem as well as a technician appointment to get equipment installed at your property. Some ISPs offer free NBN compatible modems when signing up to their NBN plans, or will offer customers compatible modems which they can purchase and install themselves.

Next, you will need a technician to pay your home a visit to gets things up and running. Based on your type of connection and the availability of technicians in the area, appointments could be anywhere from one day to a whole month after you request one. However, most times, it will take an average of 5-10 business days.  Once a technician arrives at your home and does the needed installations of various equipment, you should be able to connect to the NBN almost immediately.

What Is The Cloud?

You may have heard terms such as the cloud, cloud computing, or cloud storage flying around all over the place. In fact, you may already be using a Cloud service to store your files and photos on. But what exactly is this cloud that we speak of? Simply put, the cloud is the Internet...or more specifically, it is all of the things you have the ability to access remotely over the Internet. When something is in the cloud, it means that it is stored on Internet servers instead of your computer's hard drive. This gives you access to information and files even when you are not on your own computer or device.

Why Use The Cloud?

Good question. Well, one of the main reasons to use the cloud are for your own convenience and reliability. Take for example, if you've ever used a web-based email service, such as Gmail or Outlook, you've already used the cloud. All emails stored in a web-based service are stored on servers rather than on your computer's hard drive. This is why you can access your emails from any computer or device. If they were stored in your hard drive, you’d be slapping yourself each time you didn’t bring your computer out with you. This also ensures that you will be able to recover emails should your computer burn out.

Secondly, using the cloud allows you to store files, share them and backup data. You can store all types of information in the cloud, including files, photos and email. You also have the capability to share files with several people at the same time. Finally, you can use the cloud to protect your data and files. Apps such as Carbonite automatically backup your datato the cloud, ensuring that even if your computer gets stolen or damaged, you will still be able to recover your files.

Using A Web Browser

Last but not least, it’s time for us to touch on how one can go about using a web browser. Remember, a web browser is an application such as Chrome or Safari. No matter which web browser you use, you'll want to learn the basics. Let’s look into Navigation, Tabbed Browsing, Bookmarks and more. 

URL/Address Bar

You have to start somewhere, and this somewhere is the URL/Address bar in your browser. When you type a website’s URL or address into the browser's address bar and press Enter on your keyboard, the browser will load the page associated with that URL and hey presto, your website appears!

Links

Whenever you see text that has been underlined in blue, you’ll know that is a link. Clicking on a link will navigate you to a different page, post or website, depending on each individual situation. You may also notice that your cursor changes into a hand icon whenever you hover over a link.

Navigation Buttons

The Back and Forward buttons on your browser allow you to move back and forth between websites you've recently viewed. You can also click and hold either button to see your recent internet history. There is also a Refresh button which will reloadthe current page you are on. If a website stops working, try hitting Refresh!

Tabbed Browsing

Most browsers now allow you to open multiple links in new tabs. You can open as many links as you want, and they'll all stay in the same browser window. To open a link in a new tab, right-click the link and select Open link in new tab (wordings may vary from browser to browser). To close a tab, click the “x” on it. To create a new blank tab, click the button to the right of any open tabs.

Bookmarks/History

Really enjoy a page and want to save it for later? This is where Bookmarks come in handy. Simply locate and select the Star icon to bookmark the current website you are on. Your browser will also keep a history of all the websites you visit, in case you have forgotten a URL and need to find it again. To view your history, open your browser settings and select History.

File Downloads

Links can sometimes open to a File Download. This happens when you are downloading Photos or Documents sent to you via email. If you click a link to a file, it may download automatically, but sometimes it just end up opening within your browser instead of downloading into your computer. If you want to prevent this from happening, you can right-click on the link and select Save link as (some browsers may use slightly different terminology, like Save target as).

Saving Images

Sometimes, we find a funny or informative image that we just need to save. You can simply do this by right clicking on an image and then selecting “Save Image As”. You can then choose the destination it is to be saved in or even rename the file for easy reference.

Plugins

Plug-ins are small applications that assist you in viewing certain types of content within your web browser. A good example would be Adobe Flash that is often used to play videos, whilst  Adobe Reader is used to view PDF files. If you don't already have the correct plug-in for a website, your browser will usually prompt you with a link to download it. There may also be times when you need to update your plug-ins, so always keep note of that.

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And there you have it, the Internet in a nutshell. Amazing, isn’t it? How did people live without the internet 50 years ago? They must have been so incredibly bored! Have any questions for us? Don’t hesitate to head over to our website or contact us today. 

The Ultimate Guide to Shopping Online

• What Is Online Shopping?
• Why Do We Purchase online?
• Searching And Researching Your Products

Amrita Bala

11/10/2017 04:18 PM

Most of us these days purchase things online without thinking twice. In this day and age, online shopping is a dominant force to be reckoned with. Have you made an online purchase in the past weer or month? Chances are, your answer is yes. In today’s Ultimate Guide To Shopping Online, we will cover all the essentials you need to know to have the most positive experience on ecommerce websites. Whether you are looking to purchase your weekly groceries online or are a tech geek who is looking for the best deals on electronics you can find, this article will give you a little more insight as to what exactly online shopping is and how you can make the best use out of it. Grab a cup of tea, a biscuit and read on to find out more.

What Is Online Shopping?

Online shopping is such an ubiquitous part of our lives in this era that sometimes we don’t pause to think about what online shopping actually is. To put it simply, online shopping is when someone chooses to purchase an item or experience/activity over the internet. All financial transactions are made online to the retailer, whether that be through a Credit Card purchase, a Paypal purchase or a Direct Debit transfer.

The spend on digital products and services is a hugely significant and increasing part of our personal and household budgets. In fact, it is said that in 2017, 96% of us Australians have already made a purchase online over the past twelve months. The largest areas in which we tend to splash our money out on online are homewares, groceries, media and fashion.

Why Do We Purchase online?

The biggest growth when it comes to online purchases year-on-year is in the food industry. Even when in a physical grocery or food store, there is an increased appeal in the digitalisation of the physical shopping experience. Over a quarter of Australians find the idea of shopping online, especially for food, appealing. This was particularly driven by younger Australians, who may not have the time in the week to go out and do a weekly shop. With services such as Woolworths, Coles, Marley Spoon, Your Grocer and Hello Fresh now available to consumers, it is no wonder everyone would rather spend their precious time with friends and family, rather than picking food out at the supermarket.

Aside from the aspect of convenience, another appeal of shopping online is the fact that consumers are given the ability to compare prices in a matter of a few minutes. Imagine having to go to every single store by foot, just to check the price difference of the same items. Most of us would find the idea of doing this completely abysmal. However, with the internet and ecommerce stores, you can compare prices almost instantly and with the click of a button. This can ensure that the consumer is getting the best deal that their money can buy, all whilst still getting the convenience of items being delivered to your doorstep.

For those who want to avoid stores during crazy sales periods, online shopping is a godsend. If you are anything like me, you cringe at the idea of having to swoop through crowds in a busy shopping centre or store. With online shopping, you can shop for all your necessities in the quiet of your own home, without having to deal with the swarms of people at brick-and-mortar stores. An addes bonus that consumers tend to mention as well is that online purchases are discreet. Whether it is purchasing intimate items or something that you would rather others not see, shopping online gives you the ultimate privacy of ensuring that no one else knows what you are purchasing.

Searching And Researching Your Products

Searching For An Item

The first challenge of online shopping is of course, finding an ecommerce store that stocks exactly what you are looking for. Of course, as we know, in this day and age, you can practically find anything online. With that said, the first step towards going purchase crazy is to find a reliable and trustworthy website that provides you with all the items you need, paired with secure payment.

So, how do you go about finding the right website? First of all, like almost all of us on the internet, you will probably want to head towards a Google search.  Typing in the name of the product category or the specific product you’d like to buy into the Google search bar will reward you with hundreds upon hundreds of search engine results that will cater to your needs. The great thing about Google is that you know the higher a search result has ranked, the more reliable and popular it is probably going to be. Still can’t find what you are looking for? If so, don’t forget to add terms such as “buy online” or “online store”, to your search terms if your first search doesn’t give you what you need. Keywords are, well, the key to directing yourself to the right websites.

Another perk of a Google search is that should an online retailer have a Google Plus page, both the page and its reviews will pop up on the right hand side of your search results. Thus,  not only has your search query led you to a variety of retailers to choose from, but it has also given you the opportunity to check out their reviews and ratings before you make up your mind on where exactly to shop online.

Secondly, word of mouth is a fantastic way of finding out about some great websites online. If you know someone who has made purchases online, go ahead and ask them about their experience, their favourite websites to shop on and so forth. You can be sure that if someone has had a negative experience, they will let you know. Word of mouth is one of the most reliable ways to gauge if a website or online retailer will be able to match your needs.

If you are still looking for more ways to find a product or online retailer, head to Sensis, which is essentially the online version of the White and Yellow Pages. Once on the website, select the Yellow Pages tab and perform a search for the business type and location. Many Sensis search results include a link to company websites and if the company has an online store, you can follow the link to it directly.

Researching An Item

Once you have found the products you are looking for, a great and advised idea would be to research the product. After all, unlike a regular physical retail store, you can’t actually touch and play with a product that you buy online. It can also be harder to return it when purchasing online, so you want to ensure that you don’t have to deal with pesky returns as much as possible.

Some great resources at your disposal are Youtube reviews, Facebook reviews and websites such as Product Review which can often provide you with thousands of useful reviews on both products and services that you can purchase online. Similarly, some shopping sites such as Amazon have a great reviews section for all their products, and can verify that reviews are left by genuine buyers and not competitors or the company themselves. Other options you can look into are Choice and Cnet.

Tips For Buying Online

Of course, like most things in life, shopping online is not without potential pitfalls. In order to prevent these pitfalls from occurring, you will have to stay vigilant when on the internet. Below are some guidelines that you can follow that you may find useful in protecting yourself whilst online shopping.

• Choose reputable companies that you have heard of before and that have a good reputation. It is advised to avoid purchasing online on websites which you have not heard of before. 
• Check that the company or retailer has an actual address, not just a PO box •
• Drop the company a phone call in order to check that their phone number works and that you aren’t just directed straight to voicemail.
• Trust your instincts – if a website seems dubious or suspicious, check the company’s credentials or shop elsewhere. A badly maintained website is usually a sign of an unreliable retailer or service.
• Compare prices between different websites and shops before making your final purchase.
• Check for an itemised price list that includes postage costs, and check what currency the price is in. It is also advices that you check the company’s return or refund policy should you need to make a return in the future.
• Check for a privacy policy to ensure that the retailer or company will not forward your personal information to marketing companies.
• Avoid shopping on public or shared computers, such as those at libraries and internet cafes, or on unsecure public WiFi networks (often called WiFi hotspots ).
• Do not enter your credit card details into a website that doesn’t seem secure. It is good to note that secure websites will start with a https page address in the internet browser and display a small green padlock in the address bar. Always look out for this before entering your bank or credit card details in.
• Double-check your order before pressing the Confirm or Buy button, and remember to only press the buy button once, in order to prevent multiple purchases or transactions from being charged to your credit card.
• Lastly,  print receipts of all transactions and store them in a safe area.

Do keep in mind that if you are buying from an international online store, always remember to check the currency, exchange rate and delivery cost as these may wipe out any price advantages. It is also good to note that you may have to anticipate long (and unpredictable) delivery times, so if you are looking for a quick retail fix, you may want to purchase on domestic websites instead. Other countries also use different power plugs and voltages, so electronic equipment may not be compatible with Australian standards. On top of that, there may be other incompatibilities as well. One example is how US mobile phones may not work on Australian networks.

How To Pay For Things Online

One of the most obvious and most common ways for anyone to pay for their purchases online is via their Credit Card. Because Credit and Debit Cards are the most common way of paying for purchases,  if you plan on doing any serious online shopping, you will definitely need to sign up for one! An online store will ask you for your credit card name, number, expiry and possibly CCV (card code verification; that is the three or four digit number on the back or front of the card). They will also ask what type of card it is (MasterCard, VISA, American Express etc.) before you can finally submit your payment for the items purchased.

Another common way of paying for purchases online is via PayPal. PayPal is a very reliable online service that adds a thick layer of security between you and an online store, for your own peace of mind. You can create a PayPal account for free and you can either purchase PayPal credits, or give PayPal your credit card number directly. When you choose PayPal as a payment option on an online store, the store will redirect you to the PayPal website, where you log in and authorise the transaction. PayPal then deducts the funds from your PayPal credits or directly from your credit card. This saves you from having to give the online retailer your personal credit card details aiding in the prevention of overcharging and fraud. PayPal is particularly popular on auction sites such as eBay where you are dealing with everyday people rather than businesses.

Lastly, there is BPay. BPay is a service that provides direct funds transfer from your bank account to another. BPay payments can be made using your online banking service and you can also use phone banking to make BPay payments. Most usually use BPay for paying utility bills. The store or biller gives you a biller code and a bill reference number which you will need when making your payment online.

Where to Shop

Now that you are familiar with the ins and outs of online shopping, in comes the fun part - the actual shopping. Below we have listed some of the best online retailers for Fashion, Beauty, Technology, Travel Food and Gifts. Have a look, and shop to your heart’s content!

Fashion

ASOS: Asos is a global fashion giant for both men and women with an Australian warehouse and hundreds of brands. Free shipping for orders over $40, and returns up to 28 days and student discounts.

MISSGUIDED: Young, fun, affordable fashion, brands like Kookai at a low price. Australian store offers free shipping for orders over $40, returns up to 100 days, express delivery for $9 and student discounts.

THE ICONIC: Australian-based website with super-fast three-hour delivery in Sydney and Melbourne, free overnight shipping and free returns within 100 days. Brands include Finders Keepers and River Island.

PRINCESS POLLY: On-trend fashion at a reasonable price. Free express shipping for orders over $50, returns up to 30 days and free returns on orders of $100 or more. Ten per cent off if you sign up for the newsletter.

SHOPBOP: Hundreds of designers from “the editors of what’s cool”. Free express delivery for orders over $100 and returns for up to 30 days.

BOOHOO: Urban, youthful fashion for men and women at low prices, with 100 new pieces launched each day. Free shipping over $40, returns up to 30 days, student discounts.

Beauty

STRAWBERRY NET: Hundreds of cosmetics and beauty products, free shipping worldwide for skincare and makeup, free returns within 30 days and discounts of up to 70 per cent off some top brands. Loyalty program available with 10% discounts.

PRICELINE: Australian store with popular makeup brands, fragrances and health products. Free delivery for orders over $100 or more and loyalty programs.

Technology

DWI: Massive range of amateur and professional digital cameras, smartphones, tablets and other gadgets. Free shipping to metro areas, dispatched within 24 hours and live chat customer service is available.

MICROSOFT: Major player offers free shipping on computers, phones, tablets and accessories and returns up to 14 days.

Travel

HOTELS. COM: Hotels.com is home to thousands of hotels with Tripadvisor reviews pulled in alongside your search. Rewards program earns you free stays with every 10 nights booked, 24/7 customer service.

WOTIF: Over 13 million rooms on offer plus flights and special packages advertised in the newsletter. “Mystery hotels” offer even greater savings.

CONTIKI: Epic guided tours and experiences for the intrepid 18- to 35-year-old traveller. Hundreds of tours available in five continents and 10 to 25 per cent off sale on now.

Gifts

EBAY: The original and still one of the most popular, eBay sells everything from collectibles to sporting goods. Save hundreds of dollars on new designer clothing if you know exactly what you want, and order new or refurbished electronics for a fraction of the price.

THE BOOK DEPOSITORY: Millions of titles at cheap prices and free shipping worldwide. Why bother with the library when orders are dispatched within two days of ordering?

PETITE GRAND: Luxury Australian brand selling beautiful jewellery. Shipping is $6 within Australia.

WOW HD: Australian site with extensive list of cheap vinyl for music lovers, as well as cheap DVDs and CDs. Free shipping on everything.

MY MESSY ROOM: Adorable clothes, books, toys and homeware for children. Beautiful wrapping for gifts and free delivery on orders over $150.

KOGAN: A popular Australian company selling electronics, homeware, appliances and more at discount prices. Fourteen-day money-back guarantee.

The Ultimate Guide to Moving Home

• Planning For The Move
• Choosing A Removalist
• The Removal Checklist

Amrita Bala

10/10/2017 04:49 PM

Moving homes can often be both an invigorating, exciting yet also highly stressful experience for many of us. For those who have shifted homes in the past, you will know what we are talking about. Stress and anxiety levels can easily take over during periods of change, and most of us find ourselves feeling overwhelmed and engulfed by the number of things that are expected of us during this period of change. Feel the beads of sweat already dripping down your face? Well, grab a handkerchief and stop worrying because our Ultimate Guide To Moving Home is here to save the day. In this article, we will look into how you can stay organised, ahead of the game and stress free whilst moving homes. Dead set on not pulling your hair out or screaming at your dear partner during your house move? Well, it’s time you read on to find out more! 

Planning For The Move

You know what they say, failure to plan is planning for failure. As cliched as that may sound, it is oh so true. When it comes to moving, a lot of the work start in the planning process. You can’t ensure a smooth move without building the foundations first. So, what exactly do you have to plan for?  

Pre-Approval and Home Loans

First and foremost, obtaining a moving home loan using a specialised mortgage broker is an absolute integral part to your entire moving process. This is to ensure that you will be able to afford your new property without breaking the bank as well as make repayments that will suit your budgeting plans. Pre-approval is also highly recommended, especially if you are considering buying your new home via an auction. Pre-approvals can be done before you even begin looking for your new home, in order to give you a rough estimate of how much you will likely be able to spend on your new property.  Of course, home buying processes and laws differ from state to state, so it is essential that you speak to a qualified mortgage adviser to ensure that you are doing everything by the book - whether that is loan legislation or stamp duty payments. 

Create A Game Plan 

It is always advised that you plan for the move way before the actual day of the move. Constructing a moving strategy before actually shifting your whole household will indefinitely cut stress levels down by great amounts for not just you, but your family too. Moving experts recommend that you commence packing almost immediately after purchasing your new home. Organising a rubbish removal is also advised, to help you get rid of all the things that you may no longer want.  Lastly, we highly recommend creating a floor plan for your new home so that you will know exactly where your furniture goes, making it easier for movers to place things in the correct place the first time, instead of having to spend more time moving things around after.

Choosing A Removalist

Once you have a solid game plan, the time has come to choose a removalist. A quick Google search will bring you a flood of various companies, individuals and moving services that are available in your area. With so many at your disposal, you may just stare blankly at the computer screen, wondering where to begin or who to contact first. After all, you want to ensure that your precious furniture and belongings are in good hands. 

Believe it or not, the most expensive removalist is not always the best one. In the world of movers, paying premium prices does not equate to a better service. Higher prices may ensure that a team of well dressed movers rock up at your front door, but it doesn’t mean that you will get the best removalist service just because their moving truck looks fancy and new. So, what should you be prioritising when choosing the best removalist for your needs?

Level Of Care

When moving previous and expensive items from one home to another, nothing is more important than the level of care and respect given to your belongings. You want your items to reach your new property in one piece, not in a hundred shards. To ensure that there are no breakages, your removalists need to treat everything with care and respect. This includes expertly wrapping your items with bubble wrap and packing them tightly into the back of the moving van. Every item of yours needs to be handled with kid gloves. 

But alas, nothing in this world is perfect and accidents do indeed happen sometimes. We’re all human, so to keep yourself sane, you should also choose a removalist who offers a reasonable insurance policy for any breakages or damage to your items. A reliable removalist should and will be covered for unexpected events that might occur, such as unexpected road collisions. Always ask your removalist of choice to go into the details of their coverage before actually booking their service. 

Cost

Of course, we don’t want you going out and breaking the bank on a removal service alone.  It is always good to know exactly how much you will be set back before you actually commit to using the services of a removalist. Prior to your moving day, you should be provided with a breakdown of costs, including any additional extras. Most good services will offer you a quote if you call them, or have a handy quote calculator on their website. These calculators are just an estimate, however, as it is nearly impossible to calculate the total cost of your move. 

Every move is different, and your move will not cost the same amount as the next person’s move. Factors such as the volume of your contents, size of the moving truck, the number of trips needed and the distance between the pickup and drop off point will all affect your costs accordingly. As a general rule, you can expect to be forking out $500-$600 to shift into a one or two bedroom home, and between $700-$800 to shift into a three/four bedroom home. Prices vary from state to state, and additional costs may be incurred if your property is difficult to access. 

Check Up On Online Reviews

Last but not least, you will want to have a look at online reviews when choosing a removalist. With Google Reviews, Facebook and so many other websites out there that give people the opportunity to speak their mind and give their honest opinions about services, you just have to spend some time looking up your removalist of choice. If you find glowing testimonials, then it should be safe to say that the service is excellent and you can finally secure your removalist service. 

Packing Tips

Here comes the (not so) fun part. I for one, used to absolutely abhor packing and I’m pretty sure most of us share the same sentiments. That is, of course, until I came across a medley of highly useful tips given to me from removalists, friends, family and online resources. Below is a list of tips that we have found to really aid in the packing process. 

First Of All, Decide on Your Packing Needs

Choose which belongings you will be packing on your own, and what belongings should be left to the professional packets. This helps you stay organised and doesn’t add unnecessary pressure and worry to an already stressful situation. 

Source Packing Supplies and Materials

Ensuring that you have access to quality moving boxes is key. On top of boxes, you will want to have a good supply of bubble wrap, newspapers, packing tape, marker pens and zip-loc bags at your disposal, in order to avoid untimely and last minute shopping trips. 

Create A System

Always remember to label every single box that you pack items into. This helps you stay organised, and will assist you in making the process of unpacking later on a lot easier. Using a colour coded system to designate room destination is a great way of keeping organised. 

Distribute Weight

Always remember when packing, you will want to distribute the weight of your items well. Heavy items go at the bottom of a box, with lighter things on top. This ensures that no one breaks their back trying to lift a box, and that none of your boxes come undone in the moving process. Also remember to avoid overloading boxes.

Empty Drawers and Chests Out

As tempting as it is to just move a chest of drawers, contents and all, you will want to avoid doing so. Furniture is not designed to be move, especially not when it is loaded with your belongings in it. Added weight increases the chances of your drawers and chests getting damaged on the way to your new property. 

Save On Space

When moving, you’ll want to save on space. This is why items such as vacuum-bags are such a godsend. You can seal up out of season clothing, bed linens and towels in vacuum bags to save space and costs when packing. It is also advised to flat pack or dismantle furniture where possible, to ensure ease of transport. 

Careful With The Delicates

When it comes to dinner plates, it is always advised to store them upright (like you would in a dishwasher), to ensure the lowest chances of anything breaking. When it comes to sharp items such as knives, ensure that sharp edges are well insulated, so no one gets hurt. With glassware and crystals, always remember to pack them in newspaper, bubble wrap and label boxes with a “Fragile” sticker so that everyone knows to be extra careful. 

Consider The First Night

It took you days, maybe even weeks to pack; likewise, it is going to take you weeks to unpack. This is why it is very important to ensure that you have all that you need for your first night in your new home. Keep essentials in your luggage, or in designated “essentials” boxes. This way, you don’t have to unpack 200 boxes at the end of a tiring day in order to find your toaster, kettle, toothbrush, toiletries and clothing. 

Getting Your New Home Ready

With packing underway, removalist appointments booked and everything on its way to moving success, one of the last things you will need to focus your attention on is ensuring that your new home is ready to move in to. What does this mean? This means ensuring that your new property is hooked up to electricity, water, gas, broadband internet and all other essentials that you will need in the home. In Australia, it is your own responsibility to do this, so it is advised that you get on it before you even move into the home. 

Arranging An Electricity Connection

The process of connecting your new home with electricity will be dependant on whether you are connecting to the energy network for the first time or if you’re simply transferring the existing connection into your own name. If your new home is already connected to a gas/electricity network, all you will need to do is choose a supplier of your liking and set up an account with them. However, if you are connecting the home for the first time, you will need to contact your energy distributor in the first instance. Once you have arranged for a connection to their network, you can browse through suppliers. 

Which Supplier Should I Choose?

Depending on where you live, you should be able to browse and shop around for the best deals when it comes to electricity and gas. Consumers in NSW, QLD, VIC, ACT or SA are free to choose their energy and gas suppliers. If you are in TAS, you may have a much more limited variety of suppliers to choose from. Lastly, if you are in NT or WA, unfortunately, there is no option to switch suppliers for the time being. 

For those who are in a position to switch, using a comparison service can help you have a look at which suppliers offer a more competitive deal on electricity and gas in your new home. If you don’t make the decision, you will automatically be signed up to the energy supplier that the previous owner used. This may not be the best option for your needs or budget, so it’s best to put some time into shopping around for the best supplier before you move in. 

Getting Connected

Once you have chosen your supplier, you will have to arrange for your electricity/gas supply to be connected to the new property. This is usually just a case of getting in touch with the supplier on the phone so that they can help you with the connection process. It is better to do this in advance as suppliers may need a minimum time frame to get your new home connected. Starting the process sooner rather than later will help  to ensure a smooth transition of energy and gas in your new home. 

Arranging a new Broadband Internet Connection when moving home

Don't be left discconected when moving to your new home. When choosing a new broadband connection for your new home make sure you are well and truly prepared as it can take upto 21 business days to get this sorted. This is obviously dependent on the connection available at your new address. You can consider transferring your current provider to your new home, whether that be Telstra, Belong, Mate or any other broadband provider but it's a good time to use a service like ours at Compare Broadband to see what is the most suitable internet plan for your data usage and for your budget.

Click here to use our free tool which can give you a list of providers based on your postcode and your needs for setting up a new broadband internet plan when you are moving home. You can also scroll to the top of page and commence your search there as well. 

The Removal Checklist 

Lastly, the checklist. Any super organised person always has a checklist to ensure that everything is running smoothly and on time, so here is your very own Removal Checklist. 

1. 6 Weeks To Go

• Book a removal company. 
• Investigate your Insurance options with your removalist.
• Create a floor plan of your new home and plan the placement of furniture. 
• Look at your present furniture and arrange to sell (garage sale, ebay) items that will not be needed in your new property. 
• Plan your packing - discuss your removal requirements with the removal company. 
• Organise the delivery of boxes from your removalist so you can pack yourself if you choose. 
• Organise proper equipment such as tape, labels, bubble wrap, marking pens etc

2. International Move

• If you are travelling overseas, ensure passports and travel documents are up to date and in a safe place. 
• Select a removalist capable of international relocation and work with them closely to make sure all your documentation is filled out correctly and at the right time.

3. 2 Weeks To Go

• Check the garden, garage, shed and check under the house. 
• Hold a garage sale or speak to your removalists about getting rid of unwanted items, to dump or to sell. 
• Use up all frozen foods in the freezer, unless you are moving locally. 
• Dispose of garden chemicals, paints, fuel and other flammable items as suggested by the supplier. Have BBQ cylinders purged by a certified Gas Cylinder Test Station. 
• Make arrangements to have pets looked after for at least 2 days before you move. If you are moving interstate, book a Pet Transporter through your removal company. Make sure your pets have all been vaccinated before you move. 
• Start packing this week if you are doing it yourself. 
• Label every carton by room identification. Keep a separate list of the contents for your own reference. 
• Contact family, friends and businesses regarding your change of address.
•  Check the list of essential contacts and begin to work through these to change your address.
• If any furniture needs to be dismantled, begin to do this this week. Put all bolts and screws and other small attachments that make up this furniture into a small self sealing bag and tape to the base of the item, or, label clearly and place in one box that will contain all items of this kind. 
• If you are driving your car any distance to the new address, have the vehicle checked. 
• Arrange telephone, electricity, gas and water supplies for your new home. 
• Return library books and videos/DVD’s and items borrowed from friends. 
• If a boat or trailer is being included in the load, make sure all items within the boat are secured.
• Purchase a street directory of the city or town your are moving to, essential if you are moving to one of the major cities.

4. 1 Week To Go

• Arrange with the Post Office to have all your mail redirected. Cancel newspapers and any other deliveries being made to your present home. 
• Make a list of things to do on Moving Day. 
• Establish cut off or final reading dates for electricity, water, phone, and gas. 
• Collect any articles that are being repaired or have been loaned out. 
•  Dispose of any articles that did not sell at the garage sale or on ebay. 

5. 2 Days To Go

• Arrange the necessary finances for payments on moving day. 
• If travelling any distance by car , check oil, water, tyres etc. 
• Pack luggage and essentials for the first night. Collect dry cleaning. 
• If you are keeping blinds or curtains, take these down now and pack them. 
• Conclude your packing. Make sure all items are on your inventory, and each box is numbered and matches your inventory.

6. One Day To Go

• If you are having things professionally packed, this will happen today as per your instructions. Separate any items you have packed and will be taking with you, from those to be packed, and place in an area from which they will not be collected, such as your car if you are driving. This includes all jewellery, handbags, cameras, documents, etc. Defrost and clean out your fridge and freezer. 
• Dispose of food items that are open and will go off if not unpacked within 2 days. Wash and dry all dishes ready for packing. 
• Clean out your medicine cabinet and properly dispose of unwanted drugs. 
• Check all your drawers and remove items that are heavy, breakable or hold liquid. 
• Prepare your washing machine according to the manufacturer's specifications. 
• Leave your forwarding address and contact number for the new owners/occupants of your house.
•  If the house will be vacant for a while, notify the police and neighbour.

7. Day Of The Move

• When removalist arrives, make sure they know where they can park their vehicles. If you can’t be there, you will need to appoint an agent to act on your behalf. 
• Show removalists the home and tell them exactly what you want done. Show them what you will want as soon as you arrive at the new house. They can pack these items last. 
• Pack yourself an essentials kit with toiletries, tea, coffee, milk and other drinks, personal items, first aid kit, spare clothing, tea towels and other dish cleaning equipment. If you still have pets at home, make sure they are confined and keep children out of the removalists way. 
• Collect all house keys and keep out of the removalists way. 
• Place all items that are being transported by yourself securely in your car boot out of sight, locking all doors and keeping your keys in your pocket. If renting, keep keys in the car ready to be delivered to the agent as you leave. 
• Make a final check of all cupboards, cabinets and storage areas to make sure nothing has been left behind. 
• Make a final check in all sheds, and the garden area. Before the removalist leaves, walk around and check all areas.
•  If moving interstate or your goods are going to storage, check and then sign the inventory. 
• Turn off the power to the house, tighten all taps, make sure the gas and all electrical switches are off. Lock all doors and windows.

8. Your New Home

• If renting, look through the house before delivering furniture, documenting the state of the house in a conditional report. 
• Have the removalists place heavy furniture in the room and position you want it. It may be difficult to rearrange heavy items once they have gone. 
• If your goods are coming from storage, interstate or overseas, check the inventory carefully and sign off on it once satisfied all items on the list are accounted for.
•  Locate all keys to your new house. If you are concerned about security, arrange to have all the locks changed. 
• Check that the gas, power and telephone are connected. 
• Turn on the hot water system. 
• Ensure your pets will be safe while settling in. 
• When appropriate, speak with your immediate neighbours.
• Last but not least, ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME!