New House, Who Dis? Oh Right – Another Bill
- Nest
- Mar 30
- 2 min read
Updated: May 15
Moving house sounds like a fresh start… until the surprise expenses start sliding into your DMs like “hey, remember me?”
1. Accommodation limbo: You’re ready but your house isn’t
Delayed settlement, renovation hold-ups, and suddenly you're living out of a suitcase in an Airbnb, wondering where you packed your socks.
How to manage it:
Line up a few short-stay options before moving day, just in case (look for flexible cancellation policies).
Ask family or friends if you can crash temporarily (payment in wine or takeaway usually helps).
2. Storage: The Bermuda triangle of moving boxes
If you’re move in date is later than your move out date, or you need time to get your new house ready, you might need storage.
How to manage it:
Compare storage options early — mobile storage like TaxiBox can be more flexible and cost-effective.
Pack a “survival kit” with essentials so you don’t need to raid storage for your toothbrush or clean undies.
3. Cleaning Costs
Prepare to potentially need to clean both your old place on the way out, and the new place on the way in.
How to manage it:
Book your cleaners early — the good ones go fast at the end of each month.
Bundle services (cleaning + carpet steam) to get a better deal.
DIY? Make a cleaning checklist and set aside a full day — don’t underestimate how long it takes.
4. Furniture That Doesn’t Fit
New house, new layout… new problems. The fridge is too big. The couch won’t turn the corner. The bookshelf blocks the hallway. Cue emergency flat-pack shopping or a reluctant trip back to storage.
How to manage it:
Measure everything in advance — doorways, hallways, nooks, and crannies. Do this during a pre-settlement inspection.
Check the floor plan before moving day, and map where things will go.
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