Bought My First Home - Any Tips Before Moving In? + How to Avoid Bringing Carpet Moths

DontNeedThis on 22/10/2025 - 14:22
Last edited 22/10/2025 - 14:36

Hey OzB fam,

Bit of a milestone. I’ve just bought my first home! Super excited but also feeling a bit overwhelmed knowing nothing about what needs to be done before moving in. Would love to hear what you wish you’d done/bought before you moved into your first place.

Also… I’ve got a problem. My current rental has carpet moths. I’ve been vacuuming, treating, and washing what I can, but I’m worried they might hitch a ride in my clothes, rugs, or boxes and infest the new place.

Does anyone have tips to make sure they don’t come with me?

Appreciate any advice from others here!

Cheers & thanks in advance

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Dollar General on 22/10/2025 - 14:26
    +4

    Burn the carpet and anywhere else in the house they are.

    • Drakesy on 22/10/2025 - 19:10
      +1

      Go one further and burn the house.
      Guaranteed to get rid of them.

      • kiitos on 23/10/2025 - 07:25
        +5

        Nuke the site from orbit, it's the only way to be sure.

        • S Baldrick on 23/10/2025 - 12:10
          +1

          Game over, man. Game over!

        • Member 0230 on 23/10/2025 - 15:49

          Absolute classic, perfectly used 👊🏼

  • sumyungguy on 22/10/2025 - 14:26
    +5

    Pre-settlement inspection/walk-through

    • Dr Phil on 23/10/2025 - 07:51

      Before that sort out gas and electricty accounts!

  • randomusername2017 on 22/10/2025 - 14:51
    +4

    done/bought before you moved

    Insurance .

    • DontNeedThis on 22/10/2025 - 15:25

      Thanks, on it.

      • JIMB0 on 22/10/2025 - 16:52
        +6

        Get it prior to settlement (as in now), just incase something happens to it and the owner is an ozbargainer without insurance.

  • MS Paint on 22/10/2025 - 15:01

    Sounds like your rental might have natural fibre carpet eg. Wool.

    If your new place is synthetic carpet then a good steam clean before you move in will mostly eliminate anything they might be attracted to in your new place.

    • DontNeedThis on 22/10/2025 - 15:26

      How about clothes and other fabric material?

      • lgacb08 on 23/10/2025 - 11:34

        If they are onto them you already had those problems.

        • DontNeedThis on 23/10/2025 - 11:36

          Nope, it's been a known issue in the whole building.

  • garetz on 22/10/2025 - 15:01
    +1

    Burn everything.

    Make sure you dont buy things you dont need, buy furniture and white goods that suit you not the house.

    • DontNeedThis on 22/10/2025 - 15:26

      Thanks, I have almost everything.

    • ForkSnorter on 22/10/2025 - 15:51
      +6

      buy furniture and white goods that suit you not the house.

      Not sure what this means. The furniture should suit the house, because when you buy furniture for a house, you are creating spaces to be in.

  • vince088 on 22/10/2025 - 15:08
    +2

    Always get a Building and Pest inspection done

    • ihbh on 22/10/2025 - 16:51
      +3

      …before cooling off period.

  • foxmulder on 22/10/2025 - 15:10

    If you can buy solar panel systems, buy one now.

    • DontNeedThis on 22/10/2025 - 15:27

      Why now? I might be able to afford one in a few months. Are there any government schemes now that won't be there later?

      • foxmulder on 22/10/2025 - 15:58
        +2

        I meant now rather than years later or never.

        • joka on 22/10/2025 - 19:02
          -2

          And why one? I mean… one panel surely won’t generate enough electricity for much

          • illusion99 on 23/10/2025 - 11:48

            @joka: They said solar panel system not one solar panel. A system generally refers to the whole setup

  • ForkSnorter on 22/10/2025 - 15:49
    +11

    If the interior walls need painting, paint them before you move in. Easier than trying to get around your furniture after you've moved in. Also, give it a few days for the paint smell to go away before sleeping there.

    If there is carpet in the house, I'd remove it before moving in because I hate carpet. Just a haven for dust, dust mites and other creatures. It also creates its own dust. Probably a third of the dust in a carpeted house is from the carpet.

  • skid on 22/10/2025 - 15:50
    +1

    Buy a can of high performance insect spray and spray it on every edge of the carpet (where the skirting is) in the new home. Although it says it's for crawling insects, it'll kill moths too. It's long lasting too, and does not need a spray for another 6 months. Spray it after whatever carpet wash you'll do first and before the furniture goes in.

    • DontNeedThis on 22/10/2025 - 15:55

      Thanks. Is it safe for my dog?

      • skid on 22/10/2025 - 16:02

        Yes, it is. Don't let your dog lick it before it dries.

  • mrvaluepack on 22/10/2025 - 15:57
    +6

    Given the stories about the quality of current home builds in Australia, carpet moths are probably the least of your worries.

    • DontNeedThis on 22/10/2025 - 16:05
      +2

      Always with the positive energy! Thanks.

  • trustnoone on 22/10/2025 - 16:47
    +1

    what needs to be done before moving in

    Off the top of my head, I'd probably do a full clean/disinfect of the new place (maybe carpet steam?), make sure insurance and utilities are in place, work out where emergency stop items are (electricity board / main water meter / How to switch off any gas appliances) for times of emergency (and probably make sure you have postage redirect to your new place). If it helps, split apart what is immediate vs non-immediate so you don't worry so much about things that you have time to deal with.

    Does anyone have tips to make sure they don’t come with me?

    Not sure if it works but maybe look up how to deal with bedbugs as there is a lot of articles on those that I think might work similarly? Things like heat steaming all your clothes in a super hot wash/dry along with diatomaceous earth might be helpful. Maybe get some bin bags that you can stick un-needed items you are worried about into and place in garage for a few months before use when your ready to wash them fully.

  • soan papdi on 22/10/2025 - 16:58
    +2

    We cleaned all the central heating/cooling ducts when the house was empty. It was shocking how much dust had caked in there. Once you do that, put in a cleanable filter at the air-intake, will stop the ducts getting dirty again.

    • life is suffering on 22/10/2025 - 17:58

      Any company you'd recommend

      • soan papdi on 22/10/2025 - 18:00
        +2

        You're marked as being in Melbourne, so I can pass my guy's name but this is pretty routine work. Ask around for quotes and compare. PM me if you need the name. If the house is old, you can replace the vents/outlets too.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 22/10/2025 - 17:15
    +2

    Where did you buy with a ~20k deposit? https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/917384

    Bug bomb after you move your furniture and appliances in, but before you and pets move in.

    • life is suffering on 22/10/2025 - 17:58

      Woah

    • tenpercent on 22/10/2025 - 19:05

      Yeah. Maybe an apartment? They did say "home" not "house".

      @DontNeedThis, so which tips and "advise" from that other thread helped you out in the end?

  • runamuck on 22/10/2025 - 20:35
    -3

    Get a Feng Shui master to check out the house.

  • soan papdi on 22/10/2025 - 23:16

    In VIC, homes with carpet moths cannot be rented out again till the carpets are replaced and moths removed. You should write to the agent so it’s on record. If only there was a way to publicly record these facts to help future tenants

  • masteraj on 23/10/2025 - 08:40
    +1

    Pest control. It's much easier to spray the walls & windows with free access, and you don't have to juggle vacating the house with any animals for a few hours.

  • Shame on 23/10/2025 - 10:19

    Run a metal detector over the backyard if the previous owner was an old Italian or Greek.

  • Grunntt on 23/10/2025 - 10:54
    +3
    • Buy insurance now. (also find out if your contents insurance covers everything whilst in transit)
    • Change/rekey door and window locks. Have spare keys cut
    • Install deadlocks to all external doors (including garage to house door if there is direct access)
    • Pest treatment (inside and outdoors) as soon as possible - definitely well before moving in to let it air out
    • Repaint if needed
    • Remove any carpet (just my personal choice)
    • If not removing carpet, then have professional steam clean done
    • Clean inside all cupboards and drawers before placing anything in them
    • Forward all mail for the next 12 months (to make sure you don't miss any annual bills etc)
    • Check all of your default delivery addresses eg Amazon and remove the old one totally so it can't be used accidentally
    • Check with ISP if you can automatically transfer to new address (depending on connection type you may hopefully be able to upgrade speed)
    • Declutter before you move. Do not take anything that you really don't use. Much easier to get rid of unused items before rather than just continue storing them 'in the shed/cupboard/spare room'. Also makes the moving process much easier.
    • If it's a relatively short relocation save a bit of money by moving small or fragile items in your car over a few days and leave the bulkier/heavy items for the movers.
    • Don't buy anything you 'might' need until after you've moved. Then you'll know what you need and also not had to pack it and move it.
    • Don't cancel services at your old place for the same day in case you need to do anything there after it's empty
    • Make sure all services are connected on or before move in day (double check before the day again)
    • Also change address for your car insurance effective as of the day of moving as it will possible effect your premium (mine reduced by almost 15% last time)
    • If its a unit you may need to book elevator access with the strata manager for moving in day
    • Check the condition of the grout in wet areas (showers/baths etc) and replace if needed - it needs time to cure/set and you can't use the shower at that time
    • Replace the toilet seats
    • If needed - buy some temporary curtains
    • Label every box clearly with the name of the room it has to go into. Then unpack one room at a time so your new place doesn't look like something exploded
    • Have a first day box and take in your car - pack all of the bits you need in one place - eg toilet paper, kettle, couple of cups and plates, coffee etc Also any tools needed to reassemble beds etc
    • If you have pets - ask a friend to look after them for the day

    Oh - and congratulations on your first home.

    • DontNeedThis on 23/10/2025 - 11:43

      Thanks for this very complete list!
      What's grout and why would it need replacement? (Yes, I can use google, but I just wanted to double check).
      Why temporary curtains?
      Again, thanks for writing this up.

      • Grunntt on 23/10/2025 - 11:51

        The (usually) white sealant between the tiles. It's a reasonably easy job if you are a bit handy with simple tools.
        At least check the silicon that will be along the bottom edge where the tiles meet at the floor/wall junction and probably at the wall/wall junction. Quite often it can be pretty mouldy so it's easier to scrape it out and then reseal it.
        Also the silicon that usually between the kitchen splachback and the benchtop can get pretty grotty.

        Just easier to replace and have time to cure before you have to use the areas.

        An example of grout removal

        My wife replaced the grout in one large shower using a multitool just recently and it took about 3 hours in total - including breaks to let her back recover.

        • DontNeedThis on 23/10/2025 - 11:55

          Amazing, thanks.

          • Grunntt on 23/10/2025 - 11:58

            @DontNeedThis: The shower is about 2.7m high by about 1.4m square. So 2 walls and the floor.

      • sumyungguy on 23/10/2025 - 11:58
        +1

        Quality window furnishings cost an absolute fortune; often the existing ones get stolen by the vendor which you'll find out if you do a pre-settlement inspection; but you won't be able to do anything about it. So a temporary solution will tide you over until you decide what type of curtains/blinds/window film/shutters/external shades you'd prefer and when you're able to cash flow them.

        • Grunntt on 23/10/2025 - 12:02

          We had that exact experience with our first house. A large blanket hung from a couple of nails into the top of the window frame in the bedroom and lounge worked for our first month there until we got ourselves organised.

          • sumyungguy on 23/10/2025 - 12:21
            +1

            @Grunntt: Same, sheets hung from nails literally for years. Pleased to see there now "elegant" cheap solutions

  • Pumpkin_rrr on 23/10/2025 - 11:20

    Welldone and Congrats! How exciting!
    Good list from Grunntt, except I love carpet, for the sound-proof and warmth. Just dont get natural wool if you're afraid of carpet moth.

    My tips involve relationship: try to make friends with your neighbours of all 4 sides.
    If it's a Strata, join the Committee and learn as quickly as possible.
    Get a Pre-Inspection Checklist for the building. If you have someone you trust, bring the with you.
    If you have specific concern, such as plumbing, bring a Plumber. Or Electrician.

    Enjoy!

    • DontNeedThis on 23/10/2025 - 11:44

      Thanks, do you have any recommendations re - how to make friends with neighbors? Just knock and say hello?

      • Grunntt on 23/10/2025 - 12:08
        +1

        On moving in day a smile and wave at anyone who looks in your direction goes a long way. You will be watched. ;o)
        Maybe worth knocking on the door to the house that the removalist truck will be blocking/obstructing the view or access to let them know how long it's likely to be like that.
        If possible do this before the truck arrives so they can 'offer suggestions' on making it easier.
        If it's a house - try not to park your car on the road in front of their house regularly (not at all for the first month or so).
        Avoid placing your garbage bin beside the fence nearest to their front or back door.

        This is all assuming you home is a house. Some of it will apply to units too hopefully.

      • Pumpkin_rrr on 23/10/2025 - 12:11
        +2

        Before your moving-day, drop them a note to expect some noise and activity, of course you'd keep it the minimum, at reasonable hours.
        If you have pets, introduce them too.
        Week-1 dont hold big noisy party and if you must, communicate.
        Unless you are very good at baking cookies, I wont recommend that.
        Be friendly and humble, ask for tips around the place.

        • Grunntt on 23/10/2025 - 12:28

          Be friendly and humble, ask for tips around the place.

          If you struggle for conversation starters I found people really helpful when asked about recommendations for local doctors, dentists, markets, tradespeople etc.
          Also most have a favourite shortest route to wherever you need to drive to.

  • Alexxx on 23/10/2025 - 12:59
    +1

    A day before settlement I asked for an inspection and set off some bug bongs in the place.
    First day I hired a carpet cleaner from Bunnings and did 3 passes over the carpet.
    One room needed painting to get rid of a weird smell on the walls.

    Maybe move all your stuff into one room and put off a bug bomb in there first thing.

  • Grunntt on 23/10/2025 - 13:22
    +1

    Start packing now. Just slowly pack away everything you know you won't be needing until after the move (label every box but don't tape them down because you will need something already packed). Makes that last week so much less hectic.

    Use strapping/packing tape on the bottoms of the boxes at least - not standard sticky tape that will just let go at the least opportune moment.

    Buy bubblewrap. More than you think you'll need as you will need more. Better to have an excess rather than not enough on the day.

    Don't overload your packing boxes. More medium ones are easier to handle than lesser number of large ones.

    • DontNeedThis on 23/10/2025 - 14:15

      Thank you so much for all the great advice.

  • mitt on 23/10/2025 - 14:08
    +1

    If the place has not been professionally deep cleaned before the sale get one done BEFORE you start moving in. Its cheaper when its an empty house & they can really get into everything. Especially if there are carpets.

  • bamzero on 23/10/2025 - 14:21

    As far as the carpet moths, have you tried pest bombing the entire place?

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