How to save money on your next move

BY YOURPORTER

It’s no secret that costs of living are on the rise, with 93% of Australian households seeing an increase in their household bills in the past year. So it’s understandable if the prospect of moving house has you worried about breaking the bank.

But the good news is, there are some simple ways to make sure you’re getting the best value for money on your next move – so you can keep costs down.

Connecting your gas and electricity

Studies show that power bills are a growing cause of concern for 80% of Australian households. Moving house is the perfect opportunity to compare energy providers across the market and to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Considering there are over 30 energy retailers in Australia, can you be confident your provider is offering you the best price? With so many suppliers on the market, pricing is often competitive. Beyond just the energy rates offered, you might be able to access offers like pay on time discounts that can save you money on each bill if you’re a punctual payer.

Many energy retailers also have fresh deals to onboard new customers, while existing customers are left on legacy plans or billing arrangements. It’s also worth keeping in mind that a different plan may suit your changing needs better, particularly if you’re moving into a home that is significantly smaller or larger than your last.

Transferring your phone, internet and pay TV

For phone, internet, and pay TV services, you may be able to simply transfer your connection from your old home to your new one. You should find out if there are fees for cancelling, relocating, or installing a new connection.

Some providers may even change your package if your new address doesn’t have the same services available. So it’s a good idea to check the services on offer from different providers and work out what your best option is.

Updating Your Insurance Policies

When you move house, your home and contents insurance policy doesn’t automatically stay the same. Because premiums are calculated based on a range of factors – including the type of property, location, and cost of replacement – they may actually go up, depending on where you move to. Even your health insurance premiums could change, particularly if you’re relocating interstate where there may be differences in the healthcare system.

But remember, you don’t necessarily have to stick with the same insurance provider. Moving home is a great time to review your insurance policies, and shop around to find the right cover for your new situation and budget.

Using YourPorter’s comparison service is completely free and allows you to compare plans from Australia’s top electricity, gas, internet, insurance and pay TV providers. Plus, if you find a plan that better suits your needs, their team of experts can make the switch for you. For more information, visit: www.yourporter.com.au