10 Tips for Moving to Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest city, although it might not stay that way for much longer.
Since the turn of the century, it has consistently had the highest annual population growth rate of any state capital in Australia. So much so that its number of residents are predicted to overtake Sydney by the year 2031-32.
One reason for this continued growth is that Melbourne has the tenth-biggest immigrant population in the world. Another is that many people are moving to it from other parts of Australia.
Whether it be for work, lifestyle, love or just a change of scenery, moving to ‘The Settlement’ can be an exciting and life-changing experience.
However, there is a lot to prepare. So, to help you ready for it, here are 10 tips for moving to Melbourne.
Follow these guidelines, and your relocation shouldn’t be too stressful.
- Research the Area
Even if you feel like you know the area quite well, one of the first things you should do when considering a move to Melbourne is research its different suburbs.
Melbourne is blessed with a wide range of districts, each of which has its character, charm, and amenities. Some are known for their trendy cafes, bars, and beachside locations, while others are more residential and family-oriented.
Therefore, it is important to fully research the area to get a better understanding of what to expect and establish which one is most likely to meet your needs.
Consider each area carefully, analysing the cost of buying or renting there, as well as the general cost of living. Also, take into account the climate, the local culture, and any other factors that may impact your daily life there.
One of the best ways of doing this is to use online resources such as real estate websites, city guides, and forums to gather information and connect with locals who can provide insight into the area.
However, if you have the time available and can feasibly do so, it is worth booking into a hotel in Melbourne, to use it as a base for a more qualitative exploration of the city.
- Find Somewhere to Live
Once you have established where you would be happy to live, your focus should turn to find a place to call home.
Depending on your budget and preference, you may choose to rent or buy a property. However, as both are very competitive markets in Melbourne, it is important to start your search as early as possible to give yourself enough time to find a suitable place.
If you are moving for work, consider the proximity of your new home to your workplace. Melbourne has an excellent public transportation system, but commuting can be challenging, especially during rush hour.
Therefore, living closer to your workplace can help reduce commuting time and expenses. Likewise, if you have children, residing near schools will be very beneficial for pick up and drop-offs.
- Plan Your Finances
Moving can be expensive, so you should plan your finances.
Take the time to put together a budget that includes the cost of removing unwanted items from your current home, hiring movers, cleaning your old and new property, furnishing your new home and other expenses that may arise during the move.
Be sure to add in a contingency amount to cover any unforeseen expenses.
- Hire Professional Movers
Moving home can be a daunting and stressful task, especially for those who are downsizing or relocating a significant distance.
For this reason, you might want to hire professionals like Muval’s Melbourne removalists, as they can make the overall process much quicker and smoother.
It is worth collecting quotes from at least three companies. However, do not base your final decision purely on cost.
Instead, consider whether they offer packing, insurance and complete door-to-door delivery. It is also worth perusing their Google My Business reviews and basing your decision on the level of professionalism the company exudes.
Whoever you decide to go with, make sure you book their services well ahead of your move and re-confirm a week before that date.
- Set up utilities & internet
As soon as you have secured a place and know your moving date, you should contact your utility and internet companies to advise of your move.
It is also a good time to see if you can obtain their services for a cheaper rate and ensure they are operational in your new place.
- Take the Opportunity to Declutter
If you have been living in your existing property for a while, you probably have several items you won’t want to take with you.
Therefore, it is worthwhile embarking on a decluttering exercise. Doing this will reduce the number of items you transport to your new home. It could also make you a bit of money to fund your move via a garage sale.
If you are not able to sell any unwanted items, donate as many of them as you can to charity. Alternatively, dispose of them responsibly at the nearest refuse tip.
- Pack Early and Strategically
One of the keys to a stress-less move is to start packing as early as possible.
An excellent way to do this is on a room-by-room basis, starting with the ones you use less often, such as guest bedrooms. Initially, this strategy will provide minimum disruption, as the boxes can remain out of your way in those rooms.
When you do start to pack, be sure to label each box per room, for example, dining room, kitchen, and study, as this will help you identify them quickly come moving day.
To avoid any disruption, make sure you finish packing in the evening before you are due to move.
- Moving Day
Moving day can be a stressful time. However, if you have hired professional removalists, you should keep out of their way and let them get on with their job.
Once all your possessions have been moved into your new home, set up your kitchen as quickly as possible. Doing this will ensure it is fully functional, allowing you to cook in a dedicated space.
Also, prioritise having your bedroom and those of the kids set up, as this will give you all a place to retreat when you need a break from the move.
- Take Your Time to Move In
While there are some rooms like the kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms that you should set up immediately, you do not need to do everything on the day you move.
Often the stress of moving occurs when you try and do just that. So instead, adopt a strategic room-by-room approach, whereby you do one at a time, to completion, before moving on to the next.
It is common for some people to take upwards of a month to finish moving into their new Melbourne home. That is ok. It is not a race!
- Embrace Melbourne
Lastly, the main tip for moving to Melbourne is to embrace the new city you call home.
In the initial period after you have moved there, take the time to see the sights, experience the culture, enjoy the fantastic café, restaurant and bar scene, and of course, check out its beautiful Bayside beaches.
Be sure to try and make some friends too. Join social groups, attend local events and take fun classes such as Pilates or cooking.
In short, do your best to create the new life in Melbourne you were hoping to achieve.