A Guide to Moving Interstate
5th November 2024
Are you making the big move interstate? Lighten the load with a little pre-planning and follow our tips for moving beyond the state border.
Whether you’re heading south from Queensland to New South Wales or west from Victoria to South Australia, an interstate move is a big deal. It’s exciting and… yet it can feel a little overwhelming. Not only do you have to deal with all the usual moving madness, but you also have to think a little further ahead about what you need to do to hit the ground running in your new neighbourhood.
To ease the stress, check out our ultimate moving house guide and wrap your head around all the tasks, big and small, that need to be ticked off your to-do list. Here, we cover everything you need to think about when you’re moving interstate in Australia.
Do some digging on the new neighbourhood
Before you move, it’s crucial to get to know your new area. Familiarising yourself with local amenities can make settling in much smoother. Here are some essentials to consider:
Local amenities
If you’re moving to a place you’re unfamiliar with, which is common when you’re moving from one state to another, then you should do a little research about the amenities in your new neighbourhood. Google is your friend here, look up things like:
- Local medical centres
- Hospitals
- Supermarkets
- Public transport routes
- Local parks
Moving with children
If you have children, then you’ll want to make the move as stress free and exciting for them as possible. You’ll probably want to know about local recreational activities and facilities. Here are a few things you could look into:
- Local primary and high schools
- Day care/Kindergartens
- Playgrounds
- Sporting grounds
- Swimming centres
- Bike tracks
- Local library
- Toy library
If they are older and enrolled into a school, check in with them and make sure they have everything they need from you. Get all that sorted early so you don’t need to worry about it in the week of the move.
Essential services
Make settling into your new home easier by ensuring essential services like electricity, gas and water are organised before your move.
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Budgeting for the move
Moving interstate can be costly, so having a budget in place is crucial. By planning ahead and accounting for all potential expenses, you can avoid any financial surprises.
- Create a moving budget: Detail all expected expenses such as moving services, travel costs, temporary accommodation, and any deposits or new utilities connections.
- Unexpected costs: Set aside some funds for unexpected expenses that may arise during the move.
Sort your transport
How are you getting to your new home? Flying? Driving? Jumping on a train? If you’re flying or going by public transport, then book your seats early for the best deal. If you’re strapping in for a road trip, then it’s a great idea to get your car serviced before you leave. There’d be nothing worse than an overheated engine on the Hume Highway halfway between Sydney and Melbourne!
While you’re at it, get quotes from a number of interstate removalist companies. Find one you trust and lock them in. Then, you’ll know the exact dates of when to say goodbye to all your stuff in one state, and say hello to it in another. With this in mind, you can pack a ‘moving suitcase’ filled with enough clothes, toiletries and anything else you need while your belongings are in transit.
Packing and organisation
Packing for an interstate move can be daunting, but starting early and staying organised will make the process much smoother.
- Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to pack. Start with items you don’t use every day and gradually work your way to essentials.
- Label everything: Clearly label boxes with their contents and the room they belong in. This will save you a lot of time and hassle when unpacking.
- Create a checklist: Make a comprehensive moving checklist to keep track of tasks and deadlines. This will help you stay organised and ensure nothing is forgotten.
- Notify important parties: Inform your bank, insurance providers and other relevant parties of your move. Don’t forget to update your address with the postal service.
- Pack an essentials box: Pack a box with essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents and basic kitchen supplies. This will be invaluable on your first night in your new home.
- Take care of utilities: Arrange for the disconnection of utilities at your old place and connection at your new home ahead of time to avoid any service interruptions.
Know the rules and regulations
Moving interstate involves adhering to various rules and regulations. Here’s what you need to consider:
- State border restrictions: Check restrictions on items such as plants and pets when crossing state borders.
- Pet regulations: Ensure pets have necessary vaccinations and comply with local regulations in your new state.
- Driver’s licence: Plan to obtain a new driver’s licence if moving to a new state with different road rules.
The final word
Moving interstate takes a little extra planning, but it’s certainly worth it when you settle in somewhere new. Use our moving checklist and the tips above to make your interstate move as smooth as possible.
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