If you are considering moving from Canberra to Melbourne, you are not alone! More and more Canberrans are relocating from the Nation’s Capital to the self-proclaimed coffee capital! With a range of career opportunities and cultural and sporting activities to enjoy, there is a lot to be excited about for your move to Melbourne.
However, before you can begin sampling the coffee shops and watching a live AFL game, you first need to prepare for your interstate move! Fortunately, Allied Moving Services is highly experienced in helping families and individuals make the successful relocation thanks to our Canberra interstate movers and Melbourne interstate moving teams.
We’ve created this comprehensive moving guide so you have everything you need to know before your relocation. From living in Melbourne to how best to prepare for your move, read on to ensure you are ready for your big interstate relocation from Canberra to Melbourne!
Living in Melbourne
From street art to hidden laneways to a fierce love of AFL, you’ll find a laundry list of stereotypes about Melbourne. Before you decide to relocate down south, it’s important to have a good idea of what life really is like in Melbourne. We explain the basics of living in Melbourne and how it compares to Canberra.
WORK & CAREER
There’s no shortage of job opportunities or industries to choose from in Melbourne! You’ll find numerous opportunities for career growth in the industries of creative arts, tourism, healthcare and medical technologies, professional services, and retail and supply chain logistics. The hospitality sector is also bouncing back after a rocky few years caused by the COVID-19 lockdowns.
HOUSING
The housing market in Melbourne is slightly less expensive than Canberra, with the average price being $1,023,116 compared to $1,047,112. However, renting is more expensive in Melbourne with Budget Direct estimating the monthly cost of a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre at around $3,168 (compared to Canberra’s cost of $3,128).
TRANSPORTATION
When it comes to getting around Melbourne, the public transportation system is rather comprehensive (compared to Canberra) and is continuing to expand. To travel on public transport, nicknamed ‘PTV’, you will need a Myki Card to pay your way. Trams are a particularly popular way to get around as the network covers large sections of the city and the ‘free tram zone’ provides free transport within certain areas of the CBD. The train system is ideal for those commuting into the city from the suburbs. The bus system tends to cater to areas not serviced by trams or trains, but keep in mind that it can be less reliable compared to other public transport.
With many bike lanes and dedicated bike paths, cycling around Melbourne is a convenient option to get around. Car ownership is popular so be aware of the increased traffic during peak hour. After living in Melbourne for six months, you will need to transfer your Australian Capital Territory licence and vehicle registration to Victoria.
CLIMATE
“Don’t like the weather? Simply wait five minutes!” is the mantra of many Melbourians. Melbourne experiences temperamental weather, but the winters are more pleasant and the summers are slightly hotter than Canberra. In winter, temperatures drop down to at least 13℃ during the day and 6℃ at night. Warming up in the summer, the average temperatures range from 14℃ to 25℃ with the occasional over 30℃ day. We recommend getting into the habit of bringing an umbrella with you as Melbourne experiences an average of 139 days of rain a year and unexpected downpours are frequent.
THE CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
There’s no doubt that the culture and lifestyle of Melbourne is a huge drawcard for Canberrans. Many people move because of the flourishing local dining and drinking, dance, theatre, music and arts scene, which always provides something new to discover. Coffee culture takes on a new meaning in Melbourne, they are serious about their flat whites and alternative milks here. Want to feel like a local? Try ordering the mysterious Melbourne Magic at your local hipster coffee shop.
There is one stereotype about Melbourne that does ring true - Aussie Rules Football (or AFL)! You can join in the fun by adopting a Melbourne team, attending a game or two, or even giving it a go yourself by joining a local club.
Planning your move to Melbourne
You are excited about living in Melbourne and can’t wait to embrace everything your new home has to offer! But first, it’s time to plan your move from Canberra. Here is what you need to do to ensure your interstate relocation runs smoothly.
PACK BELONGINGS AND FURNITURE
Packing can be a tedious and boring task, however we don’t recommend leaving it to the last minute! As your belongings and furniture will need to travel over 663 kilometres to reach your new home, doing a good packing job is essential to ensure they are not damaged, broken or even lost in the move! We recommend using a professional packing service so you can rest assured that your precious items are properly packed using the right materials and boxes by the experts. If you’d rather pack your things yourself, then use specialised moving boxes from Allied.
CONSIDER STORAGE
It can be tricky to know what belongings and furniture you may wish to take with you to Melbourne, so we recommend using a storage service. This will reduce the amount of belongings you need to transport with you, without sacrificing any sentimental or valuable items. Short-term storage is the best option if you need some more flexibility in your move before Allied delivers your stored items directly to your new home in Melbourne. Alternatively, if you would like to ensure that your precious items are safe and kept in prime condition in purpose-built storage facilities for extended periods of time, choose long-term storage.
MOVE YOUR CAR OR VEHICLE
Having a car in Melbourne can be incredibly efficient, but you first need to work out how you will transport it from Canberra. You have two options; to drive it yourself or use a vehicle transportation service. As the drive is at least seven hours, it can be worthwhile using the professionals - especially if you don’t have the time or desire to do it yourself. The relocation experts will ensure that your vehicle (including cars, trailers, caravans, and motorbikes) is taken care of so you can focus on the rest of your move to Melbourne.
PREPARE YOUR PET
An interstate move can be highly stressful for everyone, including pets! Before you relocate to Melbourne, ensure that you take your pet to the vet and that their microchipped and identification information is up to date with your new address. Using a pet relocation service can make the experience a whole lot easier on both you and your pet, enabling a smoother transition to your new home.
CHOOSE BETWEEN REMOVALISTS VS DIY
When planning your relocation from Canberra to Melbourne, you’ll need to choose whether you use a removalist company or attempt to do the move yourself. As an interstate move involves many moving parts and logistics to keep track of, it’s an important decision to make! The decision is often influenced by whether or not it is better value to use removalists over trying to move by yourself.
Many people are surprised to learn that trusting a moving company with your relocation has the benefit of being highly convenient and can sometimes be very cost-effective!
This is because there are a variety of costs involved with a D-I-Y move, such as petrol, packing materials, time to pack and move yourself, renting a truck or van, and any other incidental expenses. Plus, there may be some additional costs required for any items damaged during the move, not to mention there is the added risk of injuring yourself while moving. You also need to account for the time taken to organise and execute the move, which can be stressful and time-consuming.
A moving company has the considerable benefit of being able to provide numerous moving services, such as secure storage and transit insurance, at a more competitive rate than if you are using many service providers. This makes professional removalist services great value!
By using a team of professional movers, you will save significant time and energy. They will provide the right experience, a high level of training and proper equipment to handle your move to Melbourne. All this provides you with more time to settle into your new home and enjoy your new city!