Are you dreaming of leaving Perth behind for the politics and natural beauty of Canberra? If you’re considering making the move to the nation’s capital, there’s a lot to organise! Any move involves significant planning and organisation, however making an interstate move to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) can be especially complex.
Luckily, we at Allied have both the expertise and experience to ensure that your relocation from Perth to Canberra is a breeze! Our team has handled thousands of interstate relocations so we know the ins and outs of a successful move. We have created this comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about moving, including what to expect when living in Canberra and how to best prepare for your move from Perth.
Life in Canberra
There’s more to Canberra than just the public service and many roundabouts. While the bush capital can get a tough reputation for its quieter metropolitan lifestyle, you’ll find it’s a place filled with hidden gems ready to be explored. Here’s what everyday life is like in Canberra and how it will compare to Perth.
WORK & CAREER
The majority of people relocating to Canberra are moving for a job in government, policy or research. However, there are more career opportunities in Canberra than simply just public service roles. Canberra is seeing growth in industries including such as renewable energy, health and sport science, information technology, and agricultural technology and environments. There is also support for innovative businesses and start-ups with the Canberra Business Innovation Network.
HOUSING
The Canberra housing market is more expensive and competitive than Perth, due to rising demand. The ABC estimated the median value of a Canberra home was $987,450, compared to Perth’s average of $585,989. Renting in Canberra is also more expensive than in Perth, with a three-bedroom apartment close to the city centre costing on average $3,128 a month.
The city of Canberra was planned by Walter Burley Griffin and centres around the manmade feature of Lake Burley Griffin. Some desirable Canberra suburbs include Kingston (especially close to the foreshore), Braddon, Hawker, Forrest and Amaroo.
THE CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
Canberra offers a wide range of different cultural and lifestyle activities. From the numerous galleries and museums, to cafes and restaurants catering for every price range, there is more to explore than you may initially realise. Walking around Burley Griffin Lake with a coffee in hand is a great way to enjoy the nice weather of Canberra and a favourite pastime.
You can play a variety of sports in Canberra, including cricket, AFL, rugby league and union, soccer, netball and basketball. Stromlo Forest Park offers world class mountain bike trails as well as equestrian facilities and cross country running. While Canberra lacks the fabulous beaches of Perth (Jervis Bay is the ACT’s access to the sea), you can still enjoy water sports like rowing, kayaking and dragon boating on the lake. Keep in mind that swimming in the lake is not permitted, so it’s best to stick to the local pools.
TRANSPORTATION
If you are living in Canberra, you’ll likely need access to a car. There is public transport available, but the infrastructure is still developing as the city grows. Currently, the majority of Canberra’s public transport consists of Action buses and one light rail route. Canberra’s equivalent of the SmartRider is a MyWay card which you can regularly top up as you go. If you’re a keen cyclist, you’ll enjoy Canberra’s flat and wide roads which are beautiful to ride on.
CLIMATE
Similar to Perth, Canberra enjoys many blue skies and clean air. The summers are not as hot as Perth, and tend to be warm and dry with an average temperature of 27℃. The winters are cool and crisp, but still sunny. It’s not uncommon to wake up to frost and the very occasional dusting of light snow throughout the cooler months. The average winter temperature is around 12℃. Canberra is in the Australian Central Daylight Time zone and is two hours ahead of Perth (three during daylight savings).
Planning your move to Canberra
So, now that you have a basic understanding about what life will be like in Canberra, now it is time to begin preparing for your interstate relocation from Perth!
PACKING BELONGINGS AND FURNITURE
Packing is the most tedious part of any interstate move, however it shouldn’t be left to the last minute. As your belongings and furniture will need to travel over 3,716 kilometres from Perth to Canberra, you want them to be safe and secure for the journey.
Start packing as early as possible, and begin with seasonal or less frequently used items. Ensure you have the right packing materials such as boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape, and don’t forget to label your boxes. The easiest way to ensure that your items are safe for the trip and take the stress off of you is to use a professional packing service.
MOVING A CAR OR VEHICLE
As mentioned above, having a car or vehicle in Canberra can make life significantly more convenient. If you currently have a car in Perth, you’ll need to decide how you’d like to transport it to your new home. The first option is to drive your car which takes at least 39 hours of driving time. If you don’t have the time or stamina to do so, we recommend using a vehicle transportation service. The professionals will safely transport your vehicle interstate, saving you the excessive driving and cost of petrol, accommodation and food along the way.
RELOCATING WITH PETS
If you’re bringing your pet with you to Canberra, you’ll need to prepare them for the journey. Before you relocate, take your pet to the vet for a check-up and let them know about your move. As it is such a long way to drive with a pet, it is highly recommended that you use a pet transportation service. They will have the right expertise and resources to get your pet to their new home in Canberra, safely and efficiently.
STORAGE
When packing, it can feel underwhelming to know what you’d like to take to your new home. Storage is a great option as you’re able to securely store your items for as long as you need. If you require some additional flexibility during your move, use short-term storage until you are more settled into your new home. Otherwise, you can opt for long-term storage to keep your items safe and sound for longer periods of time. Either way, ensure that you choose a storage provider, such as Allied Removalists Australia, who can deliver your stored belongings and furniture directly to your door.
REMOVALISTS VS DIY
When moving interstate, you need to decide whether you handle the move yourself or enlist the help of experts. Relocating from Perth to Canberra is no small undertaking. It can be incredibly expensive and time consuming, with multiple logistics to keep track of so it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. Usually, the decision depends on whether it is cheaper to move by yourself.
You may be surprised to learn that it can be more cost-effective to use removalists when moving interstate. This is due to the myriad of costs you must account for when moving yourself, such as petrol, packing materials, the time taken to pack and move yourself (including taking time off work), renting a truck or van, and any other incidental expenses. After adding up these significant costs, it can end up being much more cost-effective or worthwhile to use professional movers. There is also the advantage of saving time and energy by entrusting the professionals with your move. Removalists will have the experience, a high level of training and the right professional equipment to handle your Canberra move and carefully look after your belongings, not to mention they will be significantly more efficient.
There is also the added benefit of removalists offering multiple services (such as pet relocation, storage, and transit insurance) which can provide a more competitive deal compared to using numerous service providers. Ask your removalist for a quote on your interstate move before you make your decision on how to handle your move.