If you are considering an international move, by yourself or with your family, why not set your sights on Melbourne. Often referred to as the cultural Mecca of Australia, Melbourne is a great place to settle for a new experience that is only a short plane ride from your family and friends in New Zealand.
What to expect when you move to Melbourne
Leaving New Zealand is no doubt a decision that is hard to make, but you will be pleased to know that Melbourne is a beautiful city with plenty to keep you entertained at all times.
With a population of almost 4.5 million people, there are almost as many people living in Melbourne as there are in the entirety of New Zealand, so don’t be surprised if you find it a little overwhelming at first.
Melbourne is often described as the Europe of Australia, and once you arrive there it will not be hard to see why. Melbournians define themselves through cafes, art, trams, music and sport. Ask any Melbournian what they will be doing on the weekend and you are likely to get a response ranging from catching the latest AFL game at the MCG, heading to a comedy show or even to the ballet!
Weather in Melbourne is known to cause a bit of a stir, and the infamous saying is that you can expect to see four seasons in a single day. If you think we’re joking, then you’re in for a rude awakening, weather can turn quickly in Melbourne. Don’t be surprised if it’s sunny one minute, hailstones the next and then returning to sunshine 15 minutes later!
Melbourne is about more than just bright lights and busy streets. The nearby Yarra Valley can provide the perfect weekend escape to the countryside to taste some of the best wines Australia has to offer, or visit the chocolate factory, where you can watch the skilled chocolatiers create mouth-watering delicacies or even take a stroll through the beautiful Alowyn gardens.
A short drive down south and you will find yourself in the Mornington Peninsular region, where there are beautiful beaches, great cafes and even more wineries. Whilst the region is generally quite quiet from April to November, many Melbournians enjoy spending the summer months in the area.
How to pack for an international move
Packing your belongings correctly for an international move is extremely important. Your belongings will be travelling across thousands of kilometres over land and sea, so it pays to make sure that you have followed correct packing procedures.
Here are some tips on how to pack your belongings for your move to Melbourne.
Glassware and crockery:
- Use a strong box – using a sturdy box will help to prevent your items from being crushed during transit. Using a medium sized box is advisable as larger boxes may become overly heavy and awkward to move.
- Wrap items separately to avoid friction – this will help protect them from scratches or even breakages.
- Pack glasses vertically – this will minimise the risk of movement and keep them safer during the move.
- Fill extra space with rolled up paper or bubble wrap – this will also help secure your belongings during transit.
Electronics:
- Use original packaging where possible.
- Cover screens with soft material to avoid scratches.
- Wrap with bubble wrap.
Take advantage of any professional packing services that are available. The professionals will know exactly how to pack your belongings so that they remain protected during transit.
Finding a rental in Melbourne
Whilst Melbourne has houses in almost every style and regions to suit everyone’s needs, from quiet suburban to bustling city to relaxing coastal suburbs, the rental market in Melbourne is highly competitive and you may find that you might not get approved for the first home you apply to.
The first step to securing your rental home in Melbourne is conducting an inspection. Generally speaking, you will need to present to an inspection for an agent to consider you for a home. This is not a bad thing, as it allows you to check whether the home checks up against what was advertised. You may find that something that looks perfect on paper is too small in real life or doesn’t get enough sunshine.
Once you have inspected the property, you will need to submit a rental application. The application will include things like where you work, previous places you have lived, and your current income. Some properties may also require you to produce written references.
If space in your new home is a concern, Allied have a number of storage facilities in both Australia and New Zealand, so if you find you have items that are too large or bulky, or you simply have too much furniture to take with you then you can easily arrange storage in one of our secure facilities.
Getting settled in
Whilst people in Melbourne are very friendly, it can be hard to break into social groups if you don’t already know someone. A great way of getting to know people is by joining a sporting team. Sporting teams in Melbourne are often very social and will have lots of events where you can get to know new people.
When you first arrive in your new home, introduce yourself to your neighbours. Knowing who lives around you will help you to feel more comfortable with your surroundings and will mean that you have someone close by to call upon if you need.
A key part of getting settled in to a new home, is to put your personal touch into the space around you. A great way of making your house or apartment feel like home is by using scented candles or reed diffusers. Getting a print or a painting to brighten up your space is also a great way of making it feel more like home.
Allied have a great track record when it comes to assisting with moving from New Zealand to Australia and, with a strong presence in both countries, are perfectly suited to help you make the jump across the Tasman.
Allied have been moving people locally and internationally for over 300 years. We offer a comprehensive list of relocation services from valet packing and unpacking to home cleaning and pet relocation. Call 0800 255 433 today for your free quote!