Moving interstate to Melbourne for a change of scenery, career opportunities, or a new adventure? You’re going to love it. With a superb blend of culture, lifestyle, and natural beauty, it’s a city that has something to everyone.But, just like any other long-distance move, the excitement quickly fades once you realise just how much there is to do. Well, no worries – our Melbourne moving guide is here to lay it all out for you in a simple way, so that you’re ready for the big day and beyond. We’ll be looking at the neighbourhoods, housing options, transportation, job market, and cultural scene – so grab yourself a coffee, and let’s dive in. Contents1 Key Takeaways2 Why Move To Melbourne?2.0.0.1 Arts and culture:2.0.0.2 Food and drink:2.0.0.3 Sporting events:2.0.0.4 Careers:2.0.0.5 Nature:2.0.0.6 Public transport:3 Preparing For Your Move3.1 Choosing Where To Live In Melbourne3.2 Popular Melbourne Suburbs3.3 Moving Timeline and Checklist3.3.1 Plan and prep: 2-3 months before moving 3.3.2 Booking and packing: 1-2 months before moving3.3.3 Final touches: 2-3 weeks before moving 3.3.4 The big day and beyond 3.4 Our Handy Interstate Moving Checklist3.5 Moving to Melbourne with a pet?4 Finding A Place To Live In Melbourne4.1 Renting vs. Buying:4.2 Renting:4.3 Buying:4.3.1 Tips for Finding Accommodation in Different Neighbourhoods:4.3.2 Specific Neighbourhood Property Insights5 Choosing Your Melbourne Removalists5.1 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Removalist:5.1.1 Questions to Ask Your Movers:5.2 Getting Your Melbourne Moving Quote:6 Packing and Organisation For Your Interstate Move To Melbourne6.0.1 Boxing Up6.0.2 Organising and Labelling7 Getting Through Moving Day7.0.1 Do Your Final Prep7.0.2 Be Ready For Your Removalists7.0.3 When You Get To The Other Side8 Settling Into Your New Home8.0.1 Unpacking And Organising8.0.2 Registering And Updating Your Information9 Getting to know Melbourne 9.0.1 Events And Activities9.0.2 Transport In Melbourne:10 Experienced Interstate Removalists For Melbourne10.1 Other Interstate Removalist ServicesKey TakeawaysWhy move to Melbourne? A world-class city packed with art, culture, sports, food, and nature.Be prepared: Research, declutter, book removalists early.Finding a place to live: Consider your budget, lifestyle needs, and personal preferences. Choosing your Melbourne removalists: Compare quotes, check reviews, see if they are licensed and insured.Packing and organisation: Declutter, pack room by room, label boxes clearly.Getting through moving day: Confirm details, keep essentials close, communicate with your team.Settling: Unpack systemically, sort out utilities, explore the area, connect with the neighbourhood.Enjoy Melbourne: Check out Laneways, attend festivals, explore food, embrace nature. Why Move To Melbourne?Melbourne consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable cities, and in 2023, it secured the runner up spot in The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index for its stability, great healthcare, vibrant culture, natural environment, education, and highly developed infrastructure. Arts and culture:Melbourne has a thriving arts and culture scene, with a whole host of galleries, museums, theatres, and music venues to visit, including the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Museum, and the Melbourne Arts Centre, to name just a few. The city’s cultural calendar is packed with events all year round, with the likes of the Melbourne International Arts Festival, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and the Melbourne Fringe Festival. You can read more on Melbourne’s Cultural highlights on the official website.Food and drink:Melbourne is a foodie’s heaven, with a truly diverse array of cuisines from around the world, together with a popular coffee culture that spans across countless cafes. Then there’s the bar and club scene, featuring all kinds of hidden laneway bars, rooftop terraces, speakeasies serving fancy cocktails and craft beers.Sporting events:Sports lovers will find plenty to cheer about in Melbourne, with year-round major events such as the Australian Open, Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, and the Melbourne Cup. Melbourne is also home to several professional sports teams, including AFL’s Collingwood Magpies and Richmond Tigers, the NRL’s Melbourne Storm, and A-League’s Melbourne Victory.Careers:Melbourne’s economy is a major draw for working professionals from around the world, with high quality opportunities in sectors like finance, technology, healthcare, and education. The city is home to several major companies and organizations, including the National Australia Bank, BHP, and Telstra. Melbourne is also well-known as a supportive hub for startups and entrepreneurs, with a growing number of co-working spaces and digital nomads.Nature:For lovers of the great outdoors, Melbourne has it all. With parks, gardens, beaches, national parks and more, there’s plenty to see and do. Some popular destinations include the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, St. Kilda Beach, and Yarra Valley.Public transport:Melbourne’s public transportation system is operated by Public Transport Victoria (PTV). The expansive and convenient network includes trains, trams, and buses, and you can find details, on routes, timetables, and fares on the PTV website. Preparing For Your MoveChoosing Where To Live In MelbourneAny good Melbourne moving guide will tell you a little more about the different places to live, so let’s take a look at some of the more popular areas in Melbourne, and the things you need to think about when making your choice. Lifestyle: What kind of lifestyle do you prefer? Are you looking for somewhere alive with nightlife and buzz, or do you prefer a quiet, family-friendly area?Budget: What’s your budget for renting or buying a property? Commute: How important is proximity to your workplace or availability of public transport and major roads? Amenities: What amenities are important to you? Do you want to be close to shops, restaurants, parks, or schools? Popular Melbourne SuburbsMelbourne has an incredibly diverse range of suburbs, each with its own unique character and appeal. Here are a few of them:Werribee: Family-friendly living with a growing urban centre.Mornington: Coastal beauty with lovely beaches and wineries.Beaumaris: Quiet, affluent bayside suburb with a relaxed vibe.Mitcham: Suburban living with easy access to Melbourne Centre.Cranbourne North: Modern feel with parks and amenities.Hastings: Coastal and laid-back, with a focus on water activities.North Melbourne: Urban living, history, and modern buildings.Bayswater: Quiet suburban lifestyle with quick links to the Dandenong Ranges.Waterways: New planned community built for sustainability.Port Melbourne: Beachside living with quick access to the CBD.Ringwood East: Leafy suburb with good schools and easy transport links.Glen Waverley: A multicultural hub with plenty of schools and shopping.Tullamarine: Quick links to the airport and nearby industrial areas.Hoppers Crossing: Large suburb with a diverse community.For the full list of Suburbs that we can help you move to, take a look at our Melbourne interstate removals.For different routes check out our Sydney to Melbourne removals, Melbourne to Sydney removals, Brisbane to Melbourne removals, Melbourne to Brisbane removals, Gold Coast to Melbourne removals, Melbourne to Gold Coast removals, Canberra to Melbourne removals. Moving Timeline and ChecklistMoving interstate to Melbourne is no small thing, so it’s important to be logical, structured and systematic on how you go about it. Here’s an overview that you can follow and adapt to your situation:Plan and prep: 2-3 months before moving Decide where you’ll live: Research different neighbourhoods based on your preferences and sort out the sale or rental. Create your budget: Plan everything down to the dollar to cover transportation, packing materials, storage fees, and potential rental costs.Lighten the load: Declutter your current home by selling, donating, or discarding unwanted items.Let people know: Inform your landlord, employer, bank, and subscription services.Get organised: Gather essential documents like medical records, school transcripts, and financial statements.Research Melbourne Interstate Removalists: Compare quotes and services from different moving companies to find the best fit.Booking and packing: 1-2 months before movingSecure the move: Book your chosen removalist and confirm the moving date.Plan the journey: Arrange flights or other transportation to Melbourne.Pack non-essentials: Don’t forget label boxes clearly for easy unpacking.Update your details: Change your address with the post office, banks, subscriptions, and other relevant organisations.Switch utilities: Sort out the disconnection of utilities at your old address and set up the new connections for the other side.Manage your medicals: Transfer medical records and prescriptions to your new doctor in Melbourne.School search: If you have kids, research schools in your chosen area and enrol your children.Final touches: 2-3 weeks before moving Check with your team: Confirm your moving date with the removalist and finalise travel arrangements.Essentials bag: Pack up essentials for the move and your first few days in Melbourne.Leave it clean: Have the old property cleaned and arrange for a final inspection if you’re renting.Wrap up financials: Settle any outstanding bills.The big day and beyond Finalise packing: Seal up boxes and make sure they’re ready for the movers. Fridge and freezer: If applicable, defrost and clean your fridge and freezer.Last dust: Give your old home a final once-over.Key handover: If applicable, return the keys to your landlord or real estate agent.Hit the road: Stop often, take rests, and enjoy the ride.Welcome to Melbourne: Unpack, check utilities, register your new address, explore your new area, and start your new life. For more on this, take a look at our article on the dos and don’ts of moving interstate. Our Handy Interstate Moving ChecklistIf you want all the above points and more in one place, take a look at our downloadable, and highly detailed interstate moving checklist. Moving to Melbourne with a pet?Moving with a pet takes some extra planning. For advice on this, take a look at our article on moving pets interstate. Finding A Place To Live In MelbourneRenting vs. Buying:Choosing between renting or buying in Melbourne depends on your individual circumstances, financial goals, and lifestyle preferences. In the current market (2024), renting may be cheaper in many suburbs, but low interest rates can make buying a viable option (and smart investment) if you have the money. Renting:Pros: Lower upfront costs, more flexibility, no maintenance responsibilities.Cons: No ownership, rent increases, less control over your living space.Buying:Pros: Potential for property value increases, more control over your living space.Cons: High upfront costs, ongoing maintenance, less flexibility to move. Tips for Finding Accommodation in Different Neighbourhoods:Research: Do thorough research around the different neighbourhoods in Melbourne and factor in your individual preferences such as lifestyle, amenities, commute time, and budget.Online resources: Take a look at online real estate platforms like Domain and Rent.com.au to research available rentals or properties for sale.Local agents: Get in touch local real-estate agents who specialize in your preferred locations. They’ll be able to give you advice, insights, and even details on properties not listed online.Inspections: Attend open or private viewings to get a feel for the property and the neighbourhood.Network: Chat to friends, family, colleagues, or local acquaintances for recommendations and insider tips. Specific Neighbourhood Property InsightsCity (Fitzroy, Collingwood, Carlton): A fiercely competitive rental market with high prices due to amenity proximity and interesting local lifestyle.Inner North (Brunswick, Northcote): More affordable rentals, diverse community, strong transport options.Inner South (South Yarra, Prahran): High quality properties (and prices), popular area for shopping, dining, and nightlife.Bayside (St Kilda, Port Melbourne): Known for beachfront living with high demand and prices.Outer Suburbs: More affordable housing, family-friendly, quieter, but with longer commute times.Choosing Your Melbourne RemovalistsThe people you choose to move with can either make everything easier, or add stress and expense – so, it’s super important you make the right choice in regard to your interstate removalists. As part of our comprehensive Melbourne moving guide Here’s what you should look for, and what you need to ask:Factors to Consider When Choosing a Removalist:Reputation: As part of your research, look at companies that are prolific online, with plenty of candid customer reviews and ratings. Check platforms like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, or even specific moving company review sites.Experience: Go for a company with experience in handling long-distance moves to Melbourne, as these include more logistics than a typical local move.Services: Think about the services you’ll need, such as packing, unpacking, storage, and insurance. Pricing: Get detailed and transparent quotes from multiple companies to compare prices. Be wary of low quotes, as they may indicate hidden fees or subpar service.Insurance: Ask the company about their insurance coverage, including their liability policy and the claims process.Licenses and accreditations: Verify that the company has the necessary licenses and accreditations, such as being a member of the Australian Furniture Removals Association (AFRA).Equipment: Find out more about the equipment and trucks that the company uses, and how they go about dealing with fragile items. Questions to Ask Your Movers:Are you licensed and insured?What is your experience in handling long distance moves to Melbourne?Can you provide a detailed quote outlining all costs involved?Do you offer packing and unpacking services?What type of insurance coverage do you provide?How do you handle fragile or valuable items?What is your cancellation policy?Can you provide references from previous customers? Getting Your Melbourne Moving Quote:The quote for your interstate move to Melbourne outlines what services you’ll be getting, and how much it will all cost. It’s usually one of the main deciding factors for when you choose your team, so look at it carefully, and try to see the value, rather than how cheap it is. Compare the quotes carefully and choose a company that offers a balance of good service, reasonable pricing, and a positive reputation. Information to look out for includes:A breakdown of all costs (packing, transportation, insurance, etc.).A detailed inventory of your belongings.Pickup and delivery dates.Any additional fees or charges.Packing and Organisation For Your Interstate Move To MelbournePacking is one of the most labour-intensive aspects of an interstate move, and it’s very easy to underestimate the scale of the task, and the importance of doing it the smart way. Here’s how we suggest you go about it:Boxing UpStart early: Pack up non-essentials in the weeks before the move, and don’t leave things for the last minute.Be ruthless: Moving interstate is a good excuse to declutter, so go ahead and lighten the load.Get good materials: Don’t buy cheap boxes, thin bubble wrap, and weak tape. Your cargo needs to be well protected for the long journey.Go room by room: This will help you stay on track, and make unpacking easier.Heavy items go first: Put heavier cargo at the bottom of the boxes, and lighter items on top.Fragile items: Give them extra attention, padding, and care. Label the boxes with ‘fragile’Electronics: If possible, use the original boxes for your electronics. Otherwise, keep them well-padded.Kitchen: Wrap dishes and glassware individually, and if possible, put them inside larger pots for smart space-saving.Valuables: Jewellery and important documents should stay with you during the move.Organising and LabellingUse a system: A clear labelling system goes a long way. On the box, write which room it’s for, an overview of what’s inside (like ‘books’), and whether or not it’s fragile. Number them all: Give each box a number, and then record it in the spreadsheet with more details on the contents.This way up: Don’t forget to put an arrow to demonstrate which direction the box should face.Pack essentials: Have a special box to open as soon as you arrive in Melbourne with your medication, toiletries, a change of clothes, chargers, and important documents.Prioritize: If you have many boxes, you can also consider marking on them which ones are more important, so that you can properly manage your time.Use colours: Coloured labels are handy for instantly identifying which boxes go into what room. Getting Through Moving DayThe time has come for all that planning to pay off – and it will. But, you’re not out of the woods yet. The day itself can still be unpredictable and hectic, so make sure you keep the following in mind.Do Your Final PrepFrom the moment you wake up, double check that you have the date and time locked in with your interstate removals company. Then, take another look at your ‘essentials’ box to make sure you have everything you need, including chargers, water, and snacks for the long journey.Give your home a final once-over to make sure nothing is left behind, and that no power or water is being used. Be Ready For Your RemovalistsNow it’s time to prepare for the arrival of your interstate removalists to Melbourne. Make sure that all pathways, doors, and stairs in your house are clear of clutter and boxes, and that they have enough parking space for the vehicle – accounting for the fact that they will be loading up boxes with equipment.There won’t be a need to micromanage, but do oversee the process, and call attention to fragile boxes. Agree the inventory with them, and make sure that you have details about their journey, and estimated arrival time. When You Get To The Other SideStay in touch with your movers to know when they’ll arrive, so you can once again ensure that they have space for their vehicle, and that they have good access to the property, and the spaces within. Review the inventory list with them to make sure nothing’s been left behind, and then let them get on with the unloading. Stick around to give any special instructions, or to highlight especially fragile pieces of cargo. Remember:Moving can be very stressful, so look after yourself during this time. Stay keep, hydrated, and rested. Maintain open communication with your removal company to address any questions or concerns – and then, once hands have been shaken, get started on the unpacking! Settling Into Your New HomeCongratulations! We can officially say that the hard part is over. You’ve packed, travelled, sorted out the removalists, and had them unload your cargo. Now, it’s time to start your new life, and no prizes for guessing what comes first…Unpacking And OrganisingPrioritise the essentials: Start by unpacking your ‘essentials’ box that you prepared earlier. Set up your bedding, unpack toiletries, put medication where you can find it, and sort out all the basics for the kitchen and bathroom.Go room by room: Don’t just open up boxes as you come across them. By taking one room at a time, you’ll feel less overwhelmed and won’t have to bounce from place to place.Arrange furniture: If you travelled with furniture, now’s a good time to place it all so that you know what space you have to work with.Declutter as you go: Even though you did this before, now that you’re in your new home, you might find even more opportunities to get rid of unneeded items.Closets and storage: Use closet organizers, shelves, and storage bins to keep everything tidy and accessible.Personalise: This comes right at the end, and is the most fun: Add personal touches such photos, artwork, and ornaments to make your new house feel like home. Registering And Updating Your InformationWhen you move to Melbourne, there are a few essential registrations and updates you need to take care of as soon as possible:Change of address: Update your address with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to ensure you are enrolled to vote in your new electorate.Driver’s license: If you hold an interstate driver’s license, you’ll need to transfer it to a Victorian license within three months of moving to Melbourne.Vehicle registration: If you bring your car, you’ll also need to transfer your vehicle registration to the Victoria area.Medicare: If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident, update your address with Medicare to get your Medicare card at the new address.Banks and other services: If you didn’t already, update your address with your bank, insurance companies, utility providers, and other relevant organisations. Getting to know Melbourne Now that you’re unpacked – or unpacked enough – it’s time to get out there and check out your local area, and wider Melbourne. Being new is always a little daunting, but here are some things you can try:General rambling: Take a walk, bike ride, or even a drive around your new neighbourhood to get an idea of the streets, what’s near you, and where to go.Find the conveniences: Chances are you’ve researched all this ahead of time, but go ahead to visit supermarkets, pharmacies, and transport links in person to get a better idea of them.Say hi to neighbours: Introduce yourself, and start building up relationships. They will be able to tell you more about the area.Local groups: Check out local Facebook groups, sports clubs, and social organisations to get more involved in your new neighbourhood.Local events: Odds are that your new neighbourhood will have local events such as markets, festivals, concerts, and other leisure activities.Local transport: Familiarize yourself with the public transportation options available in your area, such as trains, trams, buses, and bike paths. Events And ActivitiesMelbourne’s event scene is always packed with exciting activities. For a regularly updated list of events happening throughout the city, check the City of Melbourne’s What’s On page. To explore major events and festivals in the region, bookmark the main Melbourne tourism website. Finally, if you’re looking for all the happenings, from hidden gems to big-ticket events, Time Out Melbourne has you covered. Transport In Melbourne:Public Transport Victoria (PTV) is your one-stop shop for navigating Melbourne’s public transport system. Their website and app offer a wealth of information, letting you plan trips, check timetables, and purchase Myki cards for travel on trains, trams, and buses. For those enjoying Melbourne’s vibrant nightlife, the Night Network ensures safe travels on Friday and Saturday nights with all-night public transport services.Here are all the main transport services:Trains: Operated by Metro Trains, Melbourne’s extensive train network connects the city centre with suburbs and regional areas. Trams: A popular and easy choice for getting around the city centre and inner suburbs, with free travel within the CBD thanks to The Free Tram Zone.Buses: A large network of buses to complements the train and tram network, providing access to areas not covered by other modes of transport.Myki: The Myki card is the integrated ticketing system for all public transport in Melbourne – which you can buy and top at train stations, tram stops, and retail outlets.Cycling: Melbourne is famously friendly to bikes with an expansive network of bike lanes and shared paths. Taxis and rideshare: Uber and DiDi are readily available throughout Melbourne, offering a convenient door-to-door service. Good Luck, And Welcome!There’s no way around it – moving interstate is challenging. But with these Melbourne moving tips, you’ll stand a much better chance of getting it done with minimal stress. As we’ve said, the main thing to remember is that you want time on your side, so we’ll say it again: start planning early!For more on how to navigate a long distance move, check out our articles on avoiding the challenges of moving interstate, moving pets interstate, and three never-fail interstate moving tips. Experienced Interstate Removalists For MelbourneZOOM Removals is a leading interstate removalist service provider for homes and offices. Our five-star rated relocation services are renowned across Australia not only for its quality but also for the best prices when compared to other interstate moving companies. Our attentive furniture removalists can move your belongings from Melbourne to all major Australian cities for added peace of mind and a worry-free relocation, including:Interstate Removalists SydneyInterstate Removalists MelbourneInterstate Removalists BrisbaneInterstate Removalists Gold CoastInterstate Removalists CanberraInterstate Removalists AdelaideInterstate Removalists PerthInterstate Removalists DarwinOther Interstate Removalist ServicesRemovalists Sydney to MelbourneRemovalists Melbourne to SydneyRemovalists Melbourne to BrisbaneRemovalists Brisbane to MelbourneRemovalists Gold Coast to MelbourneRemovalists Melbourne to CanberraRemovalists Canberra to MelbourneRemovalists Melbourne to Sunshine CoastRemovalists Sunshine Coast to MelbourneRemovalists Melbourne to NewcastleRemovalists Newcastle to Melbourne