A Comprehensive Guide to Moving Interstate To Brisbane

Making an interstate move to Brisbane? Then this is the guide for you. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or simply to start a new life, you can do a lot worse than Brisbane. As one of the most popular cities to live in Australia, Brisbane presents a high quality of life along with plenty of professional opportunities, adventure, and leisure.

But, you have to get there first – and if you’re coming from another state, there’s a lot to do. But, no worries: this comprehensive guide to moving interstate to Brisbane will cover all the basics such as research, packing, and transport, together with other practicalities such as housing, transport, logistics, settling in, and more.

Contents

1 Key Takeaways
2 What It’s Like To Live In Brisbane
3 Preparing Your Interstate Move To Brisbane
- 3.1 A General Interstate Moving Timeline:
4 Budgeting For Your Interstate Move To Brisbane
5
6 Getting To Know Brisbane
7 The Logistics of Moving Interstate To Brisbane
8 Packing For Your Interstate Move To Brisbane
9
10 Settling Into Brisbane
11 Summing up
12 Experienced Interstate Removalists For Brisbane
- 12.1 Other Interstate Removalist Services

Key Takeaways

Brisbane is an exciting and friendly city packed with job opportunities, leisure, and green space
Start planning at least 3 months in advance for your interstate move. Trust us on this.
With good planning and research, you can save on your moving budget.
Brisbane has plenty of transport options, and various housing options to suit different budgets.
Move smart, with efficient packing, labelling, and work with the right partners.
Pack systematically, use our packing checklist, and protect your valuables.
Explore community groups to meet new people, check out the sights, and settle in.

What It’s Like To Live In Brisbane

In a word? Fantastic. Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, and is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and relaxed lifestyle. From the buzzing city centre through to the chilled-out and sun-drenched coastline, Brisbane has that perfect balance of laid-back charm and cosmopolitan excitement.

Superb weather – Often described as the ‘Sunshine State’s Capital’, Brisbane’s subtropical climate is perfect for living an outdoor lifestyle, with plenty of national parks, beaches, and water sports to enjoy.
Relaxed vibes – When compared to other major metropolises in Australia, Brisbane has a reputation of being laid-back, calm, friendly, and a slower pace of life.
You can do everything: From cuddling koalas at Lone Pine to soaking up the sun at South Bank, climbing the iconic Story Bridge, exploring world-class art at QAGOMA, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Eat Street Northshore, Brisbane has something for everyone. We can’t possibly list everything here, so we suggest you go check out Visit Brisbane to see what else is on offer.
Cosmopolitan and interesting: The vibrant cultural scene of Brisbane comes from a range of diverse influences, which is further reflected in the food, drink, and cultural options. The city has a huge arts scene, with a year-long calendar of festivals and events to explore and enjoy.
Plenty of work: Brisbane has a diverse and healthy economy, with key industries including tourism, health and medical research, digital services, logistics, business services, and more.
Affordable living: Brisbane is typically considered more affordable than other major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, with better housing costs, utilities, food, and transportation. Of course, this all depends on your lifestyle and where you live, but in general, it’s a good move to make if you’re on a budget.
Beautiful nature: It’s always nice to have nature on your doorstep, and in Brisbane, it’s all there. From leafy urban escapes (such as South Bank), through to beautiful river vistas, the city has plenty of nature to enjoy. But, once you go a little further, you can explore Moreton and Stradbroke islands with their wildlife and beaches, and the hinterland’s rainforests, waterfalls, and mountains.

Preparing Your Interstate Move To Brisbane

Relocating interstate isn’t quite the same as moving within the same city – it takes a lot more time, more money, more stress, and a whole lot more planning. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed about where exactly to start, and in which order to do things, then our Interstate Brisbane Moving Guide has just what you need.

First off, let’s talk broad timelines:

A General Interstate Moving Timeline:

2-3 months before:

Research where you’re going: If you haven’t already, decide on the area you want to go, taking into consideration aspects such as schools, amenities, and transport links. Also, start looking into what kind of property you’ll want to rent or buy, and how it can fit into your cost of living.
Start decluttering: Moving interstate to Brisbane is a great chance to lighten your load, which can also save you money on the move. Be brutal and discard, sell, or donate everything that you don’t need, or haven’t used for months or years.
Choose your moving team: This is super important, and your relocation experience will hinge on who you work with. Do your research and choose your Brisbane interstate removalists carefully. Compare quotes, ask questions, and get everything booked in.
Decide your moving type: Think about whether you want a more affordable interstate backloading service (which requires a little flexibility on your part), or a Premium Direct option (which gives you a dedicated moving truck and team for your move only).
Start changing your address: Notify important institutions like banks, insurance companies, and utility providers of your new address.

1-2 months before:

Gather your packing supplies: Boxes, cases, bags, suitcases, packing tape, bubble wrap, markers, padding, and a whole bunch of strong tape;
Start finding your important documents: This may take longer than you think, so having them all in one place well in advance is helpful. We’re talking passports, birth certificates, property deeds, medical records, and similar paperwork.
School and hospital enrolment: If you have kids, get their schooling in order. The same goes for any medical facilities that you’ll be living nearby.
Sort out utilities: Tell your suppliers about the move, and arrange for connection and reconnection at the new property.

Four weeks before:

Pack non-essentials: Such as off-season clothes, books, decorations, and anything else you won’t be needing over the next few weeks.
Finalise transport: Get your vehicle checked, fuelled up, and ready for the long drive.
Keep packing: As the days get closer, keep on packing those non-essentials and getting them ready.

1-2 weeks before:

Clean the property: We recommend getting special end-of-lease cleaners in to handle all the really tough jobs.
Do the final packing: This is it: time to pack pretty much everything and live off the bare essentials for the next two weeks. Perfect time to get to know your local takeaway options!
Defrost fridges and freezers: if taking your appliances with you, make sure they are disconnected, dry, and ready to be moved.
Confirm with your team: Contact your Brisbane interstate removalists and agree on dates, times and requirements so that moving day goes smoothly.

On the day:

Stay with your team: Hang around to oversee their work (without micromanaging), and be available to give any special instructions.
Do a final check: Have a look under the beds, in the draws, in the garden, and in any other storage areas to make sure nothing is left behind.
Lock securely: Make sure that every window and door is fully locked, as you’ll be responsible for any break-ins if the property isn’t left locked and secured.

Tip: Use a moving checklist

The above are just the broad strokes for when it comes to planning your interstate move to Brisbane. The truth is that there are so many little things that you’ll need to think about.

But, no worries: we’ve done the hard work for you. Check out our detailed and useful interstate moving checklist, which you can download and keep as your guide to easier moving.

Budgeting For Your Interstate Move To Brisbane

There’s no way around it: moving interstate can be expensive. But how expensive is kind of up to you, based on how you approach things and how much space and time you give yourself. Here are some of the things you’ll need to think about when putting together your interstate moving budget:

Shop around: Make sure that you get quotes from multiple moving companies so that you can compare prices. It’s always best to go with a partner that builds a tailored moving plan, so that you only pay for the things you need, instead of a broad package.
Factor in packing materials: Boxes and tape can be surprisingly expensive. However, some moving companies will provide you with free moving boxes, which goes a long way. For more on this, check out our free moving boxes page to see how it works.
Vehicle rental: If you’re not using a moving company, you’ll need to shop around for moving truck rentals. As above, compare different prices, and start your research in advance.
Storage: If you’re not moving everything at once, you may need to pay for storage. Your moving company may be able to help with this.
Type of service: Sharing a moving truck via Backloading, or paying more for Premium Direct/
Travel costs: Set aside money for flights, train tickets, or hotel stays for everyone hitting the road with you.
New home costs: including deposits, upfront rental costs, utility connections.
Other costs: Can include eating out during and in the first few days after the move, pet care, childcare.

Important: Leave your budget some breathing room, making sure that you have some extra money in case of the unexpected. While this guide will help you eliminate all doubts, nothing is ever without risk. But, with some cash set aside, you can handle anything unexpected that comes to pass.

Getting To Know Brisbane

Weather And Climate

Brisbane has a subtropical climate that’s defined by humid and hot summers, with mild and dry winters. It does have four distinct seasons, but these are not highly pronounced.

Summer: Takes places from December to February, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 35°C, and high humidity. It is also the wettest season, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
Autumn: Is from March to May, and has temperatures ranging from a reasonable 16°C to 26°C. Humidity also begins to lessen, and so will rainfall – although there will still be plenty of that.
Winter: Happens between June and August, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 21°C. Things are nice and cool, with low humidity, and low rainfall.
Spring: From September to November, things will start to warm up, with moderate rainfall and rising humidity. You can expect temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C.

Work And Industry

As a major economic hub in Australia, Brisbane has a diverse and dynamic job market. Key industries include healthcare and social assistance, construction, education, professional services, retail, hospitality, and finance.

Sectors which are seeing particular grow include technology, healthcare, and renewable energy, with the ongoing expansion of digital infrastructure having a strong impact. Brisbane has a low unemployment rate, which hovers around 4-5%, with a rising gig and freelance economy which attracts digital nomads.

If you’re moving interstate to Brisbane but don’t have a job lined up, here’s where you can look:

Seek – One of Australia’s most popular job search websites.
Indeed – A power aggregator from various sources.
LinkedIn – Needs no introduction! This is one of the largest professional job networks in the world.
Queensland Government Jobs – The official portal for Queensland government job listings, covering the public sector.

And finally on this topic, take a look at our guide on moving interstate for work – covering the best ways to go about it, and how to ensure that your new start has every chance for success.

Housing

Like any other major city, Brisbane has a range of housing options that cater to different budgets, lifestyles and preferences. The information below has been taken from Metropole’s Brisbane Housing Market Update., which reports on 2023.

Apartments and units – Typically found in the Brisbane CBD, Fortitude Valley, New Farm, and other central areas. Typical buying prices are between $500,000 to 700,000 depending on location and size, and rental prices are around $450 to $600 per week.

Townhouses – Located in suburban areas such as Chermside, Toowong, and Carindale, as well as more affluent inner-city areas. Typical buying prices are between $650,000 to 900,000 depending on location and size, and rental prices are around $600 to $850 per week.

Detached houses – Are mostly in the suburbs and outer suburbs, in areas such as Paddington, Ascot, Bulimba, and Ashgrove. Prices will naturally vary, in in general, detached houses can cost anything from $800,000 to over $1.5 million. Rentals generally cost around $640 to $10,000.

Suburb Overview

Here’s a very brief rundown on some of the suburbs you can find in Sydney, so, depending on what you want, it’s a good starting point for your property search.

Inner city: Fortitude Valley, New Farm, South Brisbane, West End.
Family-Friendly: Paddington, Carindale, Wilston, Kenmore.
Academic and student: St Lucia, Kelvin Grove, Toowong.
Prestigious and luxury: Ascot, Bulimba, Hamilton, Chelmer.
Affordable and growing: Ipswich, Wynnum, Chermside, Springfield.
Outdoor and nature: The Gap, Bardon, Samford Valley, Chapel Hill, Pullenvale

The Logistics of Moving Interstate To Brisbane

So, let’s get into it – the mechanisms of long distance moves to Brisbane are many, and complex. From the relocation itself through to paperwork and utilities, here’s how you can handle the logistics.

Doing It Yourself VS. Professional Movers

One of the big questions is: should you handle it yourself, or leave it to professional Brisbane interstate removalists? Like more things, it will depend on a multitude of factors. Here’s what you’ll need to think about:

Moving Costs:

DIY: Cheaper upfront costs as you won’t have to pay for labour and other expenses. However, you’ll have to contend with fuel, tolls, vehicle rental, equipment, and other practicalities usually covered by removalists.
Removalists: While more expensive, the price you get quoted will include everything needed for the move, meaning that there won’t be any surprises, letting you budget accordingly.

Time & effort:

DIY: Handling the move yourself lets you work at your pace, at your own schedule. But, all that loading, unloading, driving, and handling will leave you stressed and physically tired.
Removalists: Your moving team handle everything for you, and will do so with more efficiency and safety. But, you’ll be tied to a schedule that’ll have to be agreed upon far in advance.

Expertise & experience

DIY: As the owner of your cargo, you’ll know what’s where, and will be able to pack and transport according to your preferences. However, professionals know how to handle complex and heavy items, and will have the best equipment for it.
Removalists: Your team are trained in packing, loading and transporting your cargo – especially those that are large, heavy, or fragile. The only thing is that you’ll have to put your trust in them to handle with care and respect.

Insurance & liability:

DIY: You can arrange your own insurance according to your preferences, but this will take time and research.
Removalists: Will offer more insurance options, with reputable companies that they know well. However, you’ll need to make sure you’re being given an offer that’s right for you, and not for them.

So, as you can see there are pros and cons to both approaches. When planning your interstate move to Brisbane, consider your budget, time, physical ability, and how much stress you’re willing to put up with.

Permits & Paperwork

Moving interstate involves some degree of bureaucracy. Here’s what you’ll need to contend with, and how you can do it.

Vehicle licensing & registration

Driver’s license: When relocating to Brisbane from another state, you must update your driver’s license to a Queensland one. To do this, go to a Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) office with proof of identity, proof of residency in Queensland, and your current license. Visit the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads website for more info.
Vehicle registration: You’ll need to update your vehicle registration to Queensland within 2 weeks of your interstate move to Brisbane. As above, you’ll need to visit a Queensland TMR office with proof of address, identity, and a road certificate (if appliable).

Changing your address

You’ll need to notify all relevant parties of your new address, including utilities, banks, subscription services, insurances, and others. You’ll also need to update with the Australian Electoral Commission.

Quarantine & customs

If you plan to bring food items, animals, or plants to Brisbane, you’ll need to make sure they meet the regulations set by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. You can find more information at the Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment.

Real estate & housing

Finalise your purchase or lease paperwork, making sure that everything is signed and that you understand your responsibilities / rights. If you’re renting, confirm moving dates with your landlord.

Health & insurance

Update all health insurance details with your new address and details, and those of any dependants. Double check if you’re still covered in Queensland. If you have Medicare, we suggest going to the Medicare website for more details, and their contacts.

Utilities & mail

As with your insurance, you’ll need to contact your utilities provider and see about transfers, disconnections and connections for water, gas, electricity, and internet. You’ll also need to arrange for mail redirection through Australia Post.

Local services & council

You might need to register with the local council of your new suburb to qualify for services such as waste collections. Contact your local council to find out more about what they’ll need.

Useful Companies:

Electricity: Energy Queensland, Origin Energy, AGL Electricity Services, and Alinta Energy
Sewage & Water: Urban Utilities
Gas: Origin Energy, AGL Gas, Australian Gas Network
Internet & phone: Telstra, Optus, TPG, iiNet
Mail: Australia Post
Waste & recycling: Brisbane City Council

Packing For Your Interstate Move To Brisbane

This is a part of travel that many of us dread, especially when it involves long distances. Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid it entirely. However, by reading this section, you’ll be better equipped to handle it smoothly and with less stress.

Packing Supplies You’ll Need To Get:

You can either source these yourself, or your removalist can supply them for you.

Boxes – which can be rented or loaned for free by your removalists
Packing tape – for sealing up boxes
Packing paper and bubble wrap – to prevent fragile items from being damaged
Packing peanuts – to fill up the gaps in boxes and stop cargo from shifting
Stretch wrap – to further secure items such as furniture and appliances.
Markers and labels – which will help you stay organised for inventory
Covers and padding – for electronics, furniture, and appliances
Tools – such as pliers and screwdrivers for disassembling furniture

Going Room-By-Room

Approaching your packing systematically is the best way to go about it, saving you time and effort in the long run. Here’s how you should tackle each area

Non-essential rooms: Such as storage areas, guest rooms, and wardrobes – which typically have items that aren’t frequently used.
Kitchen: Carefully wrap up dishes and glassware, put appliances into boxes, and secure everything with bubble wrap.
Living room: Disassemble any furniture that you’re taking with you, put electrics back into their original boxes (if possible), and use a healthy amount of bubble wrap for anything that can easily break.
Bedroom: Pack you your clothes in suitcases and wardrobe boxes, with bedding and pillows doubling up as protection for other items.
Bathroom: Group up your toiletries into clear plastic bags or bins.

Tips for Labelling And Inventory

Use a marker to clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. It’s also helpful to draw arrows indicating which side should face up. Number each box as well, so you can keep a more detailed inventory of its contents separately.

Colour coding is useful for grouping up boxes by type, or by room – saving time for loading and unloading. If working with Brisbane interstate removalists, take photos of valuables and electronics for insurance purposes.

The above is just a quick snapshot of what you need to do. For more information, we suggest you take a look at our ultimate house moving checklist for 2024 – with a downloadable PDF.

Settling Into Brisbane

So, the move is sorted, and everything is ready. But, moving interstate means that it takes more than going from A to B to consider it a success. This section in our Brisbane interstate moving guide is all about how you can get to grips with your new life.

Transport:

Buses are run by Brisbane City Council, and you can pay for your transport using a Go Card, or contactless payment.
Trains in Brisbane are plentiful, connected the city to the suburbs and regional areas.
Ferries are a very enjoyable way to get around the Brisbane River, and surprisingly practical too! They operate on a variety of routes and times, including the popular CityCat service which is used by commuters getting to work.
Bikes are highly popular as the city offers CityCycle (a bike-share program), as well as a bunch of lanes and paths to explore.

Local Amenities and Services

Healthcare

Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
The Prince Charles Hospital
Healthdirect GP Finder

Education

Brisbane State High School:
St. Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
University of Queensland
Queensland University of Technology

Shopping

Queen Street Mall
Westfield Chermside
Brisbane Farmers Markets
Jan Powers Farmers Markets

Libraries

Brisbane Square Library
State Library of Queensland

Public Services

Brisbane City Council
Australia Post

Dealing With Culture Shock

Even though you’re likely moving within Australia, culture shock can still happen after an interstate move. Things might not initially be as you imagined or hope, but like all things, settling in takes time.

One of the best things you can do is to keep connections in your ‘previous life’, talking with friends and family to have that feeling of consistency.

It’s also important to have an open mind and realise that what you expect, plus what’s in front of you will always be different. The best way to avoid this is to educate yourself about what its like to live in Brisbane, and what kind of things you want to seek out for yourself.

Finally, be kind to yourself. If you experience feelings of loss, loneliness, confusion or stress, remember that it’s all normal and not a weakness on your part. Trust us – once you settle in and explore, you’ll find that Brisbane is a fantastic place to live.

Groups And Clubs

When you’re new in the city, joining various groups and clubs are a fantastic way to meet new people and become part of the community. As with any big city, Brisbane has a bunch of different interest groups, and groups which are specifically for foreigners or people new to the area.

For instance, if you’re into running, the Brisbane Hash House Harriers is a social club that meets regularly for runs, or if you enjoy photography, why not join up with the Brisbane Camera Group?
If meetups and events are your thing, then you can’t go wrong with the Brisbane Meetup group – where you can find a wide range of interest-based groups. And, for workshops, networking events, social gatherings and more, Eventbrite Brisbane has you covered.
Classes and workshops are also a great way to meet people in a low-pressure environment. We suggest you take a look the Brisbane Institute of Art, which offers art classes all year round. Or, for something a little different, The Mind Room is a place to meet for stress management, mindfulness, meditation, and mental wellbeing.
Then, we have social media, with a whole bunch of Facebook Groups and Instagram pages to check out. Have a look at Brisbane Expats on Facebook if you’re coming from abroad, and the Brisbane Social, which is a group for both locals and newcomers.

Exploring Brisbane

We can’t stress enough how much there is to see and to in Brisbane, but if you’re not sure on where to start, here are some pointers.

Hit the landmarks: If you’re new in town, check out iconic spots such as South Bank, The Brisbane River, and Story Bridge. There’ll be plenty of people around, and you’ll get a feel of the city’s character.
Enjoy the outdoors: Brisbane is a very green city, with plenty of beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to walk and relax in. We suggest checking out the Brisbane Botanical Gardens, Mount Coot-tha, and New Farm Park (for starters).
Eat & drink – Go to Eat Street Northshore, a popular food market with plenty of stalls to check out, with live entertainment and fun atmosphere. The perfect place for mingling with locals! Also, go to the West End Markets, which take place every Saturday, offering food, crafts, and fresh produce.
Culture & events – Head to the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Queensland Museum. Then, join in one of Brisbane’s many year-round festivals, such as the world-famous Brisbane Festival, and Ekka.

Summing up

If you’ve reached the end of this guide, then you’re ready for your interstate move to Brisbane. As you can see, there’s a lot to think about: The planning, the research, the packing, choosing how you move, settling in, and beyond.

As experienced Brisbane removalists, we know what it takes to pull off an interstate move in the best ways. Saving on costs and being efficient is highly important, but so is the quality of what we do, and the attitudes we have. If you’re thinking of moving interstate to Brisbane, gives us a call to see how we can make it all as smooth as possible.

For more on mastering long-distance moving, check out our articles on avoiding the challenges of moving interstate, moving pets interstate, and three never-fail interstate moving tips.

So, that’s it! Good luck, and we’ll see you in Brisbane!

Experienced Interstate Removalists For Brisbane

ZOOM-Removals-Guarantees

ZOOM 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 Brisbane to all major Australian cities for added peace of mind and a worry-free relocation, including: