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Moving to Melbourne

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G’day mate! Are you looking for advice on how to move to Melbourne from the UK? Well then, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got all the information you’ll need for moving to Melbourne, or as a local Aussie might say, moving to Melbs. So, look no further! Read our hot tips, moving cost estimates, and even consider availing of some free removal quotes. And if you’re looking for more general info on moving Down Under, you can always take a looksee at our page moving to Australia.

How Much Will Moving to Melbourne Cost You?

Melbourne is by no means close, in fact, it’s on the other side of the world! So, moving to Melbourne from the UK won’t be cheap, nor will it be quick, it can take up to 5-10 weeks by sea.

Just so you know what to expect, you should consider reading the cost of container shipping. We also made some estimate about the costs of moving to Melbourne from London based on the size of the household, just to make your life easier:

Household SizeCost
1 bedroom£2,500 – £4,000
2 bedrooms£4,000 – £5,500
3 bedrooms£5,500 – £7,000
4 bedrooms£7,000 – £8,500
5 bedrooms£8,500 – £11,000

Disclaimer. Please note that these prices are merely estimates and the cost of your move will vary depending on distance, volume, and your individual needs. The best way to get accurate estimates is to avail of our free quotes, now!

Cost Factors

If it looks like the estimate for your house size is outside of your budget, don’t worry you can reduce the cost. Some of the factors that will affect the cost of your move to Melbourne:

  • Choosing a moving company – It’s important to get quotes from different companies so you can compare prices. Let us help you with that!
  • Household size – The more you have to move, the more it will cost. You can calculate the volume and see if you can let go of some belongings.
  • Complexity – Are you moving something fragile or rather hefty?
  • Insurance – it’s always smart to get insurance, considering that many things can go wrong. Replacing something out of pocket can get expensive, so protect yours!
  • Additional services – Assemblage and storage, for example

Of course, the best way to find out how much it’ll cost you is to get some quotes! So, get them now. Click below, we know you’re curious. 😉

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Sirelo tip: We know how important it is to do your research and think about what you really need, be that with regards to the moving company you choose or the items you’re packing. And we’ve got great tips for how to pack for moving house. Speaking of tips… (keep reading for more!)

Checklist for Moving to Melbourne

A top tip from us is when you’re moving to Melbourne, a checklist will become your best friend. It’ll help you keep organised, calm, and prepared. So, here are some things that need to be top priority:

✔️Visas

When moving to Melbourne, Australia, you’re going to need an Australian visa. Yes, it’s obvious, but we don’t want you applying for an Austrian visa, accidentally. So, what do you need to do to get an Aussie visa? Well, check out our page on Australian Visas to find out!

✔️Health insurance

The Australia health care system is called Medicare, and you’ll need a health card to avail of the free services. Unlike in the UK, not everything is covered under Medicare and it’s recommended to get private health insurance.

Psst. You, yeah you! Come here. Do you want to know more? Visit our page to find our more information about healthcare in Australia.

✔️Documents

Be smart and be prepared, having these documents on hand may prove to be a life saver as you’ll be well covered for any eventuality when moving to Melbourne:

  • Birth Certificate
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Medical Documentation (including dental and immunizations)
  • University Degree(s) and qualifications (consider getting them accredited)
  • Financial Statements
  • UK Criminal Record Check (for certain jobs)
  • Health Insurance Policy

Keep these documents safe, as moving can be chaotic. You should really have duplicates, just in case.

✔️Taxes

Before you go, you need to inform HM Revenue and Customs that you will no longer be working or paying tax in the UK. After moving to Melbourne, you will then need to get a Tax File Number from the Australian Tax Office.

✔️Banking

Using your UK Bank account in Australia will get expensive due to transferal fees and currency differences. We advise that you open a local bank account and then you can transfer money abroad easily. The main banks in Melbourne include:

✔️Pets

Australian has unique wildlife and they are very protective of it. So, the Australian government provides a pretty clear step-by-step guide on cats and dogs, so check it out for the sake of your furry friend(s)!

For other pets, they can often be banned or have other requirements. So, we recommend contacting the Australian Embassy, better your pet comes with you than gets stuck in the airport.

✔️Cancellations

You’ll be a long way from home, so why should you continue paying for utilities and services that only work in the UK? Remember to review and cancel utilities and services you’ll no longer be using.

Sirelo tip: The smartest thing to do is have your moving out date and the end of your utilities be the same date. You don’t want to live in a house with no water or internet, even for one day, trust us!

✔️Mail Redirection

Did you know that you can have Royal Mail redirect your letters after you change address? It’s pretty useful, and it’ll mean that don’t miss any important mail, be it bills, alumni letters, or mail from a former crush.

Looking for even more tips on how to move to Melbourne? Then maybe you should consider reading our moving abroad checklist, you’ll be glad you did!

Finding Your New Home in Melbourne

Melbourne is a very popular destination for locals and expats alike. So, there can be quite the demand for housing, making it expensive. If you’re moving to Melbourne alone, renting a shared house would be a good idea.

Did you know that: Melbourne is referred to as the Garden City? Well, now you do. The reason for this name may make it an even more attractive place to live; the city has, and prides itself, on the abundance of parks within its borders, making the city a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

It’s always good to have an idea of the cost of accommodation so you know what to expect. So, here are some estimated prices so you are prepared when moving to Melbourne:

Price LondonPrice Melbourne
1 bedroom£1,750£1,000
3 bedroom£3,300£1,800
City Centre Price/m2£11,100£5,300
Outside Centre Price/m2£5,600£4,450

Finding a Job in Melbourne

Moving to Melbourne and you already have a job? That’s great, it’ll make the process easier, all you have to do is get your Visa!

If you’re moving to Melbourne without a job, no worries mate, just start looking now! Of course, if you know where to start looking, that’s better and we’re here to get you on your way.

So, first off what are the main industries in Melbourne? Well, we’ve already done some of the leg work, look below:

  • Creative Industries
  • Digital Technologies
  • Food and Fibre
  • Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals
  • Energy Technologies
  • Service Industry
  • Tourism Industry

Knowing the top industries will help you focus your search. Furthermore, you can also use the following sites to help you find a job:

Don’t know what to expect when you’re working in Australia? Then you should checking out our page on working in Australia for info on the work culture.

a view of the skyline of Melbourne from the Shrine of Remembrance

Ready for your move to Melbourne?

So, now that you have a good idea on how to move to Melbourne, the rest should be easy! Our article will act as a good guide on moving to Melbourne from the UK. So, feel free to come back and click around.

Of course, if you still don’t feel prepared (which is entirely possible, moving is a big deal!), feel free to keep reading, there are plenty of pages that will inform and reassure about the process, just look below for examples. With all the great advice we’ve given you’ll be moving with a smile 🙂