Moving by Yourself
This should be the most cost-effective way, if you don’t have too many things, have a car yourself or a friend has a car, and you’ve also dealt with furniture and appliances. In this case, this method is definitely a priority, just do a bit more work yourself and put in a bit more effort. You can start by moving small everyday items to the new house. If it’s within the same city, making multiple trips won’t be too much trouble.
Hiring a Moving Company
For most international students, this could be the more luxurious option. There are many moving companies in Australia, and you need to put in some effort to find the right one. The quotes from each moving company might vary, so you can call them to inquire about the prices. Some moving companies might offer lower hourly rates, but if the movers are slow and waste time, you end up paying more. Later on, we’ll recommend some reliable moving companies and provide tips on how to choose one.
If you hire a moving company for help, don’t forget to provide the workers with some snacks and drinks during the moving process. Even though you’re paying for their service, offering some extra snacks can make the workers more motivated and attentive. This way, they’ll also handle your belongings more carefully.
Renting a Truck
If you have a lot of belongings, shipping is too expensive, and you have large furniture and appliances, then you might consider renting a moving truck. When you rent a truck for moving, remember that the rental fee is not the only cost. Apart from the rental fee, you also need to consider insurance, fuel costs, and more. If you’re moving between different states, you should also check if returning the truck to a different location is allowed.
Many rental car companies in Australia provide truck rental services. Since the market for truck rentals is relatively small, it’s recommended to book in advance with the rental companies. Some well-known rental companies in Australia are:
- Budget Australia: Up to 7% super cashback
- Avis: Up to 7% super cashback
It’s advisable to rent a truck from Budget, as they are an international rental company and their vehicles are generally in better condition. Another reason is that you can rent a hand trolley along with the truck.
A hand trolley is a useful tool for moving large furniture, but if the furniture can be disassembled, a hand trolley might not be necessary. Additionally, it’s suggested to purchase additional insurance when renting a truck to cover any potential damages during the moving process.
Things to Know Before Moving
If you’re moving from one house to another house, it might be somewhat easier because you won’t have to deal with the restrictions of apartment buildings. However, if you’re moving from one apartment to another, it might be a bit more complicated, so it’s important to plan ahead.
First, find out the moving hours allowed by both your old and new apartment buildings. Many buildings don’t have dedicated service elevators and don’t allow moving on weekends, so it’s essential to communicate with the building managers in advance. In some cases, you might even need to schedule a specific time slot for moving and might have to pay extra if you exceed that time.
You should also learn about how elevators can be used during the moving process. Find out if you can reserve an elevator exclusively for your use. If elevator access needs to be restricted, learn how to obtain the key or access card from the building manager.
Additionally, find out where you can park the moving truck at both the old and new residences. The building manager or landlord might provide guidance on where to park, but if not, you’ll need to identify nearby parking spots.
Finally, check if the building has any special requirements for the moving company. Some buildings might require the moving company to provide proof of insurance, especially in case of any damages during the moving process.
Detailed Moving Process in Australia
- 4-6 Weeks Before Moving
- Notify your landlord or agent in writing.
- Book a moving company well in advance.
- Start decluttering and getting rid of unnecessary items. If you have too many belongings you may want to find a storage solution.
- Collect boxes and necessary packing tools.
- 2-4 Weeks Before Moving
- Book a cleaning company if needed.
- Cancel and arrange utility services.
- Begin processing items that aren’t needed.
- 1-2 Weeks Before Moving
- Update your address with various services and institutions.
- Start settling your plants and pets’ arrangements.
- Moving Week
- Pack your belongings, labeling boxes for easy unpacking.
- Confirm details and timing with the moving company.
- Confirm key return with the old landlord/agent.
- Inspect the new house and check utilities.
- Moving Day
- Pack essentials for the first few days in a separate kit.
- Double-check all arrangements with the moving company.
- Ensure proper handover of keys with the old landlord/agent.
- Check the new house’s condition and utilities.
- After Moving
- Change your address with all necessary institutions and services.
Moving Tips
- Allow some overlap between your old and new home to accommodate any unexpected delays.
- Arrange for special disposal of large items and hazardous waste.
- Safeguard important documents, valuables, and fragile items.
- If you’re driving a rental truck, secure your belongings and cover furniture to prevent damage.
- Take care of address changes with various institutions and services to ensure you receive mail and notifications.