Your Burwood Moving Checklist 2026: Everything You Need Sorted

Before You Move (2-4 Weeks Out)

• Compare energy providers – set up electricity and gas for move-in day (AGL, Origin, Energy Australia all service Burwood)
• Book internet installation – NBN connections take 5-10 business days. Check available speeds at your new address on nbnco.com.au
• Set up mail redirection – Australia Post redirect starts at $37.50 for 1 month
• Notify important contacts – bank, employer, Medicare, ATO, Electoral Commission
• Research local council – Burwood falls under the local municipality
• Transfer or get Myki – add money before your first commute
• Find a local GP – check nearby clinics are accepting new patients

Moving Day Essentials

• Removalists or DIY – most properties have driveway access for truck loading
• Parking permit for truck – usually not needed – driveway access available
• Meter readings – photograph gas and electricity meters on arrival
• Condition report – if renting, document EVERYTHING with timestamped photos
• Keys and access – collect from agent/landlord, test all locks
• Emergency contacts – save local SES and council numbers

First Week in Burwood

• Update your address on MyGov, Medicare, bank, and licence (VicRoads online)
• Register to vote at new address (AEC requires notification within 8 weeks)
• Get a parking permit – not usually required – most properties include parking
• Set up bins – check which day is your collection day via council app
• Find your nearest – supermarket, pharmacy, medical centre, post office
• Test your commute – do a trial run to work at peak time before your first day

Local Services to Set Up

Cost of Moving to Burwood

Tips from Burwood Locals

1. Join the local Facebook group for suburb-specific tips and recommendations
2. Get familiar with the nearest train station and bus routes
3. Download the council’s app for bin days, local alerts, and community events

For a full guide to what Burwood is like, see our honest guide and cost of living breakdown.

Information current as of April 2026. Council boundaries, services, and fees may change. Check your specific council website for the latest.

Data-Backed Moving Budget: Burwood vs Melbourne

Burwood sits about 14 km east of Melbourne CBD, so moving costs are usually shaped by three things: apartment access, Burwood Highway traffic, and whether you are moving near Deakin University, Burwood One, Toorak Road, or Warrigal Road.

For rent planning, use Melbourne’s March 2026 benchmark as your baseline: Domain reported Melbourne median asking rents of $590 per week for houses and $600 per week for units. Burwood often competes with nearby student and family rental demand from Deakin, Ashwood, Box Hill South, Camberwell, and Glen Iris, so inspect quickly and have documents ready before applying.

Practical upfront costs for a Burwood move:

• Bond: usually up to one month’s rent in Victoria.
• Rent in advance: commonly 2 weeks, sometimes 1 month depending on lease terms.
• Removalist: allow more if your property has stairs, narrow driveways, or apartment lift bookings.
• Utilities: connect electricity before move-in; gas only if the property uses it.
• Parking: check whether your street has permit restrictions, especially near Deakin and tram corridors.
• Internet: older houses may have different NBN connection types from newer apartments.

A renter paying Melbourne’s median unit rent of $600/week should budget roughly $2,607 for one month’s bond plus $1,200 for two weeks’ rent in advance, before movers, utilities, and furniture.

Burwood Moving Checklist

2-4 Weeks Before Moving

• Compare energy providers – set up electricity and gas for move-in day with AGL, Origin, EnergyAustralia, or another provider.
• Book removalists early – Burwood moves near Deakin can be busier around semester starts.
• Confirm parking access – ask the agent about driveway use, loading zones, basement height limits, and visitor parking.
• Check public transport fit – Burwood is served by tram route 75 along Burwood Highway, with bus links to Box Hill, Chadstone, Glen Waverley, and surrounding suburbs.
• Arrange internet – check the exact address, not just the suburb, because NBN availability can vary by building.
• Measure large furniture – older Burwood houses and townhouses may have tight entries, while apartments may require lift booking.

1 Week Before Moving

• Submit change-of-address updates – licence, bank, employer, super fund, Medicare, AEC, insurance, and subscriptions.
• Transfer contents insurance – make sure cover starts on the first day you hold keys.
• Photograph the new property – document floors, walls, appliances, windows, garden areas, and any pre-existing damage.
• Confirm bin night – Burwood is split across local government boundaries, so check the exact council service for your address.
• Plan school or childcare drop-offs – test the peak-hour route before the first workday.
• Check appliance needs – confirm whether the property uses gas cooking, electric hot water, induction, or split-system heating.

Moving Day

• Take meter photos – electricity, gas, and water if accessible.
• Collect every key and fob – front door, garage, mailbox, window locks, storage cage, and car park remote.
• Inspect smoke alarms – report issues immediately in writing.
• Test heating, cooling, hot water, oven, dishwasher, and garage doors.
• Keep receipts – removalist, cleaners, storage, and utility setup costs may matter for budgeting or disputes.

Local Tips

Burwood Highway can slow down around school, university, and tram peak times, so avoid scheduling a truck arrival between 7:30-9:00 am or 4:30-6:00 pm if possible.

If moving near Deakin University, ask whether on-street parking is time-limited during teaching periods.

For renters, complete the condition report carefully within the required timeframe and attach dated photos.

For apartment moves, confirm lift padding, move-in windows, and loading dock access before booking movers.

FAQ

Q: How much should I budget before moving into a Burwood rental?
A: For a Melbourne-median unit at $600/week, allow about $2,607 for bond plus $1,200 for two weeks’ rent in advance, before removalists and utilities.

Q: Is Burwood manageable without a car?
A: It can be, especially near Burwood Highway tram stops and bus routes, but grocery trips, late shifts, and cross-suburb commutes are easier with a car.

Q: When should I connect electricity for a Burwood move?
A: Book electricity at least 3-5 business days before move-in, and earlier if the property has been vacant or needs a meter reconnection.

Source: Domain Rental Report, March 2026.