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 Caulfield)
- 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 – Caulfield 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 Caulfield
- 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
| Service | Where in Caulfield |
|---|---|
| Supermarket | Closest Coles/Woolworths within 5-10 min drive |
| Post Office | Check auspost.com.au for nearest |
| Medical Centre | See our Caulfield medical guide |
| Library | Check council website for nearest branch |
| Gym | Check local options – Anytime Fitness or similar |
Cost of Moving to Caulfield
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Removalists (2-3br) | $500-1,200 |
| Bond (4 weeks rent) | $1992 |
| First month rent | $1631 |
| Utility connections | $50-150 in fees |
| Internet setup | $0-99 (provider dependent) |
| Parking permit | $0-50 |
| Address changes | Free (online) |
| Total move-in costs | $5,848+ |
Tips from Caulfield Locals
- Join the local Facebook group for suburb-specific tips and recommendations
- Get familiar with the nearest train station and bus routes
- Download the council’s app for bin days, local alerts, and community events
For a full guide to what Caulfield 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.
Before You Move (2-4 Weeks Out)
- Compare energy providers – set up electricity and gas for move-in day with AGL, Origin, EnergyAustralia or another Victorian retailer. Ask for the connection date in writing, especially if the property has gas heating or an older meter.
- Confirm internet options – check the exact address, not just the suburb. Caulfield has a mix of apartments, townhouses and detached houses, so NBN access can vary building by building.
- Book movers early – Caulfield has many narrow residential streets, apartments and townhouse driveways. Ask whether the mover needs lift access, stair fees or parking clearance.
- Update your bond and lease records – if renting, make sure the bond is lodged with the RTBA and that every tenant named on the lease matches the bond lodgement.
- Organise parking permits or visitor permits – check Glen Eira parking restrictions before moving day if your street has timed parking, permit zones or school-hour controls.
Data-Backed Moving Analysis
Caulfield is more compact and more mixed-density than Greater Melbourne overall. ABS 2021 data recorded 5,748 residents, 2,433 private dwellings and an average household size of 2.4 people, slightly below Greater Melbourne’s 2.6. That matters when moving: many homes suit couples, downsizers, small families and shared households rather than very large households needing multiple spare rooms.
Housing type is the key practical difference. Only 39.9% of Caulfield occupied dwellings were separate houses, compared with 67.8% across Greater Melbourne. Townhouses and terraces made up 37.9% in Caulfield versus 16.2% in Greater Melbourne, while flats and apartments were 21.5% versus 15.6%. For movers, this means more attention to access: stairs, lifts, tight garages, body corporate rules and booked move-in windows.
Costs also sit above the metro benchmark. Caulfield’s 2021 median weekly rent was $475, compared with $390 for Greater Melbourne. That is $85 per week higher, or about $4,420 extra per year before utilities, parking, internet or storage. Median weekly household income was $2,143, compared with $1,901 for Greater Melbourne, so the suburb has higher incomes but also higher housing costs.
Car ownership is moderate for an inner-suburban area. Caulfield averaged 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, while Greater Melbourne averaged 1.8. About 41.7% of Caulfield dwellings had one vehicle and 38.1% had two. If you are moving with two cars, inspect off-street parking carefully rather than assuming street parking will be easy.
Moving Day Checklist
Measure access before booking movers
Measure the front door, hallway, stair turns, lift interior and garage entrance. This is especially important in Caulfield townhouses and older apartment blocks.Book the first or second moving slot of the day
Morning moves reduce the chance of delays on Glen Huntly Road, Hawthorn Road and nearby arterial routes.Protect floors and common areas
If moving into an apartment, ask the owners corporation or property manager whether lift blankets, floor protection or move-in deposits are required.Keep essential services separate from packing
Put modem, chargers, meter box keys, lease documents, medication and cleaning supplies in one clearly marked bag.Photograph condition on arrival
Take dated photos of walls, floors, appliances, gardens, garages and any existing cracks before unpacking. This is useful for renters completing the condition report.
Local Tips
- Caulfield properties near rail, tram and major roads can have tighter parking controls, so check signs before unloading.
- Older homes may have gas heating, older switchboards or limited outdoor taps; confirm utilities before arranging cleaners or gardeners.
- Apartment movers should ask about lift bookings before paying a deposit to a removalist.
- If moving near Caulfield Racecourse or Monash University Caulfield, allow extra time during major events and semester changeover periods.
FAQ
Q: Is Caulfield more apartment-heavy than most Melbourne suburbs? A: Yes. ABS data shows flats and apartments were 21.5% of occupied dwellings in Caulfield, compared with 15.6% across Greater Melbourne.
Q: Should renters budget above the Melbourne average? A: Yes. The 2021 median rent was $475 per week in Caulfield versus $390 across Greater Melbourne, so allow extra room for rent and bond.
Q: Do I need a car in Caulfield? A: Not always, but many households still have one or two vehicles. Inspect parking carefully because 79.8% of dwellings had either one or two registered vehicles.
Source: ABS Census QuickStats – Caulfield and Greater Melbourne, 2021
