Your Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill)
• 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 – Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill

• 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 Forest Hill

Tips from Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill 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.

Forest Hill Moving Costs and Local Context

Forest Hill is a middle-ring eastern Melbourne suburb, about 18 km from the CBD, so moving costs often depend on driveway access, truck parking and whether your route uses Springvale Road, Canterbury Road or Burwood Highway during peak periods.

ABS 2021 Census data shows Forest Hill had 4,083 occupied private dwellings, with 72.0% separate houses and 24.9% townhouses/semi-detached homes. That matters for movers: compared with inner Melbourne apartments, Forest Hill moves are less likely to involve lift bookings, but more likely to involve larger inventories, garages, sheds and multiple bedrooms. The average dwelling had 3.1 bedrooms, matching the Victorian average.

Housing costs were slightly above the state benchmark for renters. Forest Hill’s median weekly rent was $396, compared with $370 across Victoria. Median monthly mortgage repayments were also higher at $2,123, compared with $1,859 statewide. Budget extra buffer for overlap costs if you are paying rent or mortgage on two homes during settlement or lease crossover.

Car access is important. Forest Hill households were more car-reliant than many inner suburbs: 40.2% had one registered vehicle, 37.5% had two, and only 7.4% had no vehicle. If you are moving without a car, book delivery windows carefully and confirm public transport options from nearby Nunawading, Blackburn or Mitcham stations.

Source: ABS 2021 Census QuickStats: Forest Hill

Step-by-Step Forest Hill Moving Checklist

• Book removalists early – aim for 2-4 weeks ahead, especially for Saturday moves and larger family homes.
• Check truck access – confirm driveway clearance, street parking rules and whether the truck can safely stop near your entrance.
• Set up electricity and gas – arrange connection for move-in day with providers such as AGL, Origin or EnergyAustralia.
• Update your address – notify banks, VicRoads, Medicare, insurers, super funds, subscriptions and your employer.
• Redirect mail – organise Australia Post redirection for at least 1-3 months.
• Transfer internet – NBN appointments can take time; book before your lease or settlement date.
• Measure large furniture – check fridges, couches, mattresses and dining tables against doorways, stairs and garage entries.
• Prepare a first-night box – include chargers, kettle, medication, toiletries, towels, basic tools, toilet paper and bedding.
• Photograph rental condition – take dated photos before unpacking, especially walls, carpets, blinds, appliances and garden areas.
• Confirm waste options – check Whitehorse Council hard rubbish, green waste and bin collection rules before disposing of packing materials.
• Plan school and commute timing – test the morning route toward Blackburn Road, Springvale Road or Burwood Highway before your first workday.
• Keep bond paperwork organised – save condition reports, receipts, emails and cleaning invoices until the bond is finalised.

Moving Day Priorities

• Keep one person available to direct movers.
• Photograph utility meters before leaving and when arriving.
• Check keys, remotes, garage access and alarm codes.
• Do a final sweep of cupboards, shed, roof storage and laundry.
• Keep pets or children away from loading areas.
• Unpack fridge, beds and bathroom items first.

FAQ

How early should I book movers in Forest Hill?
Book 2-4 weeks ahead for a standard move. For a large house, school-holiday move or weekend booking, allow 4-6 weeks.

Is Forest Hill better suited to DIY moving or removalists?
Removalists are usually practical for Forest Hill because many homes are larger, with garages and multiple bedrooms. DIY can work for small townhouse or unit moves if you have parking and help.

What should renters do first after moving in?
Complete the condition report, take dated photos, test appliances, record meter readings and confirm your bond details are correctly lodged or transferred.