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 Melbourne Apartment Vs House Guide)
- 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 – Melbourne Apartment Vs House Guide 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 Melbourne Apartment Vs House Guide
- 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 Melbourne Apartment Vs House Guide |
|---|---|
| Supermarket | Closest Coles/Woolworths within 5-10 min drive |
| Post Office | Check auspost.com.au for nearest |
| Medical Centre | See our Melbourne Apartment Vs House Guide medical guide |
| Library | Check council website for nearest branch |
| Gym | Check local options – Anytime Fitness or similar |
Cost of Moving to Melbourne Apartment Vs House Guide
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Removalists (2-3br) | $500-1,200 |
| Bond (4 weeks rent) | $2761 |
| First month rent | $2165 |
| Utility connections | $50-150 in fees |
| Internet setup | $0-99 (provider dependent) |
| Parking permit | $0-50 |
| Address changes | Free (online) |
| Total move-in costs | $3,782+ |
Tips from Melbourne Apartment Vs House Guide 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 Melbourne Apartment Vs House Guide 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.
Apartment Vs House: Moving Checklist For Melbourne
Data-Backed Melbourne Comparison
Melbourne movers are choosing between two very different moving jobs. In Greater Melbourne, ABS 2021 Census data recorded 1,207,906 separate houses, equal to 67.8% of dwellings, and 277,512 flats or apartments, equal to 15.6%. In the City of Melbourne area, the pattern flips: apartments dominate, with ABS QuickStats showing 60,718 flats or apartments, or 85.8% of dwellings, compared with 1,576 separate houses, or 2.2%. Source: ABS 2021 Census QuickStats.
For a move, that means an apartment in Melbourne CBD, Southbank, Docklands, Carlton or St Kilda Road usually requires more planning around access, lifts, parking bays and building management. A house move in suburbs such as Preston, Bentleigh, Glen Waverley or Werribee is usually easier for truck access, but often involves more rooms, garden items, garages, sheds and larger furniture.
Cost-wise, apartments can be cheaper if you have fewer belongings, but delays from lift bookings, loading dock limits or long carries can add time. Houses may allow faster loading, yet the volume is usually higher. A two-bedroom apartment may fit into a smaller truck and shorter job window; a three-bedroom house often needs more movers, more packing materials and more time on site.
Apartment Moving Checklist
- Book the lift with building management at least 1-2 weeks before moving day.
- Confirm loading dock access, height limits and whether the removalist truck can park onsite.
- Check move-in time windows; many Melbourne apartment buildings restrict moves to weekday business hours.
- Reserve protective lift padding if the owners corporation requires it.
- Measure bulky furniture against lift dimensions, corridor corners and apartment doorways.
- Tell your removalist about stairs, swipe-card access, concierge rules and loading zones.
- Pack a compact essentials box because apartment unpacking can be slower when everything comes through one lift.
- Dispose of hard rubbish early; apartment waste rooms often cannot take mattresses, whitegoods or large boxes.
House Moving Checklist
- Check street parking rules and whether the truck can stop directly outside.
- Clear the driveway before movers arrive.
- Measure side gates and entry paths for fridges, lounges, outdoor tables and BBQs.
- Drain garden equipment such as mowers and pressure washers.
- Pack garage and shed items separately so tools, paint and outdoor gear do not mix with kitchen or bedroom boxes.
- Arrange utility connections for electricity, gas, water and internet before settlement or lease start.
- Check security basics: keys, remotes, window locks, alarm codes and garage access.
- Plan pet and child safety if movers will have doors and gates open for several hours.
Which Is Easier To Move Into?
Choose an apartment if you want less space to furnish, lower outdoor maintenance and better access to trains, trams and inner-city services. Before signing, confirm the building’s moving rules because poor access can turn a small move into a slow one.
Choose a house if you need storage, a yard, easier vehicle access or room for children, pets or home office equipment. Before moving, allow more time for decluttering because houses collect more items in garages, laundries, cupboards and outdoor areas.
FAQ
Is moving into a Melbourne apartment cheaper than a house?
Often, but not always. Apartments usually involve fewer items, but lift bookings, loading dock restrictions and long carries can increase removalist time.
Do I need to book a lift before moving into an apartment?
Yes, in most managed apartment buildings. Book with the building manager or owners corporation before confirming your removalist.
What should I move first in a house move?
Start with large furniture, appliances and labelled room boxes. Leave essentials, cleaning supplies, keys, chargers and documents accessible until the end.
