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 Richmond)
- 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 – Richmond falls under City of Yarra
- Transfer or get Myki – add money before your first commute
- Find a local GP – inner-city clinics often have wait lists, register early
Moving Day Essentials
- Removalists or DIY – tight streets and permit parking make professional removalists worth it
- Parking permit for truck – apply to council at least 48 hours ahead for temporary loading zone
- 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 police station numbers
First Week in Richmond
- 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 – essential in {name}, apply via council website ($80-120/year)
- 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 Richmond |
|---|---|
| Supermarket | Coles/Woolworths within walking distance |
| Post Office | Check auspost.com.au for nearest |
| Medical Centre | See our Richmond medical guide |
| Library | Local branch likely within walking distance |
| Gym | Multiple options on the main strip |
Cost of Moving to Richmond
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Removalists (2-3br) | $500-1,200 |
| Bond (4 weeks rent) | $2991 |
| First month rent | $1665 |
| Utility connections | $50-150 in fees |
| Internet setup | $0-99 (provider dependent) |
| Parking permit | $80-120 |
| Address changes | Free (online) |
| Total move-in costs | $6,686+ |
Tips from Richmond Locals
- Get the parking permit sorted before anything else – street parking is brutal
- Explore the back streets for hidden cafes and shops
- Download the council’s app for bin days, local alerts, and community events
For a full guide to what Richmond 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.
Richmond Moving Snapshot: What the Numbers Mean
Richmond is denser and more renter-heavy than the Victorian average, so plan your move around apartment access, parking limits and fast utility connections. ABS 2021 Census data recorded 28,587 residents, 16,267 private dwellings, and an average of 2 people per household in Richmond. The suburb’s median weekly rent was $441, compared with $370 across Victoria, meaning Richmond renters were paying about 19% more than the state median. Richmond’s median weekly household income was $2,245, compared with $1,759 for Victoria, so incomes were also higher, but upfront moving costs still stack quickly. Source: ABS 2021 Census QuickStats: Richmond (Vic.).
Housing type matters for your checklist. Only 15.6% of Richmond occupied dwellings were separate houses, while 30.7% were terraces, townhouses or semi-detached homes, and 53.0% were flats or apartments. That is a major contrast with Victoria, where 73.4% of occupied dwellings were separate houses and only 12.1% were apartments. In practical terms, a Richmond move is more likely to involve lifts, stairwells, loading zones, body corporate rules, smaller entries and timed delivery windows.
Car access is another key difference. Richmond had an average of 1.2 motor vehicles per dwelling, and 19.3% of occupied dwellings had no registered vehicle, compared with 7.5% across Victoria. If you are moving from outer Melbourne, do not assume driveway loading or easy street parking. Book movers early, check permit requirements, and schedule deliveries outside Swan Street, Bridge Road and Church Street peak periods where possible.
Step-by-Step Richmond Moving Checklist
- Confirm building access: ask the agent, owner or building manager whether you need to book a lift, loading bay, goods entrance or move-in window.
- Check parking restrictions: review street signs near the property and apply for any City of Yarra parking permit or temporary arrangement if needed.
- Measure tight access points: measure lifts, stairwells, front gates, hallways and door frames before moving fridges, sofas, mattresses or washing machines.
- Book movers with inner-city experience: choose a team comfortable with apartments, terraces, narrow streets and short loading windows.
- Redirect mail and update addresses: update banks, licence details, Medicare, employer records, insurers, subscriptions and online shopping accounts.
- Connect utilities early: arrange electricity, gas and internet before move-in day; Richmond apartments may require NBN connection checks or building access for technicians.
- Prepare for smaller storage: Richmond homes often have less garage or shed space than suburban houses, so sort, sell or donate bulky items before moving.
- Photograph condition on arrival: take timestamped photos of walls, floors, appliances, balconies, windows and existing marks before unpacking.
- Test essentials first: check hot water, heating/cooling, stove, locks, intercom, smoke alarms, bins and internet connection on day one.
- Locate services nearby: note your closest supermarket, pharmacy, GP clinic, tram stop, train station, laundromat and after-hours parking options.
Richmond-Specific Timing Tips
Move mid-morning on a weekday if you can. Richmond’s retail strips, tram routes and hospitality precincts can make Friday afternoons and weekends harder for loading. If moving into an apartment, confirm whether weekend moves are allowed, as some buildings restrict lift use or charge a bond for move bookings.
Allow extra time for utility and internet setup. Apartment buildings can have locked communications rooms, embedded networks or access requirements that delay technician work. For rentals, keep all setup confirmations in writing so you can show you acted before move-in day.
FAQ
How early should I book movers for Richmond?
Book 2-4 weeks ahead, or earlier if moving at the end of the month. Richmond’s apartment-heavy housing means lift bookings and loading access can be just as important as mover availability.
Do I need a parking permit for moving day?
Possibly. Many Richmond streets have timed, metered or resident-only parking. Check the exact street signs first, then contact the City of Yarra if you need temporary parking guidance.
What should renters check first after moving in?
Check condition report items, appliance function, keys, locks, heating, hot water, smoke alarms and any damage. Photograph issues immediately and send them to the rental provider or agent in writing.
