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 St Kilda Road)
- 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 – St Kilda Road 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 St Kilda Road
- 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 St Kilda Road |
|---|---|
| Supermarket | Closest Coles/Woolworths within 5-10 min drive |
| Post Office | Check auspost.com.au for nearest |
| Medical Centre | See our St Kilda Road medical guide |
| Library | Check council website for nearest branch |
| Gym | Check local options – Anytime Fitness or similar |
Cost of Moving to St Kilda Road
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Removalists (2-3br) | $500-1,200 |
| Bond (4 weeks rent) | $1985 |
| First month rent | $1732 |
| Utility connections | $50-150 in fees |
| Internet setup | $0-99 (provider dependent) |
| Parking permit | $0-50 |
| Address changes | Free (online) |
| Total move-in costs | $3,855+ |
Tips from St Kilda Road 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 St Kilda Road 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.
St Kilda Road Moving Costs and Local Benchmarks
St Kilda Road is mainly an apartment-moving area, so plan around lifts, loading zones, building managers and short booking windows. ABS 2021 Census data for nearby St Kilda shows 79.0% of occupied dwellings were flats or apartments, compared with 12.1% across Victoria, which explains why lift access, body corporate rules and removalist timing matter more here than in many Melbourne suburbs. The same ABS profile recorded median weekly rent of $381, slightly above Victoria’s $370 at the time, with 30.8% of renter households spending more than 30% of household income on rent. Source: ABS 2021 Census QuickStats, St Kilda.
For a current move budget, allow more than the base truck-and-labour quote. Apartment moves on St Kilda Road often involve paid parking, lift padding, after-hours move fees, key/fob deposits and longer carry distances from basement loading bays. Compared with outer Melbourne house moves, the hourly removalist rate may look similar, but the job can take longer because movers must coordinate lifts and loading access instead of parking directly at the door.
Step-by-Step St Kilda Road Moving Checklist
Confirm your building move rules – ask the building manager whether moves are allowed on weekends, whether the lift must be booked, and whether lift curtains are required.
Book the lift before the removalist – St Kilda Road apartment towers can have limited lift windows. Secure a lift slot first, then match your removalist booking to that window.
Check loading access – confirm whether the truck can use a loading bay, basement dock, side street, service lane or metered parking space. Ask for clearance height if the truck must enter a basement.
Apply for parking permits if needed – if the truck cannot fit on private property, check council parking rules early. St Kilda Road addresses may fall under Melbourne or Port Phillip depending on the exact location.
Measure bulky items – check mattresses, sofas, desks and fridges against lift dimensions and apartment doorways. If an item needs stair carry, tell the removalist before move day.
Set up utilities 1-2 weeks ahead – arrange electricity, gas if applicable, internet and contents insurance. Apartments may have embedded networks, so ask the agent or building manager before comparing providers.
Plan tram and traffic timing – St Kilda Road is a major tram corridor into the CBD. Avoid peak commuter windows where possible, especially if loading from the street.
Prepare a fob and key plan – keep one set with you, one with the removalist supervisor if permitted, and one for lift or loading access if the building requires it.
Photograph condition reports – document walls, lift interiors, apartment floors and common areas before movers start. This helps if the owners corporation raises damage concerns.
Pack a first-night box – include chargers, medication, kettle, basic tools, toilet paper, towels, bedding, cleaning spray and one change of clothes.
FAQ
Do I need to book the lift when moving into St Kilda Road?
Usually, yes. Many St Kilda Road apartments require a dedicated move booking, lift protection and a set time window. Confirm this before hiring removalists.
Is moving on St Kilda Road harder than other Melbourne areas?
It can be. The main issues are apartment access, tram traffic, limited loading space and owners corporation rules. A well-planned move is straightforward, but unbooked lifts or unclear parking can add hours.
Which council should I contact for parking permits?
Check the exact address first. Parts of St Kilda Road sit near City of Melbourne boundaries, while southern sections are closer to Port Phillip. Your building manager or rental agent should confirm the correct council.



