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 Wantirna South)
- 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 – Wantirna South 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 Wantirna South
- 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 Wantirna South |
|---|---|
| Supermarket | Closest Coles/Woolworths within 5-10 min drive |
| Post Office | Check auspost.com.au for nearest |
| Medical Centre | See our Wantirna South medical guide |
| Library | Check council website for nearest branch |
| Gym | Check local options – Anytime Fitness or similar |
Cost of Moving to Wantirna South
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Removalists (2-3br) | $500-1,200 |
| Bond (4 weeks rent) | $2151 |
| First month rent | $2619 |
| Utility connections | $50-150 in fees |
| Internet setup | $0-99 (provider dependent) |
| Parking permit | $0-50 |
| Address changes | Free (online) |
| Total move-in costs | $5,292+ |
Tips from Wantirna South 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 Wantirna South 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.
Wantirna South Cost And Area Snapshot
Wantirna South is an established eastern Melbourne suburb in the City of Knox, about 24 km east of Melbourne CBD. For movers, the main practical difference compared with inner Melbourne is space: blocks, driveways, garages, and shopping-centre access are generally easier to manage, but peak-hour travel into the city can be slower.
According to the ABS 2021 Census, Wantirna South had a population of 19,271 people, with 75.8% of dwellings recorded as separate houses. That is much higher than inner Melbourne suburbs, where apartments make up a far larger share of housing. For moving day, this usually means fewer lift bookings and loading-dock issues than CBD or inner-north moves, but more planning around larger furniture, garden equipment, garages, and multiple living areas.
Households in Wantirna South also tend to be larger than the Melbourne average. ABS 2021 data records an average household size of 2.8 people in Wantirna South, compared with 2.6 across Greater Melbourne. That matters for your checklist: allow more boxes, more time for room-by-room sorting, and more notice for utilities, internet, school changes, and rubbish disposal.
Source: ABS 2021 Census QuickStats: Wantirna South
Local Moving Checklist For Wantirna South
- Book movers early if moving near Westfield Knox – traffic around Burwood Highway, Stud Road, High Street Road, and Knox shopping precinct can slow loading and unloading, especially on weekends.
- Check parking access – confirm whether the moving truck can fit in the driveway or safely stop on the street without blocking neighbours.
- Measure large furniture – many homes have stairs, split levels, garages, or narrow side access. Measure fridges, sofas, bed frames, and outdoor furniture before moving day.
- Arrange energy connection before settlement or lease start – electricity and gas should be active by move-in morning, especially in winter.
- Update school and childcare details – Wantirna South is family-heavy, so nearby schools and care providers may need notice before enrolment changes.
- Plan hard rubbish or tip runs – sort garage items, old furniture, paint, garden tools, and e-waste before the move rather than paying movers to transport unwanted goods.
- Check NBN availability and appointment timing – do this at least two weeks ahead if you work from home.
- Redirect mail and update addresses – include VicRoads, banks, Medicare, insurers, super funds, subscriptions, and online shopping accounts.
- Label boxes by room and priority – use “kitchen first night”, “bathroom first night”, “school/work”, and “garage” labels to make unpacking faster.
- Keep cleaning supplies separate – Wantirna South homes are often larger than inner-city apartments, so exit cleaning can take longer than expected.
7-Day Move-In Plan
7 Days Before
Confirm the removalist arrival window, truck size, and payment method. If you are renting, photograph the current property and start the condition report process. Pack non-essential kitchenware, spare linen, books, decorations, and garage storage.
3 Days Before
Defrost the freezer, finish laundry, back up important documents, and prepare a box with chargers, medication, toiletries, pet items, basic tools, toilet paper, and cleaning products.
Moving Day
Do a final meter reading, photograph empty rooms, check cupboards, lock windows, and keep keys, garage remotes, and documents with you. At the new property, direct movers room by room instead of letting boxes pile up in one area.
First 48 Hours
Test hot water, heating, cooling, smoke alarms, internet, bins, locks, and garage doors. Walk the property boundary and note any urgent maintenance issues before unpacking everything.
FAQ
Is Wantirna South harder to move into than inner Melbourne?
Usually no. It often has better driveway and street access than inner suburbs, but larger homes mean more furniture, more boxes, and longer loading times.
When should I book a removalist?
Book 3-4 weeks ahead if moving on a Friday, weekend, school holiday, or end-of-month date. These are the busiest moving periods.
What should renters do first?
Complete the condition report carefully, take timestamped photos, confirm bond lodgement, and keep all communication in writing. This helps avoid disputes later.
