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 Weekly Roundup Week 12)
- 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 – Weekly Roundup Week 12 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 Weekly Roundup Week 12
- 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 Weekly Roundup Week 12 |
|---|---|
| Supermarket | Closest Coles/Woolworths within 5-10 min drive |
| Post Office | Check auspost.com.au for nearest |
| Medical Centre | See our Weekly Roundup Week 12 medical guide |
| Library | Check council website for nearest branch |
| Gym | Check local options – Anytime Fitness or similar |
Cost of Moving to Weekly Roundup Week 12
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Removalists (2-3br) | $500-1,200 |
| Bond (4 weeks rent) | $2887 |
| First month rent | $1935 |
| Utility connections | $50-150 in fees |
| Internet setup | $0-99 (provider dependent) |
| Parking permit | $0-50 |
| Address changes | Free (online) |
| Total move-in costs | $4,379+ |
Tips from Weekly Roundup Week 12 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 Weekly Roundup Week 12 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.
Weekly Roundup Week 12, Melbourne: Moving Checklist
Data-Backed Melbourne Snapshot
Melbourne remains a high-cost rental market, so Week 12 planning should focus on locking in utilities, bond records, removal timing, and suburb-specific access. Domain’s March 2026 Rental Report lists Melbourne’s median house rent at $590 per week, up 1.7%, or $10, over the quarter. That means a typical four-week rent buffer for a house is about $2,360, before bond, movers, storage, cleaning, or utility connections.
For practical budgeting, compare that with a smaller move: if an apartment costs materially less than a house in your target suburb, the savings may cover professional movers, end-of-lease cleaning, or two weeks of storage. Inner suburbs such as Carlton, Richmond, Southbank, and Brunswick often cost more in parking stress and lift-booking complexity, while middle-ring suburbs usually need more planning around van hire time, tolls, and longer travel windows.
Bond is the other major cash-flow item. In Victoria, rental providers must lodge a bond with the RTBA within 10 business days of receiving it, according to Consumer Affairs Victoria / RTBA guidance: https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/rent-bond-bills-and-condition-reports/bond/bond-payments-and-amounts
Week 12 Moving Checklist
- Confirm your move date in writing with the agent, landlord, building manager, movers, and anyone helping on the day.
- Check bond paperwork: confirm the amount, names on the bond, RTBA lodgement details, and whether the bond was paid directly or through the rental provider.
- Compare energy providers: set up electricity and gas for move-in day with AGL, Origin, EnergyAustralia, or another Victorian retailer.
- Book internet early: NBN connection delays can affect work-from-home setups, especially in apartments or newly renovated properties.
- Measure large furniture: check fridge cavities, stairwells, lifts, balcony access, parking clearance, and hallway turns.
- Book building access: reserve lifts, loading bays, garage remotes, swipe cards, and move-in windows for apartments.
- Plan Melbourne parking: check council permit rules, clearways, tram routes, loading zones, and street-sweeping restrictions.
- Create a room-by-room packing order: start with storage, seasonal items, spare linen, books, and rarely used kitchenware.
- Label boxes by destination room, not just contents, so movers can unload without repeated instructions.
- Photograph the current property before packing hides damage, including walls, floors, appliances, blinds, and wet areas.
- Arrange end-of-lease cleaning if required, especially for carpets, ovens, rangehoods, bathrooms, and balconies.
- Update key addresses: bank, licence, Medicare, MyGov, employer, super fund, insurer, subscriptions, and electoral roll.
- Pack a first-night box with chargers, medication, toilet paper, towels, bedding, kettle, snacks, cleaning spray, and basic tools.
Melbourne-Specific Guide
Two weeks before moving, call your chosen electricity and gas provider and request connection from the lease start date, not the physical move date if they differ.
Ten days before moving, confirm RTBA bond lodgement or transfer details. Keep screenshots, receipts, and emails in one folder.
One week before moving, check whether your street has clearways. In Melbourne, this matters on arterial roads near tram corridors and commuter routes.
Three days before moving, reconfirm mover arrival time, truck size, insurance, stairs, lift access, and estimated job length.
On move-in day, take condition photos before boxes are unpacked. Prioritise meters, appliances, locks, windows, water pressure, smoke alarms, and existing marks.
FAQ
How much cash should I keep aside for a Melbourne move?
For a rental house, use the median rent figure as a guide. At $590 per week, four weeks’ rent is $2,360 before bond, movers, cleaning, utilities, and overlap rent.
When should I connect electricity and gas?
Arrange connections at least one week before move-in. For apartments, confirm meter access with the building manager or agent.
What should I check first when moving into a Melbourne rental?
Check keys, meters, appliances, hot water, heating, cooling, locks, windows, smoke alarms, and condition-report photos before unpacking heavily.


