When Is Moving Season in Australia? Key Times, Trends & Tips
If you're planning a big move, timing can make a world of difference. Like many countries, Australia has a clear “moving season”—a time when more people are packing boxes, changing addresses, and relocating across town or interstate. Whether you're a renter, a first-home buyer, or simply looking for a fresh start, knowing when and how most Australians move can help you avoid unnecessary stress, lock in better deals, and streamline the entire process. Planning ahead also means you're less likely to forget important moving tasks—like connecting electricity and internet at your new place or comparing utility plans to save money after the move.
When Is Peak Moving Season in Australia?
In Australia, the busiest time for moving tends to be between November and February, with a strong spike in December and January. These summer months align with the end of the school year, the Christmas and New Year break, and the start of new leases and job opportunities. That makes it a popular time for families, students, and professionals to relocate.
December in particular is a key month when leases end, home settlements are finalized, and people take advantage of time off work to move. Capital cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane tend to experience the highest volume of moves during this time.
For university towns and regional centres, late January and early February are also busy as students prepare for the new academic year and renters race to secure accommodation near campus.
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Why Do So Many People Move in Summer?
There are a few major reasons summer has become the most popular time to move in Australia:
- School holidays: Families prefer to move while kids are on break, avoiding disruption during the school term.
- Favorable weather: Longer daylight hours and dry conditions make moving easier, especially for DIY moves.
- End-of-year leases: Many rental contracts are structured around calendar years, ending in December or January.
- New job starts: Many people start new jobs early in the year, especially those relocating for work.
- Lifestyle changes: The New Year often inspires people to make big life decisions, including upgrading, downsizing, or moving interstate.
Is There a Cheaper or Better Time to Move?
Yes—if you have flexibility, moving outside of peak season can come with a lot of benefits. The months between March and October are typically less busy for removalists, real estate agents, and utility providers. During this time, you’ll likely face:
- Lower removalist costs due to less demand
- More availability for moving services and van hire
- Less competition for rental properties
- Better scheduling flexibility for utility connections and disconnections
Off-peak moves also give you more time to research and compare essential services like electricity, gas, internet, and water providers—without rushing at the last minute.
Don’t Forget to Organize Your Utilities
One of the most overlooked parts of moving house is setting up or transferring your essential services. Planning this in advance can save you from arriving at a new home with no power or internet.
Here are the key utilities to take care of when moving:
- Electricity: You can transfer your current electricity plan or sign up with a new provider. Make sure your power is connected the day you move in.
- Gas: If your new home uses natural gas, schedule a disconnection at your old property and arrange a reconnection at your new address.
- Internet (NBN): Internet plans can take up to two weeks to connect, so it’s important to book early and choose a provider that services your new address.
- Water: In most states, water is managed by the local authority, but tenants should still notify the water provider of the change of occupancy.
- Home insurance: Don’t forget to update or transfer your contents insurance policy to ensure you're covered during and after the move.
Tips for Moving During Peak Season
If you're moving during the summer rush, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Book early: Moving companies and van rentals get snapped up quickly in summer, so lock in your dates early.
- Avoid weekends: If possible, move mid-week when demand (and pricing) is lower.
- Compare utilities: Use online tools to compare electricity, gas, and NBN plans at your new address.
- Keep cool: Summer moves can be exhausting, so move early in the day and keep plenty of water on hand.
- Do a pre-move checklist: Include notifying your providers, changing your address, and ensuring meters are read correctly.
Understanding the timing of Australia's moving season can help you plan more effectively and avoid the most stressful parts of relocating. While summer may be the most popular time to move, it’s also the busiest and potentially most expensive. If you have flexibility, a move in autumn or winter could save you money—and give you more control over the process. A smooth move isn’t just about getting your belongings from A to B. It’s about making sure your new home is ready to go from the moment you walk in the door.
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