Moving from Wollongong to Melbourne: A Real Aussie Guide to Renting and Settling In
Packing up your life in Wollongong and heading interstate—whether it’s down to Melbourne or elsewhere—can feel like a massive mission. Between chasing rentals, sorting removalists, and making sure the lights and internet are on at the new place, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
The good news? If you tackle it step by step, it all falls into place. Here’s a straightforward, no-fluff guide to applying for a rental property, what documents you’ll need, and how to organise your move from Wollongong to Melbourne.
Step 1: Start House Hunting Early
The rental market in Melbourne is competitive. Properties get snapped up quickly, so don’t wait around. Jump on realestate and Domain, set your alerts for suburbs you like, and line up inspections. The trick is to have your application ready to go the same day you view the property.
Step 2: Get Your Paperwork Sorted
Agents aren’t mucking around when it comes to applications—they want proof you can pay and that you’ll look after the place. Here’s what you’ll usually need:
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Driver’s licence or passport (photo ID).
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Medicare card or birth certificate.
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Bank statements (last 3 months).
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Payslips (2–3 recent ones, or an employment contract if you’re starting a new job).
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Rental history (lease agreement or a reference from your old landlord/agent).
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A recent utility bill with your name on it.
If you’re moving interstate and don’t have a Melbourne rental history, chuck in a personal reference from your boss or someone reputable—it helps.
Step 3: Show You Can Afford It
Most agents want to see your income is about three times the weekly rent. Bank statements showing your pay going in regularly are key. If you’re self-employed, you’ll need an accountant’s letter or your latest tax return. Having some savings as a buffer always looks good too.
Step 4: Submitting the Application
Most agencies now use Ignite (1form) or their own online system. Once you’ve uploaded your docs once, it’s just a matter of applying with a click each time. Make sure everything’s neat, clear, and double-checked—messy applications often end up at the bottom of the pile.
Step 5: Bond & Upfront Rent
In Victoria, expect to pay:
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Bond (usually 4 weeks rent).
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Rent in advance (2 weeks).
Your bond is lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA). You’ll get a confirmation email once it’s in the system.
Step 6: Organising Your Move
This is where interstate removalists come in.
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Wollongong to Melbourne: Professional interstate removalists make it simple—they’ll load, drive, and deliver your things straight to your new place. The trip is a big one, but with the right crew it’s stress-free.
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Always get 2–3 quotes, check reviews, and confirm the company has an ABN and insurance. Fly-by-night movers can be a nightmare.
Step 7: Setting Up Utilities & Internet
Once your lease is signed, don’t leave this to the last minute.
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Electricity & Gas: Compare providers (Origin, AGL, EnergyAustralia are common in Melbourne). You can usually set the connection date for your move-in day.
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Internet: Check if your new place is NBN ready. Plans from Aussie Broadband, Telstra, or TPG can take a week or two to activate, so book early.
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Water: In Melbourne, landlords usually cover water rates, but you might be billed for usage—check your lease.
Step 8: Moving Day
Do a condition report straight away, with heaps of photos. Check every corner—doors, taps, windows, walls. Keep copies of everything you send to the agent. This is your protection when it comes to getting your bond back.
Step 9: Settle In
Once you’ve unpacked and cracked open a cold one, update your address with:
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Banks
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Electoral roll
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Medicare
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Work and subscriptions
Melbourne brings the big-city vibe with culture around every corner, so once the paperwork’s done, enjoy exploring your new neighbourhood.
Moving interstate—especially from Wollongong to Melbourne—doesn’t need to be chaos. The secret is being organised: have your rental docs ready, book a reliable interstate removalist, and line up your utilities before the move. Do that, and the rest is just unpacking boxes and finding your new favourite coffee spot.