Moving For Work? The Essential Relocation Checklist

Want to pack or move your belongings like professionals? Read our blog posts that will help you manage relocation process with ease.

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Moving For Work? The Essential Relocation Checklist

Jun 05, 2025

Ever wondered why Sydney attracts job seekers from all across Australia? The capital city of New South Wales is the melting pot for many multinational companies, startups, big tech giants, financial institutes, healthcare, tourism and many more ventures.

With an average annual salary of AUS $83,000 to AUS $85,000, Sydney is known for its highest wages in Australia. Although the cost of living is high, the city offers exceptional career opportunities across diverse industries. You can also be a part of this booming job market by relocating to Sydney for work.

However, moving requires strategic planning and preparations for a smooth transition. It can be physically and mentally challenging to prepare everything before the final moving date. Fret not! In this guide, we’ll unveil a step by step job relocation checklist to streamline the entire process. Ensure you track your expenses to create a realistic budget and make an informed decision about your move.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Know Everything About Relocation Packages

You should visit your new office before the final moving date and ask your employer about relocation packages. Will they cover moving expenses or not? It is because many companies in Sydney and other parts of Australia offer relocation reimbursements. These packages focus on alleviating financial and logistical burden from employees for a stress free move. This may vary from company to company, but renowned organisations usually cover some part of the move. So, have a clear conversation with your human resources department before deciding the right time to move for work.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

Women setting budget

This is one of the crucial tasks that people often overlook when planning for job relocation. Do a thorough analysis and prepare a rough budget by listing all expenses related to your move. Ensure you list down the estimated fees of experienced removalists Sydney, packing materials, transport expenses, housing rent or deposits, utility setup and other unexpected fees you may incur during the process. This is where you can use the employer’s relocation reimbursement and allocate personal funds if required.

Tip: Focus on cutting back on unnecessary spending and keep a close track of your moving expenses from start to end. This can help alleviate financial stress during the transition.

3. Seek Housing Options Well in Advance

Moving to a new city for work is like a roller coaster ride. The most challenging part is to find the most suitable accommodation when moving to a suburb. What holds you back? It could be due to the budget, a lack of real estate knowledge, or unfamiliarity with the new location. Whatever the reason is, make sure you plan your house hunt journey at least two months before the final moving date. Narrow down your options depending on your estimated budget, local amenities, lifestyle, personal preferences and workplace distance. It is always better to live close to your office to save commuting time and expenses. Also, prefer renting over owning a house because Sydney is the most expensive city in Australia. The median price of 2 bedroom, 2 bath house is around $1,300,000, while the rent is approx $1,200 per week. This makes renting affordable! If you want to live close to the CBD, consider these suburbs:

  • Erskineville: Located just 4 to 6 kms southwest, Erskineville is a residential hub among working professionals. The median weekly rent in the suburb is around $980, which is moderately affordable.
  • Newtown: Another inner suburb nestled close to the Central Business District. With a median weekly rent of $900 to $925, Newtown boasts of vibrant urban living and seamless access to high end amenities.
  • Stanmore: The close proximity to the CBD makes Stanmore a popular choice among working professionals, couples and small families. The median rent for a house in the suburb is $1,050 per week with great amenities and nearby entertainment hubs.

You can explore other inner city suburbs by hiring an experienced real estate agent. They will guide you throughout the journey to help you make an informed decision.

4. Declutter and Pack

Reduce your moving load by getting rid of unnecessary household belongings. You can sort through your items room by room to streamline the process. Divide into three categories: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Toss. Eliminate the items you no longer need through careful disposal. Organising a garage sale is another great way to convert unwanted items into cash.

After that, pack your belongings using high quality packing materials. Use double layer packing hacks to keep your fragile items intact. This includes bubble wrap and packing paper that will ensure utmost safety during the lifting and loading process.

5. Book the Best Moving Company

You’ll need professional Removalists Sydney to keep your belongings intact during the transition. As soon as you plan a move, begin your research based on your specific requirements. Ensure you hire an experienced, fully insured and licensed company. Ask your friends or families who have recently hired any moving company. You can also research online and compare different quotes to make the right decision for the utmost safety of your precious possessions. It is a good idea to schedule the service early to avoid last minute hassles. You can also rent a moving truck if considering a DIY move to save money.

6. Update Your New Address

If you don’t want to miss important letters and bills post relocation, update your address well in advance. You can request mail forwarding via your local postal service by filling out the online form or visiting the post office. It may incur a small fee, and you are set to go!

7. Pack Your Essential Kit

Do not forget to pack your essential bag a day before your move. Add first aid box, toiletries, a pair of wrinkle free clothes and polished shoes, food, water bottles, essential documents, cash and valuables. You should keep this bag with you for a stress free travelling. Also, pack your moving day bag, which may include trash bags, flashlights, paper towels, bed linens, scissors and necessary tools.

How to Prepare for Job Relocation in Sydney

How to Prepare for Job Relocation in Sydney

Wrapping Up

Relocating for work can be challenging, but a proper plan makes the process a breeze. Contact your employer in advance to know more about relocation reimbursement or packages. Research the new city, build networks, hire removalists early and pack your essentials to stay organised for a stress free experience.