If you’ve found yourself dreaming of picturesque harbourside views and a booming city lifestyle then you may be considering relocating to Sydney. Like many South Australians, trading in Adelaide’s historic architecture for the vibrant cosmopolitan lifestyle of the NSW capital may be something that you have been contemplating for a while. Whether you’re drawn to Sydney for its booming job market, enviable coastal living or thriving cultural scene, knowing how to smoothly transition interstate from South Australia to NSW can be a challenge.
From understanding the cost of living in Sydney to finding the best interstate removalists to help get you there, this guide will cover all that you need to know for your next dream relocation. No matter what your reason for moving, consider this guide your complete roadmap from Adelaide to Sydney.
Why are people moving to Sydney?
Sydney has long been a hotspot for Australians and expats combined and it's easy to see why. Home to some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, the city is flocked with new residents from all over the world every single day. However, it’s not just the Sydney Opera House or Harbour Bridge that has granted Sydney the largest population in Australia. As an economic powerhouse, many relocate to this bustling city due to the thriving job market on offer. Home to countless multinational companies, start-ups and a diverse range of industries there is a lot of opportunity for those who are willing to take it.
Along with ample job opportunities, Sydney’s lifestyle options are also a great sales point for those looking for a fresh start. With a diverse landscape and a variety of different living styles from maritime ease to corporate rush, the chance to experience the best of coastal city life is what draws so many in. A perfected balance of lifestyle options, Sydney continues to capture the attention of so many.
However, with such vast interest and optimum living conditions, there is one main drawback of living in Sydney that should be considered first. That is the cost of living in Sydney compared to Adelaide. Unfortunately, high demand in Sydney means that housing prices and general living costs are greater, particularly in coastal areas such as the Eastern Suburbs and Northern Beaches.
So, if you’re not quite ready to cut down on brunching every Saturday or are after an apartment that doesn't cost you your week's wages then you may wish to look at some of Sydney’s more affordable neighbourhoods in the west. Offering charming character and a buzzing cultural scene, the Western suburbs offer a great balance between city connections and affordability. Knowing what Sydney suburbs meet your needs best will help you to create your dream life. It is also important to note that whilst the cost of living in Sydney is higher than that of Adelaide, the average salary is also higher.
How much does it cost to move from Adelaide to Sydney?
Creating a budget for your move from Adelaide to Sydney should be a top priority. To do that you need to know roughly how much it will cost for your interstate relocation. Speaking with professional removalists can help clarify how much it will cost to move all your belongings from Adelaide to Sydney including various services such as packing, wrapping and storage services that you may have not thought about yet. When gathering quotes from removalists you may want to discuss the below options that will affect the cost of your move:
- Do you have pets that will need relocating
- Do you need a consolidated or VIP Service? (big moves or quick turnaround will usually need a VIP service)
- Will you need a car moved
- Is it worth investing in a white glove removals service (covering all aspects of your move)
- Will you need interim storage
Adelaide to Sydney Moving Checklist
With a comprehensive understanding of life in Sydney and moving cost considerations, your next step is to break down what will need to be completed before your move from Adelaide to Sydney. One of the best and easiest ways to do this is to create a full moving checklist. Whilst this should be tailored to your specific needs, all checklists should include:
- Booking in Interstate Removalists
- Organising pet transfer (some removalists can do this for you)
- Finding new doctors/ schools in your area
- Booking in storage
- Booking flights/organising personal travel
- Updating addresses on important documents e.g. driver's license/ medicare card
- Notify utility providers
- Booking interstate vehicle transfer
- Packing or setting up for professional packers (if using packing services)
- Saying farewell to loved ones
Creating a checklist is not just a satisfactory task to check off each evening, the purpose of your checklist should be to navigate you through the process so that when you’re two weeks out from moving and can’t remember what you had for breakfast, let alone what you did last week you’ll have a detailed checklist to refer back to.
The Best Interstate Removalists
Hiring interstate removalists can be the make or break of your transition from Adelaide to Sydney. Knowing what to look for in good interstate removalists can be tricky, particularly when there is so much choice to pick from. One of the fastest ways to cull the bad from the good is by checking for accreditation. Only reputable companies within Australia will be AFRA-accredited, making it easy to separate off those who may not have the expertise you’re looking for. Another easy way to narrow down your selection pool is by checking experience and customer reviews. For an interstate move, you want to weigh up the pros and cons of opting for a cheaper company to opting for one with more experience and positive reviews.
Choosing a cheap removals company is often like choosing a budget airline. Whilst, you may think you’ve cut back a few pennies by booking the cheapest flights possible, this tends to lead to unforeseen costs (like a $35 bottle of water and soggy sandwich) and potentially even huge disruptions to your journey.
Alternatively, whilst those dependable companies may cost a little more upfront, it is generally a full-service journey meaning no surprise extra fees, no soggy sandwiches and certainly no damage or disruption along the way. Seems like a no-brainer doesn’t it?
Flying Vs Driving
Whilst great Adelaide interstate removalists will be able to move anything from a piano to an antique art collection, what they, unfortunately, can’t move is you. Just as you have weighed up all your options for relocating your home, it's also important to weigh up how you will get there yourself. Of course, the main two ways to travel are by either car or flying which both pose their own pros and cons.
Despite taking considerably longer, there are multiple positives to driving which may even save on cost. For one, if you have a car that needs to be transferred to your new home in Sydney, driving it there means you can save money on booking an interstate vehicle transfer. Additionally, if you have any pets that you are bringing with you, you may feel more comfortable keeping them close by with you rather than with a pet transfer service.
On the other hand, if you’re choosing to fly then the most obvious perk is that it can save you heaps of time that you may wish to use saying goodbye to loved ones or settling into your new space. While taking the scenic route to some may seem like bliss, to others 14 hours in a confined car with their partner trying to give directions may seem like torture. With interstate removalists taking care of the whole moving process, luckily, you have the freedom to choose a transport method that works best for you.
What’s Next
With a thorough plan made and all transportation covered, all that is left is to start setting up your new life in Sydney. If you are arriving in Sydney with a car the main thing that needs to be organised is transferring the rego over from SA to NSW.
How to register a car in NSW from interstate in three steps:
- Organise a blue slip inspection.
- Buy compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance
- Go to Service NSW or motor registry in NSW with personal identity documents and fees required.
Once your car is registered in NSW you will be free to drive around and begin exploring your new home. It’s a good idea to get out and connect with the community as early as you can to help settle in and begin building a new life.
Final Thoughts
Moving interstate is not an easy task, but by taking the time to consider these important factors, you can ensure that your move will be stress-free and straightforward. Choosing the right interstate removalists to help you on your way will make the journey to your new home one you can truly enjoy.
Get a quote today for your move from Adelaide to Sydney or give us a call on 1300 465 569 and speak to one of our moving experts to find out more.
