The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s hidden gems. Nestled between pristine beaches and national parks, it is a haven for its residents, providing respite from the busy city life of Sydney’s CBD. Known to locals as “The Shire”, this gorgeous area combines the charm of coastal living with the accessibility of the city. Here are our top tips on creating the perfect move within Sutherland Shire.
Choosing the best Sutherland Shire suburb for you
The Shire covers a large expanse of ground and includes a vast array of landscapes, from waterfront to bushland. Therefore, choosing the right suburb to suit your needs is a necessary first step in the moving process.
Beachside vs family-friendly suburbs
If you’re looking for a beachside escape, then Cronulla is the crown jewel of beaches. The only beach in Sydney accessible by train, Cronulla is a prime real estate location for individuals looking for a balance of coastal tranquillity and city accessibility.
For more affordable coastal living, Woolooware and Caringbah are both just a short drive from the beach. There are accessible train stations at both, keeping you easily connected to the city.
If you’re looking for a family-centred environment, the Sutherland Shire has plenty of suburbs that embrace family living like Burraneer offering excellent schools and facilities for children.
Miranda and Gymea are other go-to Shire suburbs for families with their suburban community spirit and close proximity to excellent amenities and shops.
Home to 45 suburbs, the Shire has something to offer everyone - from a thriving beach lifestyle to community-centred relaxed living. Make sure to do thorough research on all of the Shire’s suburbs to find what’s right for you.
Commuting to Sydney CBD: How do I get to the city from the Shire?
If staying connected in important to you, especially if you have to regularly go to the city, knowing the transport options should be your priority when deciding where to live in the Shire.
The T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra train line will have you in the Sydney CBD from the Shire in around 35-45 minutes.
If travelling by car, suburbs with direct access to major roads such as the Princes Highway make travelling in and out of the area much easier.
Essential moving day prep
Now that you have taken the time to decide on your new spot in Sutherland Shire, the next step is actually preparing for your move. There's a lot to think about, like the best times and days to book your move, packing properly, and researching weather conditions. This guide will help you truly understand what you need for a relaxed and efficient move in the Shire.
What is the best way to pack for a move? Expert packing tips
Much of the southern region is fairly well connected with well-surfaced roads, but some parts may be trickier to navigate. When packing up your personal belongings ensure that you are correctly wrapping more fragile items that could experience damage in trickier terrain.
Learn to pack like a pro or consider engaging with packing professionals who can offer convenient packing services for an optimal move and to avoid disappointment when it comes to unpacking.
How do I prepare my furniture for moving?
When moving larger items like furniture, you should follow certain rules to avoid damage. Firstly, remember that different materials need different levels of care. So, separate your prep into two categories:
- Soft furnishings (couches, mattresses, armchairs):
- The goal: Keeping the fabric clean and free of dust or moisture during transit.
- The method: Use high-quality shrink wrap or dedicated plastic furniture sleeves to create a protective barrier.
- Hard furnishings (dining tables, desks, bed frames):
- The goal: Preventing scratches, dents, and structural damage.
- The method: Wrap items in heavy-duty removalist blankets to provide cushioning against shifts during the drive.
For any antique or fragile furnishings, even more care should be taken in the preparation process.
Using professional Sydney removalists may take the pressure off packing. With the knowledge and industry-standard training, expert removalists can take care of everything from preparation to unpacking. Read our updated guide on how to get the best removalist quote in the Sutherland Shire.
The logistics of your Sutherland Shire move
Being a place of natural beauty does not always mean it's a straightforward move. To have a smooth transition, it’s important to plan for the specific geography of "The Shire."
Understand the local roads and access
Coastal roads in NSW can quickly change from smooth highways to narrow winding paths and uneven roads. Before moving day, look out for:
- Difficult terrain: Many Shire suburbs feature steep hills and uneven roads that can be difficult for trucks and vans to drive through.
- Vehicle access: If your current or new home is tucked away down a tight driveway or narrow street, a truck or van may not fit.
- Ferry vehicles: In the above cases, you'll need a "ferry vehicle" (smaller vans) to transport your items from the trucks and to your door and vice versa.
If you are unfamiliar with the journey or grounds of your new property, consider booking in with an experienced Sutherland Shire removalist who can carefully navigate the roads of your suburb. They can provide you with a detailed explanation of what's to come so that you can rest assured your goods are in the right hands.
When is the best time to move to the Sutherland Shire?
As well as ‘the where’, it’s also good to consider ‘the when’ for your move to the sunny suburbs of The Shire. Traffic going in and out of the area can be pretty hectic, especially during peak hours.
- Moving mid-day: Aim to be on the road between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm to avoid the heavy school and work rush hour traffic.
- Mid-week vs. weekends: Avoid moving on weekends if possible. The Shire will be packed with beachgoers, which can lead to significant gridlock near coastal suburbs.
- During the school holidays: Many families go away on trips, meaning quieter residential streets and less local traffic.
Keep watch of the weather
The weather can often vary in NSW, and last-minute changes can sometimes throw off plans, especially in more extreme weather conditions. Keeping an eye on the weather forecast means that you will be fully prepared for whatever is thrown your way.
Book an AFRA-accredited moving company. This guarantees they use high-quality, weather-tight trucks and that their staff are trained to handle removals safely in all conditions.
Enjoy the journey
This may feel slightly easier said than done, but more than anything it’s important to try and enjoy the day. Following this guide should help you prepare so that when the day comes, moving house is an enjoyable experience.
With a lot to consider and busy lifestyles, using a full service residential moving company can take the weight off your shoulders and make the big day all that more fun.
With over a decade of expert knowledge in Sydney removals, Holloway Removals will safely and professionally cover your door-to-door move to your new home in Sutherland Shire.
