As always, these blogs are here to support you as you DIY your move. My goal is to give you practical tips that save you money, help you make the right start in Australia, and ensure a smoother transition overall. When you understand how things work, planning becomes much easier because you have a clear path forward.
Recently, I spent nearly two hours on a call with a client who simply needed reassurance — someone to look at their plan, highlight potential roadblocks and red flags, and give them confidence in their next steps. Today’s question comes from that session, because I’m receiving a lot of enquiries right now about moving to Australia in late December and January.
And the big question is: Is January a good time to move to Australia?
Why People Choose January
January is the most convenient time to move, especially for families. It aligns with the first school term, giving children the chance to start on Day 1 alongside everyone else who is new. It’s a fresh start for all.
But convenience comes at a cost — and quite a few challenges.
Why January Is the Most Difficult (and Expensive) Time to Move
When you move in December or January, expect your relocation to cost around 30% more. There are three main reasons:
High Demand for Furniture Removalists
It’s summer and holiday season. Removalists are already busy — they aren’t chasing work. That means higher pricing and less flexibility for your move.
Temporary Accommodation Costs Surge
Whether you’re booking a serviced apartment or hotel, peak season prices mean an extra 20–30% added to your stay.
The Rental Market Is Overwhelmed
Vacancy rates are already low (around 2.3%). In December and January:
- It’s the longest school holiday period in Australia
- Local residents aren’t moving — they’re busy with holiday plans
- Thousands of migrants arrive needing rentals urgently
With less stock — and lower quality stock — competition skyrockets.
I’ve seen rental inspections with 20, 30, even 50 people lined up. Some properties truly shouldn’t have been on the market: mold issues, no dishwashers, and still asking top dollar.
Under pressure, desperate renters start offering well above the asking price.
Manage Expectations and Prepare Well
I know this sounds like doom and gloom — but I would rather you feel informed than overwhelmed upon arrival. When you land here, I want you to think:
“This is tough — but I was ready for it.”
You’ll need:
✔ A five-star rental application
✔ A strong housing plan
✔ A realistic budget
✔ Patience and persistence
If you’re prepared, you’ll cope fine.
Helpful Resources for Your Move
We have a wide range of free and low-cost tools to help you plan:
- Cost of Living sheet
- Relocation Checklist
- Resource-packed blogs based on real FAQs
- My book Your DIY Move Guide to Australia
- The Movemates Portal
- Our monthly newsletter — full of timely advice
These resources are designed to help you DIY your move, especially if you don’t need full relocation services.
Final Thoughts
There’s only so much one consultant can personally take on, but there are far more people I’d love to help. So please — use the resources available to you. Be prepared. They’re there to make your move easier and more affordable.
If you have questions or need personalised guidance, feel free to reach out.
