Chess Blog

Moving to Sydney - A Comprehensive Guide

Have you been thinking about moving to Sydney? We get it. There are so many spectacular places to visit in Australia, but if you want to find somewhere oozing unlimited opportunities and culture, you want Sydney. There's nothing quite like being able to jump between the central business district, high fashion stores and beaches to die for, and Sydney offers the perfect combination of all of these.

Sydney is a simply stunning city, with spectacular views of the ocean, the beaches and plenty of places to kick back and relax. You can find economic stability, housing to match your budget, a lifestyle to be envied by all your friends, and multiculturalism that you won't find anywhere else. Sydney has it all.

View of Sydney

Why Sydney?

Along with the above, there are plenty of other reasons to consider making an interstate move to Sydney Let's take a look at some of the top ones:

Cities Within A City

The suburbs within Sydney are something to be desired, and they feel like little cities with their own cultures within the central city of Sydney. You've got Manly, Bondi, Surry Hills, North Sydney, Darlinghurst - it goes on. These are just a few of the most popular spots, and the CBD differs massively in its pace, restaurants, and things to do compared to Bondi. Take the time to explore the suburbs before you choose where to move - but we'll cover that a little later. Sydney has more than 500 neighbourhoods; you've got a lot of choice coming your way!

Endless Beaches

When people think about the beaches in Australia, they're more likely to think about the Gold Coast and the surrounding beaches there. Sydney however is home to some of Australia’s most famous beaches. While the oceans are generally cold everywhere in the world, dipping a toe in the Sydney waters will feel like something else entirely. Sydney has waters that are always enjoyable for everyone to splash around in, from the calm, family-friendly surf of Coogee beach, to Australia’s most famous beach, Bondi.

Bondi Beach

The Art Scene

If you think we mean galleries, think again. Of course, there are a plethora of those to enjoy! The Opera House looks grand, but it's not just something pretty to look at. You're going to enjoy iconic pieces of architecture that mirror the majesty of the skyscrapers you find on your travels.

Mountains

It's not just the city of Sydney and the beaches that count, but the mountains too. Just a two hour drive west from the city of Sydney you will find the Blue Mountains. With one million hectares of tall forest, sandstone cliffs, canyons and waterfalls you will find plenty to explore along the 140 kilometres of walking tracks.

Now that you have more clarity on why Sydney should be your choice of the city when you are moving interstate, let's move onto the guide to moving that you so desperately need!

Living Costs

No one can deny it's a beautiful place to move to, but Sydney can be pricey. In fact, msn.com did some number crunching based on the CBRE’s latest Global Living Residential Report and found Sydney is the 8th most expensive city to live in the world. So based on this, if you are considering a move to Sydney it’s good to have an idea of how much it'll cost to live here.

Finding A Home

It's always nice to find a property to live in before you move and - if you can - taking a few trips to Sydney to look around properties is your best bet. Whether you choose to rent or buy depends on your circumstances, but many people like to rent before they buy so that they can get to know some of the suburbs of Sydney before they settle and lock in a purchase. You'll have some criteria for finding a home and sometimes, it's not just about the cost of the suburb that you want to live in. You need to consider the commute to work, the local schools, the proximity to attractions and restaurants - there's a lot to think about! Some of the best areas include:

Sydney's Inner West

A sought-after destination for young professionals and families, the Inner West is now a collection of community-minded mini villages and the suburbs in the Inner West rank very highly in the Urban Living Index. Some of the best ranking suburbs included:

  • Redfern
  • Newtown
  • Marrickville
  • Surry Hills
  • Erskineville

Sydney's East

Here, you can invest in prime real estate, and you get the best access to some of the most attractive beaches in the city. The only downside to living somewhere with the top schools and parks? The cost of living there. Some of the median prices of units in Point Piper ranges in the $3,000,000 figure, which could be a little out of reach! Some of the most popular suburbs here in the East include:

  • Bondi
  • Coogee
  • Paddington
  • Potts Point
  • Woolloomooloo
  • Randwick

Sydney's Southwest

Once a place to avoid, the Southwest of Sydney is attracting buyers with combinations of affordable homes and a coastline with breathtaking views. The lifestyle remains laid back and exciting, with suburbs including:

  • Liverpool
  • Campbelltown
  • Sutherland Shire

Sydney's West

There are more job opportunities here and opportunities for culture than most other places. The suburbs here are attractive for both professionals and families, with plenty of places to choose from just 20km from the CBD. Some of the suburbs to look into include:

  • Harris Park
  • North Parramatta
  • Rosehill

House prices here range anywhere from $440,000 to $1,500,000.

If you are looking at sourcing a home in Sydney sites like https://www.realestate.com.au are always a good place to start.

Looking For Work

The job market has been booming in some sectors over the past couple of years, but if you're in construction, you're going to find plenty of options for your future. All you need to do is look at the development in the CBD to see how amazing the construction industry is doing. As with anywhere, your potential to find work is all about what you know and who you know. Get a foot in the door anywhere by utilising the contacts that you have and if you have a job in a company that has a base in Sydney, think about moving within your company to make your move easier. Of course you can always utilise the normal methods such as https://www.seek.com.au/, LinkedIn, etc.

If it's possible for you, try to find work before you move here so that you don't have a long wait between moving into your house and working. The better your income here, the happier you will be - this is a city, after all, and is more expensive than other places in the country. There are some aspects of the Australian job market that you should consider before you arrive in Sydney, and it's why putting out feelers will ensure that you are safe here with a job raring to go!

Transport

In Sydney, you'll be pleased to know that the public transportation system is extensive. There are buses, trains, light rail and ferries to pick from, as well as the highways and roads if you're a driver. Back in 2016, Sydney introduced the Opal card which is available for use across all transport modes. 

It's easier to use public transport in Sydney as everything is so accessible, and the ticket prices are reasonable. If you don't want to use public transport and you don't drive, consider buying a bike. There are tons of bike lanes in Sydney, and more and more are being introduced all the time. The buses rule the roost at rush hour, but park and ride is an option, and if you are able to, walking can be amazing through the city at all times of day!

Weather

Sunshine, sunshine, sunshine? Absolutely! Sydney has a temperate climate, humid with plenty of sunshine spread throughout the year. You'll get more days filled with blue skies in winter than you will in summer. If you're a fan of the coast, you'll love the afternoon sea breezes straight off the sea, and on the hotter days, the smog in the city is more noticeable. There is an adequate amount of rain throughout the year, but Sydney is prone to droughts. 

No matter what the weather, though, you get to enjoy every part of the city in the sunshine, which is precisely what you need when you are seeking somewhere deliciously hot. It's warm enough that even through the winter months, you can still make the most of the water - you may need a wetsuit, but your favourite sports can still be enjoyed! It's very rare to find snow in Sydney, but you can drive six hours south to see the Snowy Mountains. No matter where you live in Sydney, you'll find somewhere you can enjoy the beautiful weather.

Culture

If there is one thing that Sydney is popular for is its rich culture. There is a traditional backdrop to its simplicity and the people who are living in Sydney have excellent taste in art, dance, performing arts and music.  

The food? Sydney is full of great places to eat and many a celebrity chef has opened their flagship restaurant here, but more on that in a minute. Sydney has three major theatres showcasing the talents of performers across the country. Moving here will give you access to exceptional cinema and film, there are many independent cinemas across the city to visit.  

Along with everything else, Sydney's popularity is topped off with the abundance of festivals! Sydney Festival, Musica Viva Festival and Chinese New Year festival are just a few to enjoy while you're here.

Shopping in Sydney

If you're into fashion or shopping, you need to head for The Rocks in Sydney - near the Opera house. You can buy art, gifts and browse the weekend markets. Sydneysiders are trendy and fashionable and more than sixty labels in Australia export their modern fashion to Asia, the United States, and Europe.

Head to Strand arcade and the Queen Victoria Building for more must-see shopping options. You can even hit Westfield Sydney, World Square and the brand outlet stores near Chinatown. Sydney is a shopper's paradise, and as Australian designers are already wowing the world with the unique take on fashion, you can join in with the emerging talent.

Sydney Cuisine

While you're visiting Sydney, there is really only one "must eat" place - any of the steakhouses! For many who come to Sydney for the first time, the unique treats that you won't find anywhere else. Seafood is common in many of restaurants, and given how close Sydney is to the ocean this is no surprise. 

If you want a specialty, get the Barracuda in Cleveland; it's rather famous, and fish is fresh from the water. Some of the smartest restaurants are in Sydney and featured ones include Tetsuya's, which offers high-quality Oriental dishes that are cooked to perfection. You'll also find Bilson's, offering various themes including Italian, French, and Russian dishes. For those with a taste for grilled kingfish, head to Aria restaurant with Matt Moran as chef. For something more exotic, try the roast camel at Sydney Tower Restaurant. You'll find a range of restaurants owned by celebrity chefs here in Sydney, too, including Rockpool Bar & Grill with Neil Perry. 

One of the most influential chefs in Australia, Rockpool Bar & Grill is in an American style art deco skyscraper. The steak is grilled to perfection, and the seafood is cooked spectacularly in a charcoal oven. Red Lantern with Luke Nguyen is another favourite, with beautiful Vietnamese food. Bite down on New Zealand King Salmon in caramel, noodles, and vegetables with coconut cream and peanuts and chilli and black pepper sauce. There's so much to choose from!

Landmarks

Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge

There are so many to choose from here, but some of our favourites that you absolutely need to see in Sydney include:

  • Sydney Harbour Bridge, this heritage listed bridge spanning one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world is one of the iconic images of Sydney .
  • Sydney Opera House, a feat of engineering and one of the most attractive buildings in the 20th century across the world.
  • Darling Harbour, which is 10 minutes from the city centre. It's one of the most abundant shopping and dining areas in Sydney.
  • Sydney Tower, standing at 309 metres tall - it's the tallest free-standing structure in Australia. Look for the 360-degree views and the Skywalk!

Frequently Asked Questions

You're going to be filled with questions about your move, and here are some of the most common questions we are asked about moving interstate!

When should I call a moving company?

As early as possible! If Sydney is where you plan to settle and you have found somewhere to live, we need as much notice as possible to help you with your move. The better the notice, the better we can assist your interstate move with the least amount of stress.

Can I pack my own belongings?

Sure! If you prefer to pack your own things before shipping, you are absolutely fine to do that. If you don't have the time, we are more than happy to complete your packing for you. We are also able to provide you with cartons for personal items for you to pack if you prefer it.

Is purchasing insurance necessary?

You are moving interstate, and while we take the very best care with your belongings, we need you to know that taking out transit insurance is a smart idea! We're unable to control the influences of the outside and accidents do happen, so insurance is going to give you the coverage that you need - and peace of mind, too!

How long will it take for my things to arrive?

The transit times to Sydney do vary depending on where you are living in Australia, so give us a call and we can provide you with a personalised quote.

Helpful Hints About Moving Interstate

There are a lot of complexities involved with your interstate move to Sydney, so you should consider these special tips before you get going:

Quarantine Restrictions

You may not be moving from out of the country, but there are still interstate restrictions in place that can impact your move. Some regulations prohibit you from moving some plants and animals from state to state. Visiting Quarantine Domestic - www.quarantinedomestic.gov.au can give you an indication as to whether there is anything you can't bring with you to Sydney when you arrive.

Be Flexible

If you are moving from Melbourne, you're more likely to find the move fast and easy with no issues. However, moving from Far North Queensland may be different, as there can be a dozen things that can go wrong along the way. Weather events that are extreme, road closures and truck breakdowns can all delay your belongings arriving where you want them to be. You should consider these things and remain as flexible as possible with your move. It's natural to want your things arriving at your new house as soon as possible, but when you are moving interstate to Sydney, you need to be realistic so that you can remain relaxed.

The Impact of Moving

A move interstate is a big deal. The last tip that you need from us is to enjoy it as much as possible. You have the chance to reinvent yourself when you move, and there is a lot to get done in the process of getting to Sydney. The best thing that you can do is stay as calm as you can throughout the process and trust that you were right in choosing Chess Moving!

Why Use Chess Moving

At Chess Moving, we specialise in interstate moves. With over 100 years experience and offices in every major city (and some regional ones) we've got the expertise, resources, and national relationships in place to make sure that your entire experience is calm and stress-free from start to finish. From the moment you enquire about our service, we will be able to provide you with comprehensive and expert advice every step of the way. 

Choosing us is choosing excellence, and as a wholly Australian owned company, you are getting a team that is thoroughly knowledgeable about the country and Sydney as a whole. We offer competitive pricing and a service that is second to none. The people who own the business run the business, so you will only ever encounter people who know what they're talking about!

About Chess Moving

Chess Moving is a wholly Australian owned and operated removalist company. Our offices are located in every Australian capital city and some regional centres, providing relocation services to individuals, families, and businesses. Chess Moving is also a shareholder member of the Harmony Relocation Network, as well as several Australian and international industry associations, with industry experience dating back to 1887. Whether you're moving locally, interstate, or overseas, you can count on Chess Moving to provide dependable, helpful, and friendly removalist service. Our knowledgeable staff will give you the right advice and deliver on time, every time.

Give our friendly team a call today on 13 14 69, we are ready to assist with all your relocation and storage solution needs.

 

 

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