Why More Australians Are Relocating This Winter

Announcement posted by Selectra 02 Jul 2025

With winter now Australia’s busiest moving season, experts urge early planning to avoid delays, minimise costs, and take advantage of opportunities to save on essential household services.

As temperatures drop across the country, Australians are warming up to one of the busiest logistical undertakings of the year: moving house. According to industry trends and recent consumer data, winter has firmly established itself as Australia's peak moving season, with thousands of households preparing to relocate between June and August.

Whether it's due to rental lease expiries, end-of-financial-year transitions, or the desire for a fresh start, this seasonal spike in movement is becoming a defining feature of the Australian housing landscape. And while the idea of moving in cooler weather may appeal to many, it also brings a unique set of challenges that demand early planning and smart decision-making.

"Winter has consistently been one of the busiest times for removals and service connections," says Savannah Walker, spokesperson for Selectra.com.au, an Australian comparison site for utilities and home services. "For many households, it's the ideal time to move—just before the rush of spring listings and while service providers are still operating at capacity. But that same surge in demand can quickly lead to delays and added costs for those who don't plan ahead."

Why Winter Is Australia's Top Moving Season

Several factors contribute to the seasonal rush:

End of lease cycles: Many rental contracts conclude in June or July, especially in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, prompting tenants to relocate or renew.
Financial year reset: With the EOFY wrapping up in June, many Australians take the opportunity to re-evaluate their budgets, leading to property decisions and household upgrades.
School transitions: Families often prefer to move mid-year, ensuring children are settled before Term 3 begins.
Weather conditions: While summer moves can be hindered by extreme heat and holiday closures, winter offers milder temperatures, making for more comfortable moving conditions.

Removalists, cleaning companies, and service providers typically report a 20-30% increase in booking volumes during winter months, according to industry sources.

"It's not just the act of moving that creates pressure—it's everything that surrounds it: organising electricity and internet, changing addresses, updating accounts, and finding a reliable removalist. When everyone's doing it at once, availability disappears quickly," Walker adds.

Rising Costs and the Hidden Expense of Moving

While moving can be an exciting milestone, it often comes with a hefty price tag. Beyond bond payments, moving trucks, and packing supplies, many Australians forget to account for connection fees, early exit charges, and inflated rates from utility providers.

Research from Selectra.com.au suggests that over 60% of movers don't compare energy or internet plans when relocating, potentially missing out on hundreds of dollars in annual savings.

"A move is the perfect opportunity to reassess household bills," says Walker. "It's one of the few times people are actively thinking about their electricity or internet provider, so it makes sense to compare prices and ensure you're not overpaying."

With energy prices fluctuating across states and NBN speeds varying widely by location, taking a few minutes to compare providers could result in long-term financial benefits.

Tips for a Smooth Winter Move

As Australians gear up for winter relocation, experts recommend a few key strategies:

Book early - Reserve your removalist, cleaners, and service connections as soon as you confirm your move-out date. The best providers fill up quickly.
Review household contracts - Check if your current energy, gas or internet plan includes exit fees or relocation charges. Consider switching if a better deal is available at your new address.
Coordinate disconnection and reconnection - Aim to schedule utility transfers a few days before moving in to avoid any disruptions.
Use comparison tools - Platforms like Selectra.com.au help Australians compare electricity, gas, internet, and mobile plans by location, making the setup process faster and often cheaper.
Plan for contingencies - Winter weather can be unpredictable. Have a back-up date or rain-friendly moving strategy in place.

"Preparation is the single most important factor in a successful move," Walker explains. "A little extra organisation in the lead-up can save hours of stress and hundreds of dollars once you're in your new home."

Looking Ahead: What Movers Should Expect in 2025

With housing affordability, rental shortages, and rising cost-of-living pressures dominating headlines, more Australians are seeking smarter, more efficient ways to move. In 2025, digital tools and comparison platforms are playing a bigger role in how people plan their relocation, with more households focused on cost transparency and flexibility.

"Moving is a major life decision, and in today's economy, every dollar counts," says Walker. "We're seeing more Australians take control of their relocation—not just in terms of packing and logistics, but in how they set up their home to be more affordable and efficient from day one."

As the 2025 winter moving season reaches its peak, Australians are reminded that a well-timed, well-organised move can be the first step toward a smoother, smarter home life.