Moving Interstate to the Gold Coast: Your Guide to a Smooth Relocation
Dreaming of beach walks, endless sunshine, and a lifestyle that blends work and play seamlessly? You're not alone. Each year, thousands of Australians make the move to the Gold Coast, chasing a more relaxed pace, better weather, and that coastal charm. If you're thinking of relocating interstate to this sunny piece of Queensland, here are our top tips to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
1. Do Your Research
Before you start packing boxes, take the time to truly understand what life on the Gold Coast is like. Sure, it's known for its beautiful beaches and theme parks, but there's a lot more to it. Each suburb has its own personality, like the laid-back surf vibe of Burleigh Heads, the family-friendly feel of Robina, and the buzzing nightlife of Surfers Paradise.
Think about your lifestyle and what's important to you: schools, public transport, proximity to the beach, cafes, work commute. Visiting in person (if possible) or doing some virtual exploring via Google Maps, real estate sites, and local Facebook groups can help give you a feel for what fits.
2. Plan Your Budget Carefully
Interstate moves can come with more costs than you would expect. Aside from removalist fees, you’ll need to factor in travel, temporary accommodation, storage (if required), utility connection fees, and possibly even leave from work.
If you’re buying property, be prepared for stamp duty, legal fees, and building inspections. If you’re renting, you’ll need a bond, advance rent, and maybe some new furniture to fit your new space. Make sure you’re clear on the cost of living in your new suburb too, iit can vary more than you think!
3. Lock in Your Accommodation Early
If you're buying or renting, try to line something up before your move. The Gold Coast is a popular place to live (and holiday), so demand for homes can be high, especially in peak seasons.
If you’re buying, a local real estate agent (like our team at Wings Real Estate!) can help guide you through the buying process, recommend suburbs that suit your needs, and even assist with virtual tours and remote purchases.
Renting instead? Be prepared with your paperwork, references, and ID to apply quickly once you find the right place. Short-term rentals can be a good way to settle in while you search for something more permanent.
4. Make the Move Work for You
There’s no one right way to move interstate. Depending on your timeline and budget, you might:
● Hire a full-service removalist to pack, transport, and unpack for you.
● Book a DIY moving truck and do it all yourself.
● Ship your belongings and fly up light with a few suitcases.
Whichever option you choose, make sure you compare quotes, check reviews, and confirm insurance coverage.
Also, don’t forget to update your address with your bank, electoral roll, Medicare, and any subscriptions!
5. Set Up Your New Life Before You Arrive
There’s nothing worse than arriving somewhere new and realising the internet won’t be connected for two weeks. Where possible, pre-arrange your utilities - electricity, gas, internet, and water - so your new place is ready to go when you walk in.
If you have kids, try to enrol them in school or daycare in advance. And if you have pets, look into local council registration, dog parks, and pet-friendly spots nearby.
6. Get to Know the Community
One of the best parts of the Gold Coast is the lifestyle. Outdoor markets, surf clubs, beachfront cafes, and so many places to explore. Once you arrive, start getting involved. Join a local gym or yoga studio for example, take the kids to a playgroup, or take a community class. Locals are friendly, and there’s always something happening.
Facebook groups or community noticeboards can also help you connect with others who've recently made the move.
7. Give Yourself Time to Settle
Even when you're moving somewhere exciting, it can still feel overwhelming. There’s no rush to have it all figured out in the first week. Give yourself time to unpack, explore slowly, and find your new routines.
Expect a few bumps along the way - getting lost, missing friends, not finding the right coffee spot immediately - but remember why you made the move. Take it one day at a time.
8. Need Help? Chat to our team
At Wings Real Estate, we know that moving interstate is more than just changing your address, it’s a big life shift. Our team is here to make that transition easier, whether you’re buying, renting, or just looking for local advice.
We’re Gold Coast locals, and we love helping people find their new place to call home, and we’re here for every step of your relocation journey.
Moving interstate to the Gold Coast is an exciting adventure full of potential. With the right planning, a bit of flexibility, and some support from locals in the know, you’ll be relaxing in the sunshine before you know it.
And hey, your new home might just come with ocean views.
Thinking of making the move? Get in touch with the team at Wings Real Estate today, we’d love to help you settle into your new Gold Coast life.