How To Find Temporary Accommodation in Australia

Note: This is a transcript of a video from Robyn’s AMA. If you prefer to watch the video, join our Facebook Group for exclusive access.

If you plan to book temporary accommodation before moving to Australia, below are my practical tips. Recently, I spoke with someone who had booked temporary accommodation but underestimated the size of Australia—specifically Melbourne—and ended up nearly two hours outside of town. Clearly, that wasn’t ideal!

Consider Your Location

Distance between Melbourne and Alexandra

When booking temporary accommodation, my first tip is to consider where you’ll spend most of your time. This may seem obvious, but if you or your partner has a job in Australia, find accommodation close to that workplace. Employers can often recommend nearby options that are convenient and suitable.

If you’re booking temporary accommodation to explore various suburbs before settling down, aim for a midway point between your office and rental inspections. 

I recently advised a family who booked a temporary stay near the husband’s workplace. While that seemed fine at first, he would be on the road frequently, leaving his partner to navigate public transport for rental inspections. They wanted to live closer to the city, but his job was nearly an hour away.

In this case, I suggested they consider hiring a car. However, they were Americans who were hesitant about driving on the other side of the road!

Be Cautious and Communicate

Rental Scam

Think carefully about your choice of temporary accommodation. If you’re booking through platforms like Airbnb, be aware of the potential for scams. Always reach out to the hosts first to verify their legitimacy.

If you’re booking for more than 28 nights, you can often negotiate a reduced nightly rate. Whether through Airbnb, Quest, or other serviced apartments, reach out to the host or management to ask about long-stay rates. Many are open to offering discounts for extended bookings.

Plan Ahead for Peak Seasons

Keep in mind that Australia experiences peak seasons during the summer months. For instance, in Melbourne this February, we just wrapped up the tennis season and had major events like concerts featuring Taylor Swift and Pink, as well as the Grand Prix. 

During these times, temporary accommodation demand skyrockets.

To avoid last-minute stress, book your stay early! 

Finding four consecutive weeks of accommodation can become quite challenging as availability dwindles. The last thing you want is to be lugging around 15 suitcases from one apartment to another.

Final Thoughts

I hope these tips help you plan your move and make settling in easier. If you have questions or know someone else who might find this useful, feel free to share. You can also leave your questions in the comments below or email me at helpdesk@plan4australia.com.au. Don’t forget to check out our website for more resources.

Good luck with your move, and thank you for reading!

Plan4Australia is your home-finding solution across Australia. We help you save $$$’s on costly short-term stays and skip the hassle of moving from one accommodation to another. With our relocation services, you can go directly from the airport to your new home in Australia, helping you settle quickly. How much better is that?  You get help and save money!

Our local consultants have a deep understanding of the Australian housing market and local neighbourhoods and provide highly personalised support. You can have peace of mind that you’re guided by experts who tailor their recommendations to your specific needs and preferences. We are there for you, with your interests at heart.

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Note: This is a transcript of a video from Robyn’s AMA. If you prefer to watch the video, join our Facebook Group for exclusive access.

If you plan to book temporary accommodation before moving to Australia, below are my practical tips. Recently, I spoke with someone who had booked temporary accommodation but underestimated the size of Australia—specifically Melbourne—and ended up nearly two hours outside of town. Clearly, that wasn’t ideal!

Consider Your Location

Distance between Melbourne and Alexandra

When booking temporary accommodation, my first tip is to consider where you’ll spend most of your time. This may seem obvious, but if you or your partner has a job in Australia, find accommodation close to that workplace. Employers can often recommend nearby options that are convenient and suitable.

If you’re booking temporary accommodation to explore various suburbs before settling down, aim for a midway point between your office and rental inspections. 

I recently advised a family who booked a temporary stay near the husband’s workplace. While that seemed fine at first, he would be on the road frequently, leaving his partner to navigate public transport for rental inspections. They wanted to live closer to the city, but his job was nearly an hour away.

In this case, I suggested they consider hiring a car. However, they were Americans who were hesitant about driving on the other side of the road!

Be Cautious and Communicate

Rental Scam

Think carefully about your choice of temporary accommodation. If you’re booking through platforms like Airbnb, be aware of the potential for scams. Always reach out to the hosts first to verify their legitimacy.

If you’re booking for more than 28 nights, you can often negotiate a reduced nightly rate. Whether through Airbnb, Quest, or other serviced apartments, reach out to the host or management to ask about long-stay rates. Many are open to offering discounts for extended bookings.

Plan Ahead for Peak Seasons

Keep in mind that Australia experiences peak seasons during the summer months. For instance, in Melbourne this February, we just wrapped up the tennis season and had major events like concerts featuring Taylor Swift and Pink, as well as the Grand Prix. 

During these times, temporary accommodation demand skyrockets.

To avoid last-minute stress, book your stay early! 

Finding four consecutive weeks of accommodation can become quite challenging as availability dwindles. The last thing you want is to be lugging around 15 suitcases from one apartment to another.

Final Thoughts

I hope these tips help you plan your move and make settling in easier. If you have questions or know someone else who might find this useful, feel free to share. You can also leave your questions in the comments below or email me at helpdesk@plan4australia.com.au. Don’t forget to check out our website for more resources.

Good luck with your move, and thank you for reading!

Plan4Australia is your home-finding solution across Australia. We help you save $$$’s on costly short-term stays and skip the hassle of moving from one accommodation to another. With our relocation services, you can go directly from the airport to your new home in Australia, helping you settle quickly. How much better is that?  You get help and save money!

Our local consultants have a deep understanding of the Australian housing market and local neighbourhoods and provide highly personalised support. You can have peace of mind that you’re guided by experts who tailor their recommendations to your specific needs and preferences. We are there for you, with your interests at heart.

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