The Ultimate Guide To Renting In Australia

Are you looking to rent a home? Here are some tips that you should keep in mind to make your next move a smart one!

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We love renting. While many people see renting as a stop-gap option or as a reaction to the increasingly unaffordable housing prices in Australia, it’s actually a better option for a lot of Australians who like the flexibility that renting offers them. That being said, renting, like most things in the ‘grown up’ world comes with its share of administrative hurdles. We’re here to talk you through every step with our guide to renting in Australia. 

Money, Money, Money

Whether you’re renting or buying, the cost of living in Australia is downright astronomical. Saving up to move out of home as a renter is nearly as daunting a task as saving up for a house deposit but, if you’re going to be signing a lease you’ll want to have a decent balance of savings to draw upon. 

Basic Budgeting

Saving is tedious and it can be easy to fall off the wagon which is why we always recommend creating a rock solid budget. The first step is to log your monthly expenses and break them down into various categories like subscriptions, entertainment, transport and whatever other categories make sense for your spending habits. Once you’ve got an idea of how much you’re spending and what sort of things you’re spending it on, you’ll be able to figure out how to cut back. How you cut back is up to you, whether it’s by eating at home instead of in a restaurant or catching public transport rather than using rideshare apps or even selling some big ticket items you no longer use or need. Crucially, however, the budget won’t work unless you stick to it – so stick to it!

Location, Location, Location

Typically for renters, the most important factor to consider when choosing a property is location. Most renters will only stay in a property for a year or two and tend to be slightly younger so lifestyle is an important consideration. Ask yourself what sort of life you picture for yourself in this property. Will you be living with friends or with your partner? Do you want to be close to the coast or in the hustle and bustle of a major city? Is it important that you’ll be able to walk to work or do you just need to be near good transportation lines? Do you want to be near the coolest new bars and restaurants or would you prefer somewhere secluded? The answers to these questions will help you decide which suburb you’d want to live in. If you want to know more about specific Australian suburbs and the lifestyles they offer, head here to check out suburb guides. 

Insurance

Even if it seems very confusing, far too grown up and too densely packed with impenetrable language and dense terms and conditions, insurance is undoubtedly important even for renters. Even if you’re only renting, it’s important to make sure you’ve got coverage for your belongings and furniture. Making sure that the things you own are covered in the event of theft, fire, flood or vandalism is crucial for all renters. Remember every situation is different and it’s important to do your research and consult a professional before choosing your insurance policy.

Moving On Out

The actual process of packing up your belongings and moving house can be incredibly stressful and trying to manage the complicated process can take all the joy out of what should be an exciting time in your life. Below are our tips for making the moving process as painless as possible. 

Make Marie Kondo Proud And Purge As You Pack

If Marie Kondo is to be listened to, tidying up can be incredibly joyful, liberating and beneficial (this has never been my experience but, hey, she’s the expert!). The weeks and months before a big move provide the perfect time for some major decluttering. As you put your life into boxes, make sure you don’t take unnecessary things along with you. Keep only the things that bring you joy and donate or throw out the rest. To make the process even easier, check out this list of charities accepting donations of home goods.

Co-Opt Some Friends Into Helping You Move

Even after you’ve decluttered, chances are you still have an overwhelming amount of stuff to lug from one house to another. Packing and moving is a daunting task which is why we 100% recommend getting your friends involved in the fun. Bribe them with wine and a free meal if you have to, just make sure you’ve got some extra hands on board when moving day rolls around! Importantly, people are what makes a new house feel like home and having your friends around is a surefire way to make your new house instantly feel like home.