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2026 Summer Moving Guide: Is It the Right Time to Move in Melbourne?

moving-house-in-melbourne-into-a-house

Yes — summer 2026 can still be a good time to moving house in Melbourne, but only if your move is planned properly around extreme heat and current housing market conditions.

January 2026 has been a reminder that moving in Australia isn’t as straightforward as it used to be. With hotter summers across Victoria, increased awareness around bushfire risk, and a housing market that’s still adjusting, moving house now takes a bit more planning than simply picking a date and booking a truck.

If you’re planning a move in Melbourne or anywhere across Victoria this summer, this guide covers what’s worth thinking about — and how to make your move smoother and less stressful.

Moving House During a Melbourne Summer

Melbourne summers are getting hotter, and this year has been no exception. Anyone who has moved house during a 38–40°C day knows that heat doesn’t just make things uncomfortable — it can slow the entire move down if it’s not managed properly.

Extreme heat affects:

  • How long a move realistically takes

  • How often rest and hydration breaks are needed

  • When it’s safest to lift and load heavy furniture

  • The best time of day to start a move

For most summer moves, early morning starts make a big difference. Having everything packed, access cleared, and parking organised ahead of time helps avoid unnecessary delays during the hottest part of the day.

A professional removalist should also be prepared to adjust plans if conditions become unsafe, especially during heatwaves or total fire ban days.

What the 2026 Housing Market Means for Movers

The property market in early 2026 feels more cautious than the peak years, but people are still moving — just for different reasons.

We’re seeing moves driven by:

  • Families upsizing or downsizing

  • Renters relocating due to lease changes or rising costs

  • Homeowners moving to more affordable or lifestyle-focused suburbs

While the market has cooled in some areas, demand for reliable removalists hasn’t disappeared, particularly at the end of the month and on weekends. Leaving bookings until the last minute can limit your options and add unnecessary stress.

If you already have a settlement date or lease end coming up, booking your move early can help everything line up more smoothly.

Melbourne’s Growth and the Importance of Local Experience

Despite shifting market conditions, Melbourne continues to grow. That means steady demand for moves — from inner-city apartments to family homes in the suburbs and regional relocations across Victoria.

Each type of move comes with its own challenges:

  • Apartment buildings with lift bookings and loading zones

  • Narrow streets and limited parking

  • Traffic patterns that can add unexpected delays

  • Council and building requirements that vary by area

This is where local experience really matters. A Melbourne-based removalist understands these details and can plan around them, rather than reacting to problems on the day.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Summer Move in 2026

If you’re planning a move this summer, a few simple steps can make a big difference:

Plan Around the Weather

Keep an eye on forecasts and aim for early starts during hot periods.

Book Early

Even in a changing market, quality removalists book out quickly.

Choose a Local Melbourne Removalist

Local knowledge helps avoid delays and access issues on moving day.

Allow Some Flexibility

Heat, access problems or settlement delays can happen — building in buffer time helps reduce stress.

What Our Customers Say About Moving With Jake Move

Choosing a removalist often comes down to trust. You’re relying on a team to handle your furniture, your home and your schedule, so it’s worth seeing how others have been looked after.

Many of our customers across Melbourne and Victoria share their moving experiences on our website, covering everything from small apartment moves to full family relocations.

You can read genuine customer reviews directly on our website: https://www.jakemove.com.au/

Customers often mention:

  • Clear communication before moving day

  • Care taken with furniture and fragile items

  • Friendly, punctual and hardworking crews

  • Stress-free moves, even under tight timelines

These are the standards we aim to deliver on every move.

Why Choosing the Right Removalist Matters in 2026

Moving house in 2026 isn’t just about getting furniture from one place to another. Between hotter summers, tighter schedules and changing property timelines, having the right removalist makes all the difference.

A professional team helps reduce stress by planning ahead, communicating clearly and adapting when things don’t go exactly to plan.

At Jake Move, we help Melbourne and Victorian customers move with confidence — whether it’s a local move, a family home or a longer-distance relocation.

If you’re planning a move this summer, get in touch with Jake Move for a tailored quote and practical advice that suits your situation.

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