Moving to a new suburb means finding a whole new set of people you trust, from a GP to a mechanic. If you’re new to Melbourne’s north, here’s a list of the local services worth lining up in your first month, in roughly the order you’ll need them.
Before and during the move
- Removalists: book at least two weeks ahead, and longer at the end of the month when leases end. Find removalists and storage
- Cleaners: an end of lease clean for the place you’re leaving, and a clean of your new home before the furniture goes in. Find cleaners
- Locksmith: it’s worth changing or rekeying the locks when you move into a home you’ve bought. Find locksmiths
Your first week
- GP or medical centre: find a clinic close to home before you need one. Find GPs and medical centres
- Pharmacy: transfer any regular scripts to a pharmacy near you. Find pharmacies
- Childcare and schools: childcare waitlists in growth areas like Craigieburn, Wollert and Mernda can be long, so get your name down early. Find childcare and tutoring
- Vet: register with a local vet and update your pet’s microchip details with your new address. Find pet services and vets
Your first month
- Electrician: have your smoke alarms tested and get any dodgy power points looked at. Find electricians
- Plumber: check the hot water system and any slow drains. Find plumbers and gasfitters
- Mechanic: find a local mechanic for your next service. Find automotive and mechanics
- Dentist and allied health: dentists, physio, chiro and allied health and optometrists
Getting to know the area
The best part of a new suburb is the local cafés, gyms and shops. Try a different café or restaurant each weekend, look for a gym, Pilates studio or martial arts club nearby, and find a hairdresser or barber you like.
Our suburb pages list every business we know of in each suburb, grouped by council area. Listings are always free, so if your new favourite local business isn’t there yet, let them know they can add it.
