Melbourne has had a rough ride lately, but we still think it’s one of the best places on Planet Earth to live. Forget the lockdowns, forget the recent rantings of the mainstream media – Melbs remains effortlessly cool and the housing market isn’t just back on track, it’s just raced past its pre-pandemic highs.

You wouldn’t be silly, then, to be considering a move to Melbourne – not at all. And do you know what? The west is the best. The western suburbs, to be more precise. Altona, Altona Meadows, Brooklyn, Footscray, Yarraville, Laverton, Hoppers Crossing – the list goes on and on. Not too far from the CBD but so much more affordable than the inner north or east, the western suburbs are pristine and the population, infrastructure and amenities are booming.

Are you going to give the west a shot? You might need some advice on moving to Melbourne’s western suburbs, then!

Moving or renting

Rent is a lot cheaper in the west than it is in the inner north and east, and it’s a similar story if you’re looking to buy. Melbourne in general is also more affordable than Sydney, and Footscray – just a 30-minute train ride to the city – is just about the cheapest suburb to buy in within proximity of the CBD. If you are moving to Melbourne’s western suburbs, make sure you were able to pack properly. Look for moving house packing tips to ease the burden!

Hot tip: Competition is fierce in this booming region, so get in touch with a local agent so you’re always at the front of the queue.

Finding work

With the city not too far away, there’s plenty of work to be found in the region – and an awful lot of hidden gems like funky cafes, shops and excellent restaurants in the suburbs, too.

Hot tip: Some of the best jobs are hardly advertised, but it shouldn’t be hard to make a shortlist of employers in your chosen suburb and then get in touch with their HR departments directly.

Public transport

Melbourne’s public transport system is very good and reliable, but the city and its surrounding areas are increasingly friendly to cycling, too.

Hot tip: Think of Melbourne public transport and you’re thinking of trams, but for the ‘burbs, the train is definitely the go. Just avoid peak hour if you can avoid it, because those trains are bursting at the seams. Oh, and you’ll need a Myki card!

The coffee

From sun-lit kitchen gardens to awesome bakeshops and a never-ending list of excellent cafes, you’ll find some of the best coffee anywhere in Australia right here in the west.

Tip: It’s true that we love the name, but Seddon Deadly Sins really is the funkiest of funky cafes. Seddon locals, however, know that it’s just one of many great places for a local brew.

Moving to Melbourne’s western suburbs? Ask Jim!

Moving is always stressful and expensive, but there are always little ways to make it just that little bit easier. So it’s good to know that there’s a local self storage solution for Melbourne western suburbs and your storage needs – no matter what your budget is! Jim’s Self Storage is conveniently and centrally located just off the main road in Williamstown, where you can also grab all of your moving boxes, bubble-wrap and packaging materials.

So take it from us: For a happy life, choose the west! Always close to work and fun, more affordable than comparable regions, and enjoying hefty infrastructure investments thanks to the government, you’re making a great choice by moving to Melbourne’s western suburbs. From all of us at Jim’s, good luck with the move and we’ll see you soon!