Moving Out of Home as a Student: 2025 Guide & Tips

Moving out of home for the first time is one of the biggest milestones in any student’s life. It’s exciting — but it can also feel a little overwhelming. Between setting a budget, finding the right suburb, and planning moving day, there’s a lot to organise.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from managing finances and choosing housemates to packing tips and moving-day hacks — so your first big move is as stress-free as possible.

1. Get Your Budget Sorted First

Before you start scrolling through rental listings, work out exactly how much you can afford. A realistic budget will save you from falling in love with a place that’s outside your price range (and ending up back at your parents’ sooner than planned).

Here’s what to include in your budget:

• Rent – Share house rooms in Sydney’s student-friendly suburbs typically range from $300–$450 per week (2025 averages).

• Bond – Usually 4 weeks’ rent upfront.

• Utilities – Check if rent includes electricity, water, and internet. If not, factor in $30–$50 per week for bills.

• Groceries & Essentials – $80–$100 per week on average.

• Transport – Students get discounted Opal fares in Sydney, so this can be surprisingly affordable.

💡 Pro tip: Use a free budgeting app like Frollo or Pocketbook to track expenses and stay on top of your spending.

University of NSW

2. Choose the Right Location

Location is everything when you’re a student — you want to stay close to campus, keep rent reasonable, and cut down on commute time.

In 2025, popular Sydney student hubs include:

• Inner West: Newtown, Marrickville, Stanmore, Petersham – great food scene, good public transport, plenty of share houses.

• Western Sydney: Parramatta, Auburn – cheaper rent, easy train access to the city.

• Lower North Shore: St Leonards, Crows Nest – good if you study at a North Sydney campus.

Use tools like Realestate.com.au’s suburb profiles or Domain’s suburb search to compare prices and find a location that fits your lifestyle and budget.

3. Decide Who You’re Living With

Living with friends (or strangers) can be fun, but it also comes with challenges. Before signing a lease, agree on:

• How bills will be split

• Cleaning responsibilities

• Guest policies

• Quiet hours (especially around exams!)

Consider using a housemate agreement template to set expectations upfront and avoid awkward arguments later.

4. Declutter, Pack & Prepare Early

Moving is the perfect time to go through your stuff and decide what you really need.

• Sell or donate anything you don’t use (Facebook Marketplace is great for this).

• Pack a “first night” box with toiletries, fresh clothes, chargers, and snacks so you’re not digging through boxes at midnight.

• Label boxes clearly — it makes unpacking way faster.

5. The Big Move

Here’s where most students get stressed — but with the right plan, moving day can be smooth.

• DIY or Hire Movers? If you have a car and only a few boxes, a DIY move might work. But for furniture, fridges, and beds, hiring professionals saves you multiple trips and a lot of heavy lifting.

• Book Early: Student moving season (end of semester) can be busy, so secure your movers ahead of time.

• Communicate: Let your movers know about stairs, tight hallways, or parking restrictions in advance.

💡 Palmers Tip: Palmers Relocations offers a collect-and-store service — we deliver a secure, lockable box for you to fill at your own pace. Once ready, we pick it up and deliver it to your new place. Perfect for students who don’t want to stress about multiple trips or renting a truck.

6. Consider Storage

If you can’t take everything with you right away, short-term storage is a lifesaver.

• Store seasonal items (like winter coats or sporting gear)

• Keep larger furniture until you’ve got the space for it

• Access your items anytime

Palmers offers affordable, secure storage with flexible options for students — so you can take what you need and leave the rest until later.

7. Settle In & Enjoy the Independence

Once the last box is unpacked, take time to celebrate. This is a big step! Get to know your neighbourhood, meet your housemates properly, and create a home that feels like yours.

Moving out for the first time is a big deal — but with the right planning, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Budget carefully, plan your move early, and don’t be afraid to ask for help where you need it.

If you want to make moving day simple and stress-free, Palmers Relocations can help with packing, moving, and even storage. Get a free quote today and focus on enjoying your new chapter of student life.
Complete the form below or give us a quick call at 1300 363 916, and we will contact you shortly.