How does moving cities or states work, logistically?

[jermajay]

So I don't think this is really the right place, since it's not about financial stuff, but it is advice given regularly so I figured I might as well ask? If there's a better place to learn though then please let me know!

Anyway, say I live in Melbourne and wanted to move to Perth, what would be the 'order' of things to do? Like, do you find a job, then a place to live near the job, then get all the documents and legal stuff you need to move, then actually pack up and leave? How do you do any of that without actually being there? Is getting jobs interstate more for people with jobs in high demand, where employers would have an actual reason to employ someone who needs to move instead of someone locally? Would it maybe be easier to move interstate to do uni or something, or would that just be the same issue, except know you need to be accepted into uni as well as finding a job and apartment?

I'm sure most of this is really obvious but I couldn't find anything online, so thanks in advance to anyone who can help!

[Log]

White-collar professionals will find a job, then move. If you don’t have that privilege, you save up a few months worth of expenses and then you have to take a leap of faith.

[FINate]

I agree with Log, it depends on the situation. Can you give us any more details, like industry, pay scale, savings, family situation, age, and so on?

Whatever your situation, I highly recommend having a decent emergency fund. Something you could live off of for 3-6 months if you had to.

Regardless of industry or pay scale, I would not advise moving to a new city without any leads on employment and just the hope of landing a job before your savings run out. Instead, I would apply for jobs remotely. Let the hiring manager know you're planning a move to Perth within a tentative timeline (in two months or whatever). Smart companies are flexible and may even consider phone or Zoom interviews. You can travel there (on holiday of course) to meet in person if needed. This is also a good opportunity to check out candidate neighborhoods to get an idea of what rentals and the commute may be like. As long as there are no solid offers you can keep moving the tentative date without changing anything in Melbourne.

Once you've accepted a job offer, immediately start applying for housing. Your tentative future move date should give you some time to look for housing. The accepted offer can be used to show prospective landlords that you have a job and can pay rent, give copies as needed. Your emergency fund is also a good way of showing that you're not going to be a problem tenant, so also have copies of your bank statement handy. If you run out of time finding housing, extended stay hotels or other short term arrangements can fill the gap.

Job + housing is the most difficult part, everything else is pretty basic. Get rid of most of your stuff, especially large bulky items that are easily replaced. Pack and move yourself if at all possible. Rent a storage unit in Perth if the housing situation isn't sorted out in time. This stuff all just takes a little time and persistence.

[jermajay]

Thank you both for the reply!! This is very much in-the-future sorta thing so there aren't really any details - right now I'm still in school (haven't even got my first job haha). I wanted to see how realistic moving would be though cos property prices are really expensive here and I definitely want a house at some point. I also have horses so wanted to move somewhere where there are larger properties available cheaper/more readily, and since SA (and also NSW but that's also a HCOL area so it'd be a pretty pointless move) are much bigger than Victoria I figured it'd have more options. Although I did also want to go to Tasmania, mostly because it's a lot cooler there and I can't stand the heat, although I think tasmania is fairly cheap too?

What industries would be good for a move like this, do you think? I wasn't able to do methods so a lot of good jobs are out of the question. If I get a high ATAR I was thinking of either law or data science, otherwise architecture or accounting - but I'm definitely not set on anything, so if a certain job would make it easier that'd be good. Are tradie jobs not good for this sorta move? Like plumbing and whatnot?

Thanks again!

[former player]

With horses you have two options: either the horses earn their keep (difficult and usually not very lucrative) or you get a very well paying job that pays for the horses on top of everything else that you want in your life (property, pension, etc.)

As you are still in school and may be looking to keep horses for several decades I would also think hard about climate change and what will be a suitable place for horses in the future - moving somewhere that is already hot may not be the best option.

[FINate]

Thank you both for the reply!! This is very much in-the-future sorta thing so there aren't really any details - right now I'm still in school (haven't even got my first job haha). I wanted to see how realistic moving would be though cos property prices are really expensive here and I definitely want a house at some point. I also have horses so wanted to move somewhere where there are larger properties available cheaper/more readily, and since SA (and also NSW but that's also a HCOL area so it'd be a pretty pointless move) are much bigger than Victoria I figured it'd have more options. Although I did also want to go to Tasmania, mostly because it's a lot cooler there and I can't stand the heat, although I think tasmania is fairly cheap too?

What industries would be good for a move like this, do you think? I wasn't able to do methods so a lot of good jobs are out of the question. If I get a high ATAR I was thinking of either law or data science, otherwise architecture or accounting - but I'm definitely not set on anything, so if a certain job would make it easier that'd be good. Are tradie jobs not good for this sorta move? Like plumbing and whatnot?

Thanks again!

Woah! You're getting way ahead of yourself will all of this. Horses are a major financial burden, so you need to get the whole school/career thing sorted first. Find something lucrative that you're good at and you don't hate. This is difficult to do and many people never figure it out. This needs to be your top priority, with an order something like:

1) Find out what you're good at and at least somewhat interested in.
2) If said thing is reasonably remunerative then figure out what's required to establish a career in that field.
3) University, trade school, whatever you need to do... pour yourself into it, excel, and complete it.
4) Get your foot in the door wherever you can to get on the career ladder.
5) Start climbing that ladder and save save save
6) Once you're established and have some savings (and only then), you can start looking for horse properties.

You're at least 5 (maybe 10) years ahead of yourself looking to relocate with horses when you don't even have a degree or any sort of credential. Most university students struggle to keep themselves sheltered and fed, can't imagine trying to also care for a horse.

[Freedomin5]

Unless you can monetize owning a horse. I know a 17 year old who owns a horse. She mucks the stables, walks the horses that board there, and runs a program/camp for elementary school students which generates income. She also fundraises to run a program for disadvantaged kids to have equine therapy and she runs that program too. In return for all that work and marketing, she gets to board her horse for free.

For work, it’s best to do something you don’t hate and that you’re good at. So if you have no number sense, don’t be an accountant. If you faint at the sight of blood, don’t enter nursing or medicine. If you love animals, don’t work at a meat packing plant.

You mentioned moving for university. I’d say, determine what you want to study, then get into the best program that you can get into for that area of study, regardless of where it’s located. Location doesn’t matter so much, but the quality of your program and how well known it is will help you when it comes time to apply for jobs. Don’t let location hinder you.

In terms of finding work that you enjoy and planning for the future, you might enjoy Designing Your Life.

You don’t say how old you are, but you might also enjoy The Seven Habits of Effective Teens by Sean Covey. If you’re no longer a teen, then read The Seven Habits of Effective People by Stephen Covey. The principles in both books are the same. The one for teens just uses examples that are more relevant to teenagers.

Your Money or Your Life is another good one. It’s been a few years since I’ve read it so I can’t remember how relevant it is to someone who is just starting out.

Borrow all of these books from your library, of course. No need to spend money.

In terms of where to live, once you’ve graduated from school and are ready to look for work, apply to jobs in all the places in which you are interested. As a young person with few responsibilities and ties, don’t limit yourself geographically.

[Freedomin5]

Forgot to add...are you old enough to work part-time? That’s a good way to figure what you like (or more likely, what you don’t like). It’s also a great way to develop soft skills like communication, customer service, professionalism, dealing with unhappy clients, etc., and it’s a great way to start saving money and getting your feet wet with investing.

I started babysitting and volunteering in summer camps when I was 12, and by 15 (legal working age in Canada), I was teaching piano and tutoring. Those jobs taught me how to communicate with adults, work with kids, manage my schedule, work on a team with fellow camp counselors, lesson plan, deal with problems, etc. While I only made $400 a month back then, I currently use all those same skills to earn over $20k a month.

ETA: You’ll find that this forum is made up of mostly incredibly wise people. While it may seem like we’re going off topic from your original question, it’s probably because we’ve realized you’re asking the wrong question, and in order to get to a point where you can ask “Which city is best for jobs and for my horses?” there are several other questions you have to sort out first and steps you have to take to get to the point where you can ask about inter-city/inter-state living arrangements.

[Sibley]

First, let's clear something up right away. You don't have horses. Your PARENTS have horses. Your parents certainly may allow you to take the horses once you grow up and are financially able to handle them, but that's their decision when you are an adult. This is the case even if you're the only one from the family going to the barn regularly.

Example how this can work. Growing up, my family had a cat named Sibley. Got her when I was about 12. She was a family cat, but she was most attached to me. Once I grew up, graduated from college, had a job, then I was allowed to take Sibley with me when I moved out. At that point in time I obtained all her medical records from the vet (I moved 2000 miles, so new vet), took Sibley and some of her favorite things that my parents allowed me to take, and moved. I was responsible for paying for food, toys, appropriate bedding and supplies, and medical care. At that point she became my cat. I then owned Sibley until her death a few years ago. (And as you can tell, used the name for a forum name.) There was another cat in the household, Tiger Lily, whom I did not take when I moved out. This was a mutual decision between me and my parents, but even if I had wanted to take Tiger Lily I would not have been able to - my parents didn't want to give her to me.

As for the rest - you've got dreams, and that's cool. But you're several years ahead of yourself. You don't need to worry about how to move long distance yet.

[draco44]

+1 to Sibley's comments.

I'd also add to the other responses thus far that part of what enables someone to move to a new place is... not being overly attached by things (physical and otherwise) to their current location. Generally speaking, it's far easier for someone fresh out of school to move locations than it is for someone who is has factors like (1) a significant other with a job hard to replace in another area, (2) school-age kids, and/or (3) owning a bunch of physical stuff, including a house. It's obviously still possible to move in a situation like that, but it will likely take longer and be more expensive. If you are thinking ahead to a big move, one thing I might suggest is trying to keep your physical possessions streamlined in the meantime. That will help you save money and mean your eventual move will be less of a hassle. Here's a blog post on that topic that may speak to you: https://medium.com/galleys/three-words-for-my-younger-self-own-less-stuff-6a39602ccf45n

[Sibley]

+1 to Sibley's comments.

I'd also add to the other responses thus far that part of what enables someone to move to a new place is... not being overly attached by things (physical and otherwise) to their current location. Generally speaking, it's far easier for someone fresh out of school to move locations than it is for someone who is has factors like (1) a significant other with a job hard to replace in another area, (2) school-age kids, and/or (3) owning a bunch of physical stuff, including a house. It's obviously still possible to move in a situation like that, but it will likely take longer and be more expensive. If you are thinking ahead to a big move, one thing I might suggest is trying to keep your physical possessions streamlined in the meantime. That will help you save money and mean your eventual move will be less of a hassle. Here's a blog post on that topic that may speak to you: https://medium.com/galleys/three-words-for-my-younger-self-own-less-stuff-6a39602ccf45n

Plus, I have no idea how expensive it is to move a horse, but I do know you can't just put them in a cat carrier and strap them into the backseat. Moving Sibley was pretty close to free, because she was just along for the ride.

[jermajay]

Wow lots of replies overnight!! Thank you all, this was very helpful to read! I'll try and answer some more questions :D

R.E horses being expensive, that's why I got into the whole financial independence, retiring early thing - so I can afford them and spend more time with them. I have thought about ways to make money with them. My parents ran a riding program pre-covid for kids who don't have their own horses, so they pay to ride ours - I think they did make some money with that, but it all went to the pony club and my horses aren't really kid safe anyways (except my childhood pony, but he's retired). I have heard good things about therapy horse programs, and my guys are all really respectful on the ground, so I might try doing that. The other thing I was thinking of was doing lessons, but I have pretty terrible social skills, so maybe not, haha.

I'm definitely not making the retired pony move anywhere, and he's only in his early 20s, so yeah - looking like a decade in the future. No rush!

I was thinking about the heat of SA - dry areas are better for the horse's hooves but I think the trade off of having to worry about heatstroke and bushfires every year would be a pain, so Tasmania or the east coast, around the border to NSW would be better. But probably no point thinking too much now, it'll change a lot anyways.

I am old enough to get a job (and have been for 3 years, whoops) but my school did a thing where they get you a place to work, so I was waiting to do that, then COVID happened so that fell through...I have been applying but I think I'm doing something wrong because I literally have not got a single reply. Not even a rejection?? And every time I follow up I just get told to try next hiring season. Probably not good news if you can't even get a job flipping burgers, lol.
I have started a chicken business though, so hopefully that will get me some cash haha.

Also to Sibley: yes my parents have horses...23 of them. I'm 100% certain they're not going to object to me taking 3 haha. Especially since they hate all of the ones I 'have' (they're kind of assholes) But I get what you're saying and if they DO decide to keep them, that's $15000 less I have to earn every year, I guess haha.


Thanks again for all the replies!! Lots to think about and no problems going off topic ofc, it's all relevant!

[Freedomin5]

If you’re good with asshole horses, I wonder if you can carve a niche as a “horse whisperer” of sorts, where you take other people’s “problem” horses and rehabilitate them. If you can get really good at a niche (better than everyone else out there), and you can do something most other people in your geographic location can’t do, people will pay you big bucks for your expertise. That’s how I can charge $400/hour and still have people lining up out the door for my services.

Also, I wouldn’t waste time on flipping burgers. If you know horses and are good with them, see if the local vets need an assistant. Or do your parents know of other stables who could use a stablehand or worker to help out with whatever happens on horse farms/ranches/stables? Or the vet that currently works with your or your parents’ horses? Does he/she need a volunteer?

And if this is what you enjoy, perhaps veterinary medicine may be an area you might want to explore?

[deborah]

I have a relative who is a farrier. Actually, a couple of his children are farriers too, so I know a whole family of farriers. They live in the Gold Coast, and he has horses. He was from Victoria, fairly close to Melbourne, but when he moved, he just went -farriers are always in demand. I remember when he came to Melbourne for a couple of weeks. On the third day, he visited Flemington, to see some friends. By the end of the day, he had had his arm twisted, and was working for the rest of his “holiday”. If it’s something you’d like to do, being a farrier would give you a job that would allow you to live anywhere there were horses.

[jermajay]

Ooh those are good ideas! I'll put an ad up on gumtree and see if anyone is interesting in training or even exercising - and my mum is a farrier so that would be an easy field to get into - I already know how to trim horses and do my own, so if I get some sort of training I could probably tag along with her and do some horses? I'll look into it - thanks both!!

[Freedomin5]

A riding program might still work, even with covid going on. I can imagine it’s not difficult to keep a mask on and maintain social distance when you’re all on horses. Or you might just have to reduce the capacity or stagger arrival and dismissal times of the students.