Moving Checklist For Your Australian Relocation
*This is a collaborative guest post
Relocating to Australia is an exciting proposition for anyone. After all, it is a multi-cultural country, whose residents have a good quality of life, get plenty of sunshine, enjoy a world-class healthcare and education system, and can visit over 10,000 beaches in their leisure time. However, moving to it can also feel like a massive job.
Between organising your visa, packing your stuff and setting up your new life in the land Down Under, there’s a lot to think about. That is why it is important to have a clear moving checklist to make the whole experience go smoothly.
This guide will walk you through each stage of your move. It doesn’t matter if you are coming from London, Lagos or Lahore. We hope it helps you settle in the “Lucky Country” much more smoothly.
What Should Be on My Moving Checklist When Relocating to Australia?
We’ll assume you have already applied for your visa, have been given the green light by the Australian government, and have sorted out your travel arrangements. If you have, then there is a specific date you are working to. This means you’ll have a lot to organise.
It makes sense to make a moving checklist that groups everything you need to do into distinct phases. Doing this can help you stay on top of things and chart your progress more effectively.
1. Sort Out Essential Documents and Paperwork
Start by sorting out your paperwork. You’ll need to make sure your passport is valid. You should also collate copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, and academic qualifications and keep them safe in one place.
It’s also a good idea to scan and store them on the cloud in case something goes missing. This is a relatively easy task that shouldn’t take you too long.
2. Declutter
Packing is arguably the most stressful part of moving overseas. As you will be leaving the country you are currently in to move to Australia, there is a good chance you won’t be taking everything with you.
For this reason, you should begin with a good declutter of what you currently have. It is worth going through everything you currently own on a room-by-room basis to determine whether you still want or use it.
Try to be ruthless. If you have not used it in a while, then get rid of it. You can sort what you no longer need into separate piles that you can sell, take to charity, recycle or dispose of responsibly at the dump. This might take a couple of weeks, but it is a worthwhile exercise.
3. Packing
After you have decluttered, you can then set about packing. How you do this is up to you, but bear in mind your possessions will be transported far away. Therefore, make sure you use good-quality packing materials to ensure they are as protected as possible.
When packing, make a point of itemising what is inside each box and clearly label which room it is supposed to go in on the outside. You should research international moving companies and get quotes from a few.
Depending on where you will be moving to, you might need to store your possessions in a secure facility until you find somewhere to live. If you are moving to Victoria, Redspot has moving truck hire in Melbourne that you might find useful.
What Do I Need to Organise For When I’m in Australia?
It is not just the act of moving from your current country of residence that you’ll have to organise. You will also have to set up your new life Down Under. Here are some things you should do.
1. Set Up a Bank Account
You’ll need access to money as soon as you arrive in Australia. So, a smart thing to do is set up a bank account.
There are currently 96 banks in operation, including the “Big Four” of Commonwealth, ANZ, NAB, and Westpac. Some of them allow you to set up Australian accounts online before you arrive in the country. This makes it easier to transfer funds and avoid having to pay high exchange fees.
2. Find Somewhere to Live
If you are not fortunate enough to know someone in Australia that you can stay with as soon as you arrive in the country, then you will need to find somewhere to live.
Thankfully, there are plenty of hotels, motels, B&Bs, and Airbnb-type accommodations in which you can base yourself temporarily. Alternatively, you can see what is available to rent at a local real estate company.
Rent can be expensive in Australia. So, here is some information about it which you might find useful. If you are in a position to purchase something, websites like Domain and realestate.com have lots of listings. Here are some tips on renovating when you buy something.
3. Make Health Provisions
In Medicare, Australia has an excellent public healthcare system that you can use as needed. However, you’ll need to register for it once you arrive, if you qualify to do so.
If you are not eligible for it, consider taking out private health insurance. Don’t forget to bring your health and vaccination records with you when you relocate.
4. Get a Job
Finding a job may or may not be on your radar, at least not straight away when you arrive in Australia. However, if it is, then you will need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). This will enable you to work legally and ensure you meet your tax obligations.
If you do intend to look for work, it is worth signing up with major recruitment agents like Hays, Michael Page, Robert Walters, and Adecco. You should be able to find opportunities on Seek and LinkedIn.
