Planning Your Move

Migrating to a new country is something few people do more than once, so it can be daunting to think of all the things that need to get done, some of which will make your start in Australia much easier.

What are some of the essential steps?

Firstly, develop a comprehensive checklist of things to do before you relocate.

Prepare an inventory of household goods and belongings. Having a detailed list will help you decide what to take, what to dispose of, deciding on a realistic value for insurance, briefing your removalist, and deciding what you will need immediately on arrival.

You may need to send some goods by air freight or as unaccompanied baggage.

In deciding what to take to Australia remember to check on quarantine and other customs restrictions.

For example a wide variety of timber and cane products, fabrics, foodstuffs etc are restricted.

Customs regulations restrict goods that can be brought into Australia free of Customs Duty.

There are exemptions for permanent residents arriving in Australia – broadly speaking, they may bring to Australia their personal and household effects free of Customs Duty and GST, provided they can show evidence they have owned and used these items for more than 12 months.

As well as formal documents such as birth certificates, passport, marriage certificate, driver’s licence etc there are a number of documents you can bring that will save you time and money:

Insurance – bring evidence of your claim-free standing with your insurance company. Car insurers may reduce premiums by up to 60 per cent for drivers with a good insurance record.

Schooling – bring evidence of your child's academic record, testimonials from school and elsewhere, involvement in music, sport, and other extra-curricular activities.

Organising everything will take longer than you think, and not everything will go smoothly. Allow plenty of time. Consider having several days in short-term accommodation after you move out of your home and your belongings have been packed up, before departing for Australia.

It is a stressful time and having a few days of relative calm while you finalise things can be valuable.

Ask your friends and colleagues who they know in Australia. Meeting people will be very important to you in settling quickly into Australian life.

If you belong to a professional or trade association, obtain introductions to an equivalent organisation in Australia.