Australia

The “land down under” is calling your name and you’ve decided that moving to Australia is in your family’s future. This will be an exciting time, but there will be much to do to prepare for the transcontinental move. Moving to Australia will take time, so try to have at least 6-8 weeks to get everything in order to ensure a smooth, stress-free move.

Again, the more time you have to devote to preparing, the better off you’ll be. In this case, a trusted moving company will be very important. The international moving company will help your items clear customs, stay as damage-free as possible, and arrive on-time. You should try to limit your items to a 20-foot container. If you don’t think you’ll fill a container by yourself, there are “shared containers” that will allow you to share the cost with another party. An international moving company should be able to give you more details on this option.

Once you’ve hired an international moving company, get started on your paperwork for moving to Australia. This includes both your visa and passport. There are many web sites that can help you obtain a visa for your move. One such site is www.visabureau.com/australia. This site offers many options for obtaining a work visa. You can also obtain the services of a lawyer to help you complete the proper paperwork, or with the help of a trusted friend of co-worker, obtain a reference for one of the many web sites that offers to help you “do it yourself.”

You’ll need additional paperwork for your move, as well. Make sure you have all birth certificates, marriage certificates (or divorce), and a copy of your will. If you have children, you’ll want all school records and immunization forms. You’ll likely want to keep all pertinent information with you at all times. Again, check with your moving company or trusted confidant to see exactly what you’ll need upon arriving in the country.

Since you’ll be moving such a distance, you’ll need to determine how much to bring with you overseas. For example, it might be much more cost effective to sell your current car and purchase a new one when you arrive. The same goes for furniture. You’ll likely want to be surrounded by your own things in a new, strange country, but you may want to choose just a few large pieces to bring with you and accessorize once you arrive in your new home.

Your belongings might be en route to your destination and in storage for up to 4 weeks, so make sure you have all you’ll need in that timeframe. Pack large suitcases with clothing and toiletries to keep you going until your things arrive. If you’re traveling with children, ensure that they have special items with them such as blankets, books or toys. This will keep a little piece of home with them at all times.

You’re ready to make the move to your new home. You’ve double-checked all information and you feel set and secure. Keep all pertinent phone numbers with you, so you can reach anyone at a moments notice. These numbers include the moving company, the airlines, the hotel or short-term rental where you’ll be staying and a number of a co-worker or friend in the area. You’ll feel much more comfortable once you feel like you’ve prepared for the trip.

Moving is exciting and nerve-racking, at the same time. Moving to Australia will evoke many emotions for everyone in your family. Just remember to relax, enjoy yourselves and take in all that your new country has to offer.

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