The Average Joe Down Under: Moving to Australia Guide
Hey! I’m Darren, the face behind the Average Joe Down Under blog, podcast and Instagram.
In this guest post, I’m going to set out the steps you need to follow in the run up to your big move down under!
For more info on moving to Australia, tips for living here, travel and finance tips, check out my site and instagram.
Ok, now onto the moving to Australia guide –
Moving to Australia can be daunting. You are packing up, moving your whole life and establishing yourself in a new community that could be really different compared to what you’re used to.
I have done this move not once, but twice and I am here to give you the moving to Australia guide I wish I had when I moved, so you can relax more and stress less!
–
Moving to Australia Guide: The full breakdown
24 to 12 months prior to the move
Research
The first step in this moving to Australia guide is… to do your research! This bit can seem a little boring but by reading blogs like mine you’ll have a better understanding of what you need to do and it’ll make the whole process easier.
Expert Advice
You may find as you do more and more research that you need a little more expert advice. Although I am happy to answer any questions you may have on moving, if your case is a little more complicated, you might want to reach out to immigration experts to get the best advice on how you can move forward. It’s better to do this sooner rather than later as processes can take longer than you expect!
Apply for a visa
Getting your visa sorted can confuse people but it’s one of the most important steps involved in moving! I have breakdowns of different visa options on my blog:
Depending on your personal situation visa options can be very different but those Australia visa breakdowns should help you get started.
Start Budgeting
There’s no way to give you an exact amount of money that you need before you move over, but in this blog post I have a breakdown of the different things you need to consider to create your own budget.
I do recommend that you use Revolut to manage your money. It’s a super cost effect way to manage different currencies so it’s essential for travelling!
–
6 Months before you move
Start thinking about jobs
You might want to take a break from work when you arrive in Australia, but if not, you can start to apply for work before you get here.
Update your CV, spruce up your LinkedIn profile and start contacting recruiters. You can give your CV to agencies and they will keep you on file until something suitable comes up for you
If you have a family
If you are moving kids over, the sooner you start looking for schools the better. Find areas you think you’d like to live and start contacting the local schools.
You can find out more about the education system in Australia here.
Organise your things
If you’re making a permanent move or you need to build up a bit more money before you go, you may want to consider moving your car and house (if you own one).
You may also want to consider selling a lot of your unwanted clothes, furniture and things. Not only will that help you get a bit more cash together but it’ll save you shipping costs of moving things to Australia. Trust me, you can get everything you need over here.
Check your passport
I really advise that you renew your passport before you go if you only plan to stay in Oz temporarily. It’s more difficult to renew your passport from overseas so if you only have a year or 2 left on the passport, think about doing it before.
Flights
You can put a tracker on flight prices with Google Flights which is a great way to see when you should book. Flights usually come out about a year in advance but are often more expensive at this time so if you’re not in a rush, put on the tracker and wait until the price drops.
–
–
3 months before you move to Australia
Organise insurance
If you are moving to Australia on a temporary basis, travel insurance is essential. This will cover you for lost luggage, belongings and any unfortunate incidents whilst travelling.
If you are making a more permanent move to Australia then you’ll need to think about medicare and/ or private health insurance. You can find out more about the health system in Australia in this blog and this blog post.
Updating life insurance
If you have life insurance, you will need to let your provider know you are planning on moving.
Book a moving company
Depending on how much and what you are planning on moving over with you, you may need to book a moving company. You can ship by air or sea fare depending on your budget and time constraints. Try and make sure your things don’t arrive before you do or else you’ll have to try and find storage for your things over there!
Apply for an international licence
Check the rules in Australia for your driver’s licence and apply for an international one now if you require it.
Book your temporary accommodation
I recommend that you have the first few weeks/ first month of accommodation booked before you arrive and then try and find somewhere to live more permanently once you’re here.
You can read more about the rental market in Australia here.
Organise your mail
If you lived in your own place before the move, make a list of all the places you receive mail from so you can change your address and not miss any important documents in the move.
–
–
1 Month before you move to Australia
Bulk order prescription medication
It may take a little time to get set up with a doctor in Australia so make sure you have a good supply of any medications you need.
Cancel subscriptions
Cancel all the subscriptions you won’t need any more. Save yourself some money!
Pay Outstanding bills
You don’t want to be worrying about unpaid debt when you arrive so try and get everything paid off before you leave.
Update your student loan
If you have an outstanding student loan then update your account that you are travelling overseas and won’t be paying from a monthly wage whilst you do.
Transfer money
Have some Australian dollars ready in your Revolut account ready for landing in Oz. Then once you arrive, look into opening an Australian bank account.
Notify your current bank
It’s a good idea to let your bank know that you’ll be travelling so you are not blocked for suspected fraudulent activity.
Pack your important documents
You will need a lot of documents to start your new life in Australia. My moving to Australia guide recommends you pack and make copies of the following documents:
- Passport
- Visa
- Birth Certificate
- Driver’s licence and International permit
- Tax Documents – Collect your end of tax year documents in case you need these in Australia
- Bank Statements – You may need these for rental agreements so it’s wise to ensure you have these from your current account.
- Dental and medical records – Professionals in Australia will not have access to your medical history so make a copy of these, especially if you have an extensive list.
Check if you need vaccinations
Research the vaccination rules in Australia for the country you are moving from and book in for anything you might need.
Organise mobile phones
You can’t buy an Australia phone plan until you arrive here so it’s a good idea to have a phone ready to use when you arrive here. You can use the international data on your current contract but this will probably cost you a fortune. You can buy an Aussie sim in the airport when you arrive to do you for a few days until you get sorted.
Book in goodbyes
Your last few weeks will be super busy so book in to see as many people as you can before you go. Don’t leave everyone to the last minute as this can be very emotionally draining and you have a lot else you need to focus on!
–
1 Week before you move to Australia
Start packing
Check your luggage allowance on all flights and ensure you have essentials in your hand luggage.
I’d recommend packing an adapter and extension cord if you are bringing electronics. The extension will allow you to use all of your home electrical belongings without the need of multiple adapters. At least until you start changing to Australian electronics.
Check the entry rules
Australia can be strict on what it allows you to bring into the country so make sure you’re not bringing anything you’re not allowed!
Entering Australia
And before you know it, it’ll be time to board your flight and arrive in Australia!
This moving to Australia guide covers everything you need to do in the run up to your move but there is so much more information covered in my blog about what you need to do once you get here! Make sure to check it out and let me know over on Instagram if you have any questions.
