Moving across the globe to make a new life in Australia may seem daunting if not impossible, but after some careful planning you’ll be just a hop, skip and a jump away from fixing shrimp on the barbie in the great Down Under.
Make a Plan
- Australia is huge; actually, it’s a whole continent! Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are popular for good reasons, but there’s so much more to the country. Think about what kind of climate you’d like, what cost of living you can afford and if you prefer somewhere rural or urban.
- You should start gathering materials to apply for your visa a year before you move. A migration agent can help you navigate the visa application process. The Australian Department of Immigration is a good starting point for research.
- Consider the total cost of the move. Visas, passports and pet quarantine forms add up quickly. You want to make sure you can afford the move and still have some money left over to live off of once you reach the Southern hemisphere.
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Preparing to Move
- Secure temporary living arrangements in your new hometown while you search for permanent housing. For the best rates on temporary housing, find a room for rent at Gumtree.com
- You might want to sell all of your furnishings, as the costs of shipping things like couches and TVs overseas are enormous. You’re better off getting money for your old goods and purchasing new duds for your new life in Australia.
- You’ll probably want to sell your old vehicle too and buy a new one since shipping one from across the world is expensive. Gumtree Car price guides have affordable deals on second hand vehicles.
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Final Preparations
- Talk to your doctor about securing your healthcare needs before you go to Australia. Make sure to obtain hard copies of your health records.
- Have a full supply of any prescription medicines when you leave in case you encounter obstacles. Make sure to claim prescription medicines on custom forms if asked.
- You may want to purchase traveller’s insurance until you qualify for an Australian healthcare plan.
- Prepare for a long flight and read up on Australian history and customs to get your new life started on the right foot!
