Even during the best of times, it can be quite stressful moving house. And when your new house is moving to Australia it can be even more stressful when you need to move your belongings, your family, and yourself to a different country.
The following are a few useful tips to consider when you and your family are moving to Australia.
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Decide where you want to live
The geographic area of your new home might be determined by certain factors such as a change in job. However, if you are able to choose where you live you should take the time to select a location that suits your lifestyle and personality in addition to your needs.
Different Australian cities can have surprising differences in culture and attitudes, and you need to ensure that you feel comfortable in your new location. In recent years, for example, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney have all become established as vibrant metropolitan hotspots.
By contract, Adelaide is frequently considered to be a large country town. Canberra is the capital and is a planned city that has a fairly small population, with many of them contracting or working for the national government.
Make sure you take the time to find the location that truly matches what your family and you need out of your new house.
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Research your destination
The culture and society of Australia are similar, but definitely not exactly the same, as the UK’s. You will need to research all of the practicalities, like amenities, schools, transportation, and the local property market. However, it is also critical to research other factors like the economy, weather, and cultural norms of not only the overall country but also the neighbourhood and city where you will be working or living.
Fortunately, there are many good online resources that can help with that, and British expats have written many of them.
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Plan your finances
It is expensive to move to Australia from the UK, and you need to take everything into account in your financial plan. It is essential to factor in the expenses of obtaining visas, in addition to moving your belongings, your family, and yourself, to the opposite side of the world.
Another thing that is essential to understand is what your finances are going to look like after you start living in Australia. Factors like rental and property prices, in addition to daily living expenses such as retail and food prices, and the costs of operating a car or public transport can vary greatly between various Australian locations. Websites such as Numbeo can be helpful when researching the costs of living in different cities.
Finally, don’t forget to check your tax liabilities for both the UK and Australia, if applicable, since that can influence such factors as where you decide to hold your investment and savings accounts.
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Determine what needs to be taken with you.
When it comes to deciding what needs to be taken with you on your move be as practical as possible – even ruthless. Moving large objects or dozens of boxes of toys, clothes, books, ornaments, etc. to Australia from the UK can be quite expensive. In some situations, it might make sense to purchase new items once you have arrived in Australia. In the weeks and months before your move, you should pare down your belongings if possible.
Determine what can stay behind (for example if you will be letting out your current property instead of selling it), what you can donate to charity, what items can be sold, and the things you are going to take with you when you move.
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Be sure to use an experienced and reputable international removals firm
After you have determined which of your belongings you are taking with you to Australia, search for a company like Ark Relocation that has extensive experience in dealing with international removals. That will ensure that they thoroughly understand the logistics and practicalities of the job, and are also fully familiar with Australia’s import and customs regulations.
You should also check online for recommendations and reviews from past customers. Also check to see whether or not the company is a member of a reputable and established trade association, like the Association Of Independent Movers (AIM).
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Become familiar with import and customs restrictions
When your family’s belongings are being transported to Australia, it is essential to be familiar with any duties customs fees, or import taxes that you might be liable for. Your removals firm can provide you with guidance on this issue. Also, keep in mind that Australia’s border controls are quite strict on certain materials.
As an example, natural fibres like bamboo and wicker are prohibited. Also, customs officials might require certain items to be fumigated or treated so that exotic pests or diseases are not introduced. You will be liable to pay for any charges that Australian quarantine inspectors impose.
You need to be aware this doesn’t only apply to the belongings that you are transporting. When traveling to Australia, you are also required to declare whether or not you are carrying certain foods, animal products, or plant materials. If you do not comply with Australia’s import rules, it can result in consequences that range from penalties imposed on the spot to large fines and prison sentences.
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Insure your belongings while they are in transit
When consulting with international removals firms about your move, make sure to ask them whether their base price includes any insurance or protection for loss or breakage, and whether they offer optional additional insurance.
Removals firms frequently only offer limited liability cover (pays up to a specific pound value on each item for damage or loss). In certain situations – especially if you are having collectables or high-value furniture items transported- you should seriously consider taking out marine insurance or other relevant international removals insurance in the event something goes wrong. Make sure to shop around to find the best deal if you decide to buy insurance. Find out More about Ark Relocation Moving services to Australia
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My Story: Gabby Gomes of Ark Relocation
I’m Gabby Gomes, the heart and soul behind Ark Relocation in Milton Keynes. With over three decades in the moving industry, I’ve steered Ark Relocation to be a trusted name, offering everything from house removals to commercial relocations. We’ve also ventured into European and International removals, ensuring seamless transitions for our clients, whether near or far.
