The largest, driest, country in Oceania and a hotspot for surfing, Australia is a global superpower and one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
So you’re thinking of moving to the land of surf and sun, or perhaps have already started your packing, but have you planned or accomplished all of the tasks you need for a smooth move? Without a doubt, one of the highest stress situations that someone can experience is an international move. Though it is undoubtedly exciting and ultimately rewarding, moving requires so much time and organization that it’s easy to get overwhelmed and exhausted.
One of the best ways to combat this is to create a preparation checklist and to always allot more time than you think is necessary. If you’re moving to Australia, here is a list of how you should prepare for such a large and exciting life change.
Get Your Visa
First thing’s first, to move anywhere you need to have a visa. In planning to move to Australia, there are several different types of visas you can apply for. The largest distinction is between temporary and permanent, the latter typically demanding a longer waiting period than the former. Most of these will be variations on work visas, and all will require English language skills, an eligible job, and meeting Australia’s health and character requirements. If you’re looking to apply for a business talent visa, beware, the application process is notoriously prestigious, and the fee alone can total over $5000. To make sure you’re able to enter the country within your timeline, you should leave ample time for your application to process and make sure you and anyone you’re traveling with has the correct supporting paperwork.
Find A House
Searching for accommodation in a new country can seem intimidating, but truthfully it’s not as hard as you may think. The keys to finding a great place are understanding your parameters and doing adequate research. Though it can be tough to find a landlord that will sell or rent to you before your arrival, you should be prepared with area information.
Things like proximity to potential jobs, market price, and neighbourhood safety and attractions are all important to consider. If you are buying, make sure that you enlist help based out of Australia, as this will mitigate potential miscommunications and give you a go-between for the finer details. Word to the wise: many of the major cities in Australia are expensive. In sunny Sydney, median rental costs per week are around $600 per week but can range to double the price. Especially if you are looking for short-term rentals, you should remain flexible to snag the best deals. If possible, utilizing locally placed friends and families is a huge asset.
Ship Your Things
Amongst the more challenging aspects of moving overseas, physically shipping personal items can be a source of stress and anxiety for individuals preparing for a move to Australia. Thankfully, this process can be expedited if you know where to look. Choosing accredited services with a specialized focus will often result in an improved experience. Online resources like https://www.pssremovals.com/shipping-to-australia can be hugely helpful when trying to get a quote and arrange quick and stress-free shipping. It’s a good idea to know exactly how many items you need to move, and have an exact location in mind. Shipping times vary, so getting a time and price estimate early on is always a good idea.
Secure A Job
Though many people move intending to fill a role they have already secured, Australia is also a great place to find yourself if you’re looking for work. Searching for a job on or around the golden coast can be fun, rewarding, and possibly lucrative- but there are some things you should keep in mind. If you’re moving on a working holiday or non-sponsored working visa, you should start searching for and applying to jobs online before you leave.
That way, you can start your work right away to continue to meet your qualifications, and earn enough money. No matter which visa you have, be sure to consider the net income of the position before its gross salary. If you have not been granted permanent residency you will be considered a foreign resident, and as such will incur much higher taxation.
The stress and hard work surrounding a move are real, but it shouldn’t outshine the anticipation and excitement of a much-needed change of scenery. Australia is an amazing country with lots to offer, and so long as you take the necessary steps to prepare, your move should be a breeze
