Moving to Australia

The relocations process to a new country can be a daunting experience although this can often be masked by the excitement. Everyone wants a smooth transition for the big move and for this to happen early planning is key.

So the plan is to keep on top of things to make sure everything is done well in advance.

When you have 18 months to go:

Make sure you start your research and planning now!!

It is vital you know where you are aiming to move to, what are the best areas and if you have a job where is appropriate for you to move. You need to be sure of what house and area that you can afford and also how you intend to gain work when you are in Australia. Obviously some relocate due to work so it would not be necessary to find work but I tis key to be a reasonable distance from your work place.

Research the type of visa that you will need to attain. There are many different visa types and to get the wrong one can seriously affect the smooth running of your move. Speak to people and research what you are going to need.

When looking into areas to move to as what housing you aim to live in, know your budget! You will only waste time if you look for places outside your budget and make sure you get a good quality place and locations for the money you are willing to spend. Don�t cut corners with your home because after a hectic relocation you want to be happy with where you end up.

When you have 12 months to go:

This is when you should be applying for jobs and making visits to Australia. Make these visits worthwhile. Look at houses and go to interviews to secure job roles. This is a very important time for you as this is aiming to secure your future after moving to Australia. Circulate your CV with the aim to make visits in the next few months to learn more about the roles and speak to the employer on a face to face basis.

Send off your visa application and have all the paperwork organised as all of this will be needed when if come to the move. Make sure there is at least 2 years left on your passport as this will be needed .

When you have 6 months to go:

Right now is the time to (if applicable) put your house on the market.it is a good time to sell it as you will be winding down your time in the UK. This is also a good time to begin selling the items that you do not intend to ship over to Australia. This is a good time to look into removal firms and how you intend to move the stuff you do want move to Australia.

You need to secure all medical, education and work records and have them available for you to take with you. If you are taking pets then they will need to be inoculated and also arrangements made to transport them over to Australia.

When you have 2 months to go:

This would be the time to register you r children to the schools that you have chosen and also arrange for rental accommodation for your arrival if it is needed. Look into flights and if overnight accommodation is needed. This is good to do at this stage as you may get a better deal than closer to the time. Make sure a date has been booked and agreed on for removal companies to take your stuff and a moving in date to your new property. Finally, open the Australian bank account you have chosen.

When you have 1 month to go:

The moving date is moving closer and closer, so time needs to be managed well. It is a good time to get your mail forwarded to your new address and also set up a mail redirect for any other mail that may be sent to you. Start to close your bank accounts and shredding any personal papers you don�t need. Check and check again that you have medical cover for Australia.

When you have one week to go:

Make sure you cancel everything like milk and newspaper deliveries, subscriptions to magazines and gym memberships. Ensure you and your children have all the contacts to keep in touch with friends.

By this time you will be in a hectic state with a lot going on but this is a time to enjoy your move and take your time to check over all the arrangement that you have made.

When you arrive:

It is important to find out the basics of the area you have moved to. Know where the nearest shop is and a restaurant in case you don�t feel like cooking. Make sure your mobile phone is set up properly.

The next step is to register with the local doctor dentist and visit the school to make sure everything is arranged for your children�s first day. People would always recommend to get to know your neighbours and to immerse yourself in local life, this will help you cope with the culture shock of moving to Australia.