New in Sydney
Advice on moving to Sydney, Australia
The Ultimate Emigration Checklist
Use this timeline to help plan your move to Australia
I have school age children coming with me to Australia
I have a UK home I may sell
I do not have a pre-arranged job yet and plan to job hunt before and possibly after arrival in Australia
I have a pets I plan to take with me
12 Months Before
Start investigating whether a move to Australia is a good idea for you.
Consider the visa options available to you.
Research where you might like to live.
Consider what to do with your UK house
9 Months Before
Discuss the move with family and friends
Start the visa application process
Make sure you have at least 2 years on your passport. If not consider applying for a new one.
Put UK house on market if you decide to sell.
6 Months Before
If you haven't already got the visa check on the progress of the application
Start to plan what you will take with you. Start selling/giving away to charity or friends/dumping possessions you do not want to ship.
Start "training" family and friends on use of video chat software such as skype.
Check pets are have appropriate vaccinations and are able to travel.
Consider your employment situation and whether you should give your UK employer advance warning.
3 Months Before
Start booking flights
Research and book first few weeks accommodation
Gather information on all UK assets such as pensions and savings. Make sure all paperwork is available. Order any that is missing.
Gather, or order, personal proof of identity information - birth certificate, driving license, marriage certificate and employment references.
Investigate international shipping agents to move your possessions
1 Month Before
If you are on standard four weeks notice give your official resignation to your UK employer
Research and book first few weeks accommodation
Gather household proof of identity information to take to Australia - council tax bills, utilities bills
Get in touch with council tax office, sky, internet provider, gym, etc to organise cancelling payments
Collect transfer documents from doctors, dentists and schools
Organise sufficient private health insurance
2 Weeks Before
Check flight bookings are all in order
Check temporary accommodation bookings are in order
Arrange transport to airport
Escalate decluttering operation to get rid off possessions you will not take with you
1 Week Before
Check where all passports are
Finish decluttering. The house should be looking very empty
1 Day Before
Phone utilities companies to cancel utilities. This can only be fully done on last day.
Check temporary accommodation bookings are in order
1 Day After
Check in to your temporary accommodation
Relax and try and get over jet lag!
First Week After
Get to know the area
Go to the bank passport to confirm id and pick up cards
Arrange internet access - start with prepaid mobile broadband for quick connectivity
Apply for an Australian tax file number