Relocation Checklist

Don’t know where to start? Our handy Relocation checklist will help you to stay organised.

For detailed information about relocating to Victoria, download a free copy of Victoria’s Relocation Guide.

On this page:
Preparing for departure
Arriving in Victoria

Preparing for departure

18 months prior

  • Compile a shortlist of where in Victoria you would like to live. Talk to friends and relatives already living in the State. Conduct research on the internet, useful websites include:
    - Visit Victoria
    - Live In Victoria
  • Learn more about property prices and the cost of living. Develop a budget for when you move.
  • Research job opportunities and business opportunities for you and your family.
  • Attend migration expos to obtain more information and ask questions.
  • Find a migration agent or research your migration visa options if you plan to apply yourself.
  • Talk to your doctor about any medical conditions that may need attention.
  • Prepare your current home for sale or rent.

12 months prior

  • Ensure that you and your family all have valid passports.
  • Complete your visa applications forms – seek assistance from your Migration Agent if required.
  • Inform your children’s schools of your relocation plans. Request copies of all relevant documentation such as school reports.
  • Talk to your family and friends about your plans to relocate.
  • Organise your finances. Consolidate accounts and reduce debts wherever possible.
  • Research costs for relocation services and source airfare quotes.
  • Familiarise yourself with Australia’s customs and quarantine requirements for your pets and belongings.

6 months prior

  • If your permanent residency visa has been granted, put your home on the market for sale and source temporary accommodation should your house sell sooner than anticipated.
  • Check the required notice period for vacating your property if you are renting.
  • Undertake medical and police checks if required.
  • Create or update your Last Will and Testament.
  • Research processes involved with transporting pets i.e. quarantine, vaccinations, costs involved.
  • Sell or donate unwanted furniture and household goods.
  • Consider advising your employer of your relocation plans.
  • Obtain copies of medical and dental records for you and your family.
  • Request credit references from your bank and other lenders.
  • Narrow down your search for places you would like to live in Victoria.
  • If you are considering living in regional Victoria, contact a Regional Migration Coordinator and advise of your expected arrival date and occupational details.

2 months prior

  • Source and book temporary accommodation in Victoria for when you arrive.
  • Investigatetransport options to your temporary accommodation when you arrive.
  • Investigate new schools or childcare providers for your children and register them if possible.
  • Book your pets into quarantine service and boarding kennels in Victoria if necessary.
  • Begin packing items you do not regularly use.
  • Update your Curriculum Vitae/Resume including employer references. Start applying for positions via employer and recruitment websites. Follow up by phone if possible.
  • Obtain statements from your financial institutions and any pension /superannuation funds.
  • Service your vehicle, prepare for sale or storage.
  • Confirm your departure date with removalists.
  • Contact potential employers in Victoria and notify them of your interest and expected arrival time. Arrange a telephone interview if appropriate.
  • Arrange necessary insurance cover for you and your family. Ensure it is valid until you take out a new policy in Australia.
  • Settle any outstanding legal matters if applicable.

1 month prior

  • Sell or store your car.
  • Provide a forwarding address to your bank, migration agent, post office, financial institutions, employer, friends and family, and relevant authorities. Arrange for your mail to be redirected.
  • Compile personal records and paperwork into a secure travel file.
  • Arrange for current prescriptions and a sufficient supply of any medicines.
  • Pay all bills, cancel subscriptions and ensure any direct debits will be stopped once you move.
  • Organise private health and other insurance for when you arrive in Australia.
  • Confirm temporary accommodation booking for when you arrive.
  • Register to attend a skilled or business seminar for when you arrive in Victoria. These seminars will provide you with tips and contacts to make a rapid transition into work or business.
  • If relocating to regional Victoria, confirm your arrival date with a Victorian Regional Migration Coordinator and make an appointment to visit them.
  • If possible, set up a bank account in Australia.

2 weeks prior

  • Obtain some Australian dollars and/or travellers’ cheques for when you arrive.
  • Finish packing all non-essential items.
  • Back up your computer files.

1 week prior

  • Organise transport to the airport.
  • Pack essential items and on-board luggage. Include activities for children if applicable.
  • Leave forwarding contact details for the new occupants of your home.

Arriving in Victoria

When you first arrive

  • Check into your temporary accommodation.
  • Let your friends and family at home know that you have arrived safely.
  • Set up a pre-paid mobile phone account.
  • Find your nearest internet service point.
  • Hire a car to explore Melbourne, regional Victoria and your local area, including local schools if applicable.
  • Purchase the weekend newspapers and acquaint yourself with Melbourne and regional Victoria. Here, you will also find job and property vacancies, and cars for sale.
  • Apply for a tax file number and open a bank account if still required.
  • Register yourself and your family for a Medicare card if you are eligible or arrange for private health insurance.
  • Contact potential employers and recruitment agencies to set up job interviews.
  • Attend a skilled or business seminar.
  • Collect your pets from quarantine if necessary.
  • If living in regional Victoria, visit your Regional Migration Coordinator.

When you move into your new home

  • Set up utilities including phone, power, internet etc.
  • Contact your children’s new schools or child care provider and arrange for a progress report.
  • Introduce yourself to your new neighbours.
  • Look into social and recreational activities in your local area.
  • Purchase a car if required and organise registration and insurance.
  • Register with your local library.

Keep the following original documents with you as you travel:

  • Passports
  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage (and divorce) certificates
  • Qualifications, Curriculum Vitae/Resume, job and employment references
  • Children’s school reports and immunisation certificates
  • Verification of your credit records
  • Proof of no claim bonus for insurance purposes
  • Copies of your life and other insurances
  • A copy of your Last Will and Testament
  • Records of trusts and companies you have operated
  • Account and loan details
  • Details of your investments
  • Backup files for your computer.



Last updated: 30 July 2009

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State Government of Victoria