Before moving to Australia there’s lots to think about and plan. Use this checklist for moving to Australia to help you with your planning.

18 months prior

Do your research

• 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.

Make sure you’re ready

• Talk to your doctor about any medical conditions that may need attention.
• Prepare your current home for sale or rent.

12 months prior

Apply for your visas

• Ensure that you and your family all have valid passports.
• Complete your visa applications forms – seek assistance from your Migration Agent if required.

Communicate your plans

• 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.

Check the cost of moving

• 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

Prepare to move out

• 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.
• Sell or donate unwanted furniture and household goods.
• Research processes involved with transporting pets i.e. quarantine, vaccinations, costs involved.
• Consider advising your employer of your relocation plans.

Get paperwork sorted

• Undertake medical and police checks if required.
• Create or update your Last Will and Testament.
• Obtain copies of medical and dental records for you and your family.
• Request credit references from your bank and other lenders.

Plan where you’ll live in Victoria

• Narrow down your search for places you would like to live in Victoria.

2 months prior

Organise temporary living arrangements in Victoria

• Source and book temporary accommodation in Victoria for when you arrive.
• Investigate transport 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.

Prepare for your job search

• Update your Curriculum Vitae/Resume including employer references. Start applying for positions via employer and recruitment websites. Follow up by phone if possible.
• Contact potential employers in Victoria and notify them of your interest and expected arrival time. Arrange a telephone interview if appropriate.

Get finances, insurance and legal matters sorted

• Obtain statements from your financial institutions and any pension /superannuation funds.
• 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.

Get ready to leave

• Service your vehicle, prepare for sale or storage.
• Confirm your departure date with removalists.

1 month prior

• Sell or store your car.

Organise bills and records

• 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.
• Pay all bills, cancel subscriptions and ensure any direct debits will be stopped once you move.
• If possible, set up a bank account in Australia.

Organise health and medical

• Arrange for current prescriptions and a sufficient supply of any medicines.
• Organise private health and other insurance for when you arrive in Australia.

Get things ready in Victoria

• Confirm temporary accommodation booking for when you arrive.
• Register to attend a skilled seminar 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.

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.