The Complete Moving to Australia Checklist
Relocating to the other side of the world has a lot of moving parts. This checklist breaks the process into clear stages so nothing important slips through the cracks.
Quick answer
Work backwards from your departure date: secure your visa and book shipping 2–3 months out, sort finances and documents in the final month, and handle Medicare, banking and accommodation in your first weeks after arrival.
2–3 months before you leave
This is when the big logistical decisions are locked in. Booking your international removalist early secures better rates and your preferred shipping dates, which matters because sea freight to Australia typically takes 6–12 weeks in transit depending on your origin.
- Confirm your visa grant and check the conditions attached to it
- Get quotes and book your international removals shipment
- Research your destination city and neighbourhoods
- Notify schools and request academic records and references
- Start de-cluttering — shipping less reduces your costs
Understanding customs and biosecurity
Australia has strict customs and biosecurity rules, so understanding them early shapes what you pack. To bring household goods in duty- and tax-free as unaccompanied personal effects, you generally need to have owned and used them for at least 12 months before shipping.
You declare your goods to the Australian Border Force using the B534 Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement. Every shipment is subject to mandatory biosecurity inspection by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, so clean any items that have touched soil, plants or animals — outdoor gear, footwear and garden tools are common flags.
- Own and use goods for 12+ months to qualify for duty-free entry
- Complete the B534 statement for unaccompanied personal effects
- Thoroughly clean outdoor equipment, shoes and tools before packing
- Never ship prohibited items such as fresh food, seeds or untreated wood
The final month
With the move approaching, focus shifts to documents, finances and tying up loose ends at home. Getting your banking and currency arrangements sorted now means money is ready to access the moment you land.
- Open an Australian bank account online (you can do this up to 12 months ahead)
- Organise a currency transfer for your savings, comparing the total cost
- Gather and certify key documents (birth, marriage, qualifications)
- Arrange short-term accommodation for your arrival
- Confirm pet and vehicle import arrangements if applicable
- Cancel or transfer home utilities, insurance and subscriptions
What to carry in your hand luggage
Some things should never go in your shipping container, because you'll need them before it arrives — remember your sea freight may be weeks behind you. Keep originals and certified copies of critical documents with you in your hand luggage.
- Passports and visa grant notices for every family member
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Qualification certificates, transcripts and references
- Medical and vaccination records, and any prescriptions
- Driver's licences and an international driving permit if needed
Your first weeks in Australia
Once you land, a handful of admin tasks will get you set up as a resident and ready to start everyday life. Tackling them in the first week or two removes friction from everything that follows, from getting paid to renting a home.
- Apply for a Tax File Number through the ATO
- Enrol in Medicare if eligible
- Activate your bank account in a branch with your passport
- Get an Australian SIM and mobile plan
- Begin your long-term rental search
- Note that customs and quarantine clearance of your shipment can take a further 3–14 working days after arrival
Sources & further reading
- Australian Border Force — Unaccompanied personal effects
- Dept of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Bringing goods into Australia
Figures are indicative and were last reviewed on 25 May 2026. Always confirm current fees and requirements with the relevant official authority before acting.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book international removals?
Aim to book your removalist around two to three months before departure. This secures better pricing and your preferred shipping window, and sea freight can take 6–12 weeks in transit plus several days for customs and quarantine clearance.
What documents should I bring with me?
Carry originals and certified copies of passports, visa grants, birth and marriage certificates, qualifications, references and medical records in your hand luggage rather than in your shipment, since your container may arrive weeks later.
Can I bring my household goods in duty-free?
Generally yes, if you've owned and used the items for at least 12 months before shipping. You declare them on a B534 Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement, and all shipments undergo a mandatory biosecurity inspection.
How long until my shipment clears customs?
After your goods arrive in Australia, customs and quarantine clearance typically takes a further 3 to 14 working days, depending on inspection requirements and whether any items are flagged for cleaning or treatment.
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