A Checklist

The following is a useful checklist to help organise your move to make sure that no details are overlooked:

Check that your passport is current or, if you don't have one, have passport photos taken and apply for one. Obviously this applies to all family members travelling with you.

Apply for the necessary documents for entry into Australia. Note: Once you have finalised your entry documents and passport, ensure that they are kept in a secure place which avoids the possibility of them being packed with your removal shipment.

Organise and finalise any outstanding financial and legal matters.

Tour your home, including garage etc, to decide which items to take and which to discard. 

Phone your removalists. Tell them when you are moving to Australia and arrange for a fixed-price quotation (not an estimate) to determine the actual cost of shipping your personal and household possessions.

Decide how best to forward your valuables. 

Obtain your children's school records to help entry into their new schools. 

Check up on and finalise any taxation matters. 

Obtain all family medical records.

Make all family travel and accommodation plans. 

Forward change of address notifications to all family members, friends and business associates. 

If you are taking your major electrical appliances, and they are compatible with Australia's electricity system, arrange for a reliable serviceman to prepare them for shipment. 

Protect your household possessions from the risk of damage which could be caused by fire, explosion or leakage - dispose of all flammables such as cleaning fluids, acids, chemistry sets and pressure cans. 

Discard any partially used cans of oil, paint, syrup or other liquids which may leak. Drain oil and fuel from any machinery, such as lawnmowers. 

Check the contents of drawers and remove any breakable items. You may leave lightweight softgoods in drawers, but remove heavy items such as sheets and tablecloths as these will overload and weaken drawers. 

Empty, clean and dry refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers and dishwashers at least 24 hours before they are to be serviced for shipment.

On moving day: 

Check that all documentation supplied by your removalist for the entry of your household goods into Australia has been correctly completed and received.

Unless your employer is assuming responsibility for moving costs, be prepared to pay all removal and shipping charges as soon as the removalist notifies you of the actual amount due. 

Be on hand when the packing crew arrives at your residence. If you cannot be, it is essential that you appoint someone to act on your behalf, and you should notify your removalist of this authorisation. 

Have all dishes washed and dried. Leave them in the cupboards/cabinets, as they are easier to move and pack from normal storage places. Do not leave items to be packed lying around. 

Leave mirrors and pictures on the wall. The packers will remove and place them in special cartons. 

Leave beds with bedclothes removed. 

Have any items to be stored or otherwise disposed of separated from those being shipped. Also, separate all items to go in your personal luggage, and have a clear understanding with the packers as to which is which. 

Before packing begins, accompany the head packer/supervisor on a tour of the premises so that he is aware of all items in each room which are to be included or excluded from the shipment.

Before the packers leave, make a final check of all closets, cabinets and storage areas to ensure that nothing has been overlooked. 

Check and sign the inventory prepared by the packers and keep a copy for your records. 

Be sure that the removalist has your Australian address and phone number at which you can be contacted - this can be your new residence, a hotel or motel at which you are staying, your employer's place of business, or a friend or relative through whom you can be reached.