Planning the departure

Congratulations! You have your visa...what next?
Migrating to a new country is something few of us do more than once, so it's hard to think of all the things that need to get done, some of which will make your start in Australia much easier.

What are some of the essential steps?
• Firstly develop a comprehensive checklist of things to do before you relocate. You probably know some people who have moved internationally - ask them to review your list and add to it based on their own experiences. Relocation companies help people with this on a daily basis and can save you a lot of time.

• Prepare an inventory of your household goods and belongings. Having a detailed list will help you in many ways Ð deciding what to take, what to get rid of; deciding on a realistic value for insurance; briefing removalists who come to quote on shipping your goods to Australia; deciding what you will need immediately on arrival; etc

• In deciding what to take to Australia remember to check on quarantine and other customs restrictions. For example a wide variety of timber & cane products, fabrics, foodstuffs, etc are restricted. For more details visit the website of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service www.affa.gov.au and select AQIS.

• Customs Regulations restrict goods that can be brought into Australia free of Customs Duty. For information visit the Australian Customs Service website by clicking here.

• There are exemptions for permanent residents arriving in Australia - broadly they may bring to Australia free of Customs Duty and Goods & Services Tax their personal and household effects, provided they can show evidence that they have owned and used these items for more than 12 months.

• Contact two or three reputable removalists to get quotes for shipping your household goods to Australia. Remember to ask how long it will take from the time your belongings are packed up to the time they are delivered to you in Australia. You may need to send some things by air freight or as unaccompanied baggage.

• Documents. As well as formal documents such as birth certificates, passport, marriage certificate, driving licence, etc, there are a number of documents you can bring that will save you time and money.
For example:
• Insurance. Bring evidence of your claim-free experience. Motor vehicle insurers may reduce premiums by up to 60% for drivers with a good insurance history
• Schooling. Bring evidence of your child's academic record, testimonials from school and elsewhere, involvement in music, sport, and other extra curricular activities, etc

• Timing. Organising everything will take longer than you think, and not everything will go smoothly. Allow plenty of time.

• Temporary accommodation prior to departure. Consider having several days in short-term accommodation after you move out of your home and your belongings have been packed up, before departing for Australia. It is a stressful time and having a few days of relative calm while you finalise things can be valuable.

Other issues
• Ask everyone who they know in Australia. Meeting people will be very important to you in settling quickly into Australian life.
• If you belong to a professional or trade association obtain introductions to an equivalent organisation in Australia

Information supplied by:
Woodhams International Relocation Management Services
Contact:
Elizabeth Woodhams
Phone +61 2 9955 3300
Fax +61 2 9955 3328
Email: relocations@woodhamsint.com.au
Website: www.woodinternet.com.au