Move to Australia

If you decide to relocate in Australia, take enough time to choose your removal company. This is an important step not to be taken lightly. Set up an appointment with a relocation counselor for an in-house estimate. Make a list of all the objects that require special care (glass, mirror, piece of art, special packaging etc.) Specify to the mover what you will do yourself (dismantling furniture, packing dishes etc.) To find a carrier or a mover, use the Internet, consult the yellow pages or click on the links below. 

Regarding the estimate, several key points are to be considered such as: 

• Origin address – where removers will pack and load your belongings
• Destination address in Australia – where removers will unload your belongings 
• Volume or weight of your stuff
• Types of transportation (by air, train, truck, ship)
• Nature of the services – terms and conditions – insurance damage
• Prices and payment plans

Usually, removal companies unload your belongings directly to the destination address. However, some removal companies unload your belongings in warehouses and you have to pick them up yourself afterwards, implying additional costs. Check your moving contract carefully!

Make an exhaustive inventory of your belongings so as to establish a “declaration of value”. The declaration of value is an important document that sets the compensation amount you could receive in case of loss or damage of your belongings.

Complete the declaration of value yourself by stating the overall value of your property and the value of certain particular precious items. Read carefully the terms and conditions of your contract to find out more about transportation and handling of precious objects. This statement is particularly important because without it, an estimate cannot be established, which will obviously affect your relocation and your organization! 

Accordingly, an insurance-damage will be proposed by the carrier. This insurance automatically covers non-predictable damage associated with the transportation of your belongings up to the value indicated in the declaration of value. The cost for the insurance depends on the overall value of your belongings. The removal company must issue a certificate of insurance in any case.

Finally, you must sign the “waybill” before loading and after delivery of your belongings. The waybill is a document that specifies the terms and conditions of the contract, the mode of transportation, the volume or weight carried by the removal company, the name and address of both the customer and the carrier. By signing the waybill, you definitely agree to these terms and conditions and give permission to the removal company to go ahead!

Regarding removal payment plans, a deposit is usually to be paid before loading and the balance must be paid upon delivery. A payment plan must be arranged with the removal company in any case. 

 Important: 

In general, carriers handle custom paperwork for you (customs clearance etc.) For more security, opt for a carrier affiliated with the FIDI (International Federation of International Movers). 
 
 Good to know: 

Contact the Australian embassy or consulate for more information about relocation in the country, customs, prohibited items etc. 

 Useful addresses: 

FEDEMAC - Federation of European Movers 

www.fedemac.com/ 

FIDI - International Federation of International Removers 

http://www.fidi.com

Add a note

Print

Send to a friend

Recommended links

Join the community and participate!

Choose an expatriate health insurance Australia. Free advice and quotation service.

A few tips about movers in Australia.

Ask your questions to expatriates in Australia on the Australia forum.

Make contacts in Australia with the expat network Australia.

Expats' advice: how to work in Australia and how to find an accomodation in Australia.

Find out more about living in Australia with the Australia blogs.

Have a look to the Australia pictures.