Moving to Australia, Here’s What you Need to Know!!

If you’re considering moving to Australia, you’re embarking on an exciting journey. From deciding where to live and work to understanding the logistics of an international shipment of household goods, there’s a lot to plan. This comprehensive guide covers visa requirements, cost of living, and the logistics behind international moving (and more), to help you prepare for life Down Under. And Columbine Moving & Storage CO is here to provide all the necessary moving services in order to organize a seamless international move.

Visa Requirements

When you’re moving to Australia, one of the first and most important steps is securing the right visa. The visa system is quite structured — how long you plan to stay, whether you plan to work or study, and whether you are bringing dependents all factor into the decision. There are many types of visas available through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) of Australia: visitor visas, study visas, family/partner visas, working and skilled visas, refugee/humanitarian visas, and more.

For instance, if you’re a skilled professional, you might consider the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), which requires having an occupation on the appropriate list (MLTSSL or STSOL) and meeting a points-based threshold. You may also be eligible for state-nomination visas, such as the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190), which add extra requirements like state sponsorship. Age restrictions, English language requirements (usually TEFL), health and character checks, work experience, and relevant qualifications are all part of the equation.

Practical Steps and Tips for a Visa Application

Securing the correct visa is foundational to your move: until your visa grant is confirmed, you should be cautious about quitting your job, binding contracts, or shipping large items overseas. Mistakes or omissions in the visa process can lead to delays or even refusal, which in turn complicates logistics, relocation, employment, and settlement. So, follow these steps for applying:

1. Start by using the DHA’s Visa Finder tool to check which visa subclass fits your situation.
2. If applying under a skilled visa stream, ensure your occupation is listed on one of the Skilled Occupation Lists (MLTSSL or STSOL) and that you understand how the points test works (e.g., a minimum of 65 points for many skilled streams).
3. Arrange your skill assessments, English proficiency testing, and gather documentation early.
4. Consider staying under the age limit (commonly, applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of nomination for certain skilled visas) where required.
5. Given the complexity, working with a registered migration agent (check they are registered via the OMARA) can help.

Cost of Living to Expect After Moving to Australia

When you’re moving to Australia, one of the key practical questions is: “How much will it cost?” Living costs vary depending on city (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, etc.), lifestyle, family size, and whether you rent or buy. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the Selected Living Cost Indexes (LCIs) in Australia rose by between 2.6 % and 3.9 % over the 12 months to September 2025.

According to Numbeo, A global cost-of-living site, estimates that for a single person in Australia, the monthly cost (excluding rent) might be around US $1,032 (~A$1,500+), and for a family of four, around US $3,719 (~A$5,700+), excluding rent.

List of Documents Needed

Here is a partial list of the documents that will be needed to move to Australia. It is a partial list because the international forwarder always stresses contacting the consulate of that country, because there may be changes in the procedures and documents that are needed at customs. However, don’t forget to obtain moving documents, but first know your rights and responsibilities when moving to another country.

Customer Contact Information Form

In compliance with U.S. Customs 1 Homeland Security directive 15GFR 30.1, 30.4, (Partill), and 30.7 (Subsections A, B, C #1), the forwarding company is required to obtain the following information for Export Declarations. A complete destination address where the shipper is moving will be needed. This information is only used to be in compliance, and they do not release this information to any other party. If you don’t provide this information, the shipment will be banned from being loaded.

A Photocopy of the Shipper’s Passport

U.S. Customs requires it. Since September 4th, 2009, the U.S. Census Bureau requires a transferee holding a U.S. passport to submit an Individual Employer Identification Number, called an EIN, when registering to file for export customs clearance. The sole purpose of receiving an EIN number is for security purposes, so as not to expose your Social Security number. If you have had your boxes packed by a professional mover, the mover’s EIN number can be used instead. Someone with a foreign passport is not required to get an EIN.

All persons applying should apply under the status “sole proprietor”. When prompted, the questionnaire will ask the applicant to identify why they need an EIN number. The applicant should respond by stating that they need it for “Banking Purposes”. The applicant will also be asked the type of business, click “other”, and under “other” state “Federal requirement for moving abroad”.

Insurance Coverage

Your forwarding company will supply insurance coverage. If the shipment is going to be covered by insurance, an itemized valued listing form must be completed and signed by the shipper. If you pack your own boxes (PBOs are what they are called), the contents are not covered by the insurance if there is damage within the box. The coverage of PBO boxes is covered if there is a catastrophic incident, for example, the steamship sinking or the container falling off the ship.

If a professional mover has packed all your boxes, then insurance will cover your PBOs. All your boxes, even if packed by you or a professional moving company, must show their contents on the outside of the box, and this in turn must be indicated on the itemized valued listing form. This is needed if a claim is filed. So, don’t play with the security of your items. Hire professional movers, such as movers in Denver CO.

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) Form

This form asks several questions. Its purpose is to find out if you have thoroughly cleaned any items that may bring in microorganisms, insects, etc., that could cause problems with the Australian ecosystem. For instance, if you have been hiking and your boots have mud on them, you want them cleaned thoroughly. They do not wish for this mud to come into their ecosystem. Other examples, but not limited to: garden tools, vacuum cleaners, golf clubs, golf buggies, plant products, herbal medicines, raw wood, just to name a few of the items on the list. The website recommends that if you are a first-time importer, you engage the services of a customs broker to clear customs.

Shipping, Packing and Transit

Once your documents are ready, plan the physical move of your goods. Choose between full container load (FCL) or shared load (LCL), sea or air freight, and decide on packing services, timing, and routes.

Pack carefully. Protect breakables, furniture, electronics, and valuables. Wonder whether to crate or not to crate? Self-packing means less insurance coverage, so it’s safer to hire a mover that offers professional packing and crating. Transit to Australia can take weeks or months, depending on the route and service. Delays from customs or quarantine are common, so allow extra time.

Check what your insurance covers, especially if you packed yourself. Make a full inventory, list values, and photograph everything before shipping. Australia’s biosecurity rules are strict. Clean tools, shoes, and sports gear thoroughly. Declare all items honestly and pay any inspection or cleaning fees to avoid fines.

At the destination, plan for customs clearance, inland transport, and unpacking. Arrange temporary housing if your shipment arrives before you move in. Start early, stay organized, and work with an experienced international mover to reduce stress and unexpected costs. Most importantly, schedule freight inspection services before shipping.

Other Considerations Before Relocating to Australia

Besides visa, documents, and the cost of living when moving to Australia, consider the following:

1. Location
2. Employment and income
3. Health insurance and social services
4. Culture, integration, and assimilation

Where to Live in Australia

Australia is vast and varied. Whether you prefer a major metro like Sydney or Melbourne, a smaller city like Brisbane, or a regional area, each has pros and cons in terms of job market, lifestyle, cost of living, climate, and community. Australia is vast and varied. Whether you prefer a major metro like Sydney or Melbourne, a smaller city like Brisbane, or a regional area, each has pros and cons in terms of job market, lifestyle, cost of living, climate, and community. Also, time zone, climate, cultural fit, language — while Australia is English-speaking, local norms and accents vary.

Employment and Income

Securing employment before you move is wise. If you’re moving under a skilled visa, make sure you understand the labour market, licensing requirements, cost of commuting, and salary levels relative to your planned lifestyle and location.
Remember the cost of living section above — your salary needs to sufficiently cover rent or mortgage, living expenses, commuting, childcare (if relevant), and still leave some savings. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the median salary in Australia is around $65,000.

If you’re relocating as a family, it’s good to check job opportunities for your partner/spouse as well, or alternative income strategies (remote work, freelancing).

Health, Insurance and Social Services

Australia has a public healthcare scheme, Medicare, and private health insurance options. If your visa gives you access to Medicare, that’s a big advantage when relocating to Australia; if not, ensure you have private health cover. Also, familiarise yourself with tax rules, superannuation (retirement savings), driver licensing, local banking, and immigration obligations (tax residency, visa conditions). It’s also wise to budget for one-time costs: relocation flights, temporary accommodation, setting up your home, getting utilities connected, vehicle registration, etc.

Get Familiar With the Culture, Integration, and Adaptation Before Moving to Australia

Relocating to Australia is as much about adapting culturally and socially as it is about ticking boxes. Australia is multicultural and welcoming, but you may have to adjust to different workplace norms, lifestyle pace, climate, and even wildlife! Networking, local social groups, expat communities, and orientation activities can make a big difference in feeling settled. Also be open to making changes: your previous home setup might not suit your new environment, furniture and appliances may differ, and you may discover you want to buy new rather than ship everything.

How to Plan the Relocation to Australia

Moving to Australia is a complex task. Besides dealing with the documentation, you need to plan the moving process. Here’s how:

1. Create a detailed relocation checklist. Include deadlines for packing, shipping, document updates, and utility cancellations.
2. Declutter before packing. Sell, donate, or recycle items that aren’t worth shipping to reduce volume and cost.
3. Book international movers early. Choose a licensed international moving company experienced in Australian customs procedures and quarantine inspections.
4. Label and inventory every box. Keep a digital copy of what’s packed and note fragile or high-value items for insurance claims.
5. Separate essentials for travel. Pack a carry-on with documents, chargers, a few outfits, and medications for your first week.
6. Arrange temporary storage. Store items you’re not taking immediately in secure, climate-controlled storage in your home country.
7. Update addresses. Notify banks, subscriptions, and institutions of your new address and forward important mail.
8. Handle utilities and services. Cancel or transfer electricity, water, and internet at least two weeks before departure.
9. Prepare pet relocation documents. Book approved quarantine facilities and ensure vaccinations meet Australian import rules.
10. Confirm move-in logistics. Schedule delivery at your new address in Australia and ensure your movers have local contact details.

Moving to Australia Has Never Been Easier

With Columbine Moving and Storage, moving to Australia is handled with expertise and care every step of the way. From packing and customs paperwork to safe delivery at your new Australian home, we make the process seamless. Contact us today for a free quote and let our team make your move across the world stress-free.

References:

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2025, August 6). Selected Living Cost Indexes, Australia, December 2020 | Australian Bureau of Statistics. Www.abs.gov.au; Australian Bureau of Statistics. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/price-indexes-and-inflation/selected-living-cost-indexes-australia/latest-release

What is the Median Salary in Australia? – Study Work Grow. (2023, January 12). Studyworkgrow.com. https://studyworkgrow.com/what-is-the-median-salary-in-australia