Planning your move to Australia
Moving to Australia
If you are planning to move your belongings when moving to Australia, the process requires organization, especially if it is a family move. It is therefore essential to choose a trusted mover with a proven track record in overseas shipping. This is a step not to be taken lightly, knowing that quality comes at a price.
Organize your move to Australia
Start by comparing and contacting moving companies that are used to international shipments. Set up an appointment with several of them to get different quotes, which you will compare. In the meantime, note that it may be more expensive to ship your belongings than to purchase them at your destination. Therefore, take stock to determine the best strategy for your expatriation to Australia.
Before you go to the various movers, make a list of all the items that need special care (glass, mirrors, valuable or sentimental artwork, fragile items or family heirlooms, etc.). Specify what you will take care of (dismantling furniture, packing dishes, etc.) and what the mover will have to do. Search for companies on the internet and read comments from other expatriates to get an opinion.
For an accurate estimate
As far as the estimate is concerned, several key points must be taken into account, including:
- Departure address, where the movers will pack and load your belongings,
- Destination address in Australia, where the movers will unload your belongings (rural and remote areas may increase the price),
- Volume or total weight of your belongings,
- Means of transportation (by plane, train, truck, boat),
- Nature of services - Conditions - Damage insurance,
- Price and payment plans
Important: Usually, moving companies unload the goods directly at the destination address, but some turn to warehouses, leaving the owners in charge of retrieving their belongings, which may result in additional charges.
Protecting your belongings
Make a complete inventory of your belongings to establish a "declaration of value," an important document that determines the amount of compensation to be received in the event of loss or damage to your property.
Complete the declaration of value yourself, specifying the overall value of your property and the value of valuable objects: take photos of valuable objects. Carefully read the terms and conditions of your policy to learn more about the transportation and handling of valuables. This declaration is particularly important, because without it, no estimate can be made, which could affect your move.
Consequently, damage insurance will be offered by the carrier. This insurance will automatically cover any unforeseeable damage related to the transport of your goods up to the value indicated in the declaration. Its cost depends on the overall value of your goods. The moving company must in all cases issue an insurance certificate. Finally, you must sign the "bill of lading" before loading and after delivery of your belongings.
The "bill of lading" is a document that specifies the terms of the contract, the mode of transportation, the volume or weight carried by the moving company, the name and address of the customer and the carrier. By signing the waybill, you legally accept these terms and conditions and give the moving company permission to proceed. For moving payment plans, a deposit is usually paid before loading and the balance paid upon delivery.
Important: Generally, carriers process customs documents (customs clearance, etc.) on behalf of their customers. For added security, choose a carrier affiliated with FIDI (International Federation of International Movers).
Good to know: Australia is an island country with strict quarantine requirements on certain items. Authorities may refuse certain items in the name of national biosecurity. The list includes certain plants, products made from plant-based materials and many types of food.
For more information: visit the Australian Border Force website.
