Moving to Australia from NY, NJ, CT, DC or CA

Key Takeaways

There is a growing emigration trend to Australia.
Australia has many pros for American expats.
Visas are required to move to Australia for Americans, and it’s important to know which one is right for you.
Smart move preparation – Learn everything you need to know to prepare for a move to Australia.

Moving from the bustling streets of NYC to the sunny shores of Australia is a huge and exciting change. Joining the community of approximately 120,000 American expatriates living in Australia is a thrilling step towards new opportunities, and a chance to experience a more relaxed pace of life and explore beautiful landscapes.

At Oz Moving & Storage, we understand the allure of Australia and the desire for a smooth transition to your new home. Our experience with relocating internationally allows us to offer a comprehensive door-to-door service that takes care of your belongings from when they leave your current home in NYC to when they arrive at your new Australian home.

Our team is here to support you every step of the way, so you can focus on the excitement of your new adventure without worrying about the logistics of moving.

Why People Are Moving to Australia?

Australia’s diverse culture, quality of life, sunny weather, and opportunities make it a sought-after destination for thousands of migrants each year.

From 2022 to 2023, Australia’s migrant arrivals increased by 73% to 737,000 from 427,000 arrivals in the previous year, highlighting a significant trend of people seeking new beginnings in the Land Down Under. According to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, the US was one of the top ten countries for permanent resident migrants.

Among the most common reasons to move to Australia are the promising work opportunities, which offer a superb quality of life. The high minimum wage and the strong economy are also attractive for those seeking a better work-life balance.

Accessible healthcare and high-quality education are a significant plus for those with young families, and the opportunities for personal growth and development make Australia a desirable location.

Moving to Australia: What You Need to Know

Before relocating to Australia, several factors must be considered, along with prerequisites. These include visa requirements, documentation, health assessment, and an understanding of the tax system change. Here’s the lowdown on what you need to get started, what it might cost you, and some tips to help you blend in with the locals.

Requirements

Moving to Australia means you need the right visa. The Australian immigration process involves visa requirements that have age limits, skill assessment, English proficiency, a medical examination, and character evaluations. Everything depends on the type of visa, whether it’s for work purposes, study, or something else. You’ll need documentation for importing personal items, including any belongings you wish to bring. It’s important to note that there are items you cannot bring to Australia, such as many plants, foods, animal products, and other items which are closely regulated. Additionally pets must be in the cargo manifest (aka checked with the luggage) and cannot arrive in the cabin of an airplane. Check the Australian Government’s immigration website for the details.

Living Costs

Life in Australia can be different from what you’re used to in NYC. Generally, living costs can be high, but on average, the cost of living in Sydney is 18% cheaper than in New York City. Places like Sydney and Melbourne are on the pricier side, while other areas might be more wallet-friendly.

According to the collaborative database Expatistan, the average monthly cost of living in Australia for a single person is AU$5,431 (US$3,595).

Australia Moving Tips

Consult Australia’s skilled occupations list to ascertain eligibility before applying for a visa.

Ensure you understand all costs associated with the move and any difference in living expenses.

Getting an Australian Medicare card can take a few months, so consider buying medical insurance.

Before moving, ensure you have all essential documentation in order and keep essential paperwork handy.

Have a ruthless clear-out before the move. Be brutal, as the last thing you want to do is pay to transport junk you will never use from NYC to Australia.

Use a reputable moving company with international relocation experience. NYC to Australia is a significant move, so be wary of lowball offers from local companies that have yet to experience international moves.

Create a moving checklist, a calendar to stay organized, and an inventory of all your possessions.

Get ready for a different pace of life. While cities like Sydney and Melbourne are bustling, the Australian lifestyle is more relaxed than NYC’s.

Moving to Australia is a big step, but knowing these essentials will help you land on your feet. We’re excited to help you start this new chapter in Australia. Let’s get moving!

Why Choose Oz for Your Move to Australia

Expertise in International Moves: We have experience in assisting clients with international moves to Australia. Our knowledgeable team understands and overcomes common challenges to keep your move on track and as stress-free as possible.

Custom Solutions: Every move is different. That’s why we tailor our services to fit your exact needs, whether you’re moving your whole life or just the essentials.

Comprehensive Logistics: Our team of expert movers can navigate the complexities of international relocation. We handle the complicated stuff, from paperwork to customs, ensuring your belongings arrive in Australia safely and on time.

Transparent Costs: When it comes to costs, we believe transparency is key. We offer competitive rates without any hidden fees, ensuring clarity and trust from the start.

Stress-Free Experience: Our goal is to make your move as easy as possible. Trust us to make your overseas move a success so you can start your new chapter in Australia stress-free.

Services Offered

We offer a comprehensive package of services for US residents looking to move to Australia.

Packing

We offer everything from packing assistance with specific items to full packing service for all items to ensure their protection throughout the long journey overseas. We take your chosen shipping method into consideration and ensure boxes are properly labeled and packed with care to make customs fast and easy. We will also guide you on any items that are not allowed to be imported, such as plants. Average cost for shipping your belongings to Australia is about $7K-$9K and transit takes about 7-10 weeks.

Pickup And Transport

We will arrange for the pickup and transport of your belongings for an international move as part of our managed door-to-door moving experience. From your old home to your new home, we ensure your items remain intact with careful transport, and insurance if the unexpected happens. This can be a significant challenge to coordinate on your own, with various shipping companies, transport of large items or boxes, and all the paperwork that comes with moving internationally.

Shipping

Whether you prefer sea or air transport to Australia, we have the experience and reliable partners to guarantee a smooth and tailored shipping method to suit your needs, timeline, and budget. Shipping by sea is more cost effective, but also takes longer, so the timing and convenience of obtaining your belongings sooner may be desirable. Either way, Oz Moving, as an agent for Movage, Inc is here to help!

Customs Clearance

Our experienced team will oversee the entire customs clearance process, ensuring smooth passage for your belongings. From taking a careful inventory, to filling out every piece of paperwork required, we’ve got you covered and take the hassle out of your international move.

Insurance

For peace of mind, we provide individual insurance coverage underwritten by Lloyd’s of London for comprehensive protection of your belongings in transit. While you’re always able to obtain moving insurance from another place, Lloyd’s of London is the top-rated international moving insurer, and a long time partner in international moves by Oz Moving, as an agent for Movage, Inc. When moving somewhere unfamiliar, make it feel like home a little faster by ensuring your belongings get there safe.

Storage Solutions

Need somewhere to keep your items before or after your move? We offer flexible storage options to keep your belongings safe. No matter your timeline, whether you need to store your belongings while you look for your new home or you’re needing to get out of your old home fast, our storage solutions are here to help ease the transition on any timeline.

Best Cities to Move to in Australia

Sydney
Melbourne
Perth
Brisbane
Gold Coast
Adelaide
Canberra
Hobart

FAQs About Moving to Australia from the USA

You’ll need to obtain an import permit for your pet. Not all breeds are accepted, so that is an important consideration. Next you’ll need to meet health & identification requirements such as microchipping and vaccinations. Australia has requirements for quarantining after arrival, so you’ll need to book a quarantine facility and an Australian health certificate. Finally you’ll need to ensure your pet is in the manifest cargo (aka checked with luggage and not in the cabin), and all proper documentation is attached to their carrier. It’s also important to consider if your pet will handle the quarantine period and travel well enough to make it worth the risks.