You’re Moving to Sydney! Are You Excited? Overwhelmed?
Or a bit of both with a dash of AM-I-REALLY-GOING-TO-DO-THIS sprinkled on top?
Sydney Moving Checklist
What to Know Before You Pack & Go
You can’t google your way through coordinating pet quarantine, visa paperwork, school enrollments, and international shipping while working full-time and keeping your family sane.
This checklist breaks down when to start each process (spoiler: pet import takes 7 months if you’re on top of it), what actually costs money, and which decisions you can push until you’re on the ground.
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Before You Move
Moving to Sydney is a big decision and will consume every minute of your day. Is it worth it? Yes, it is. Most expats now living in Sydney, never want to leave. If they do, it’s with a very heavy heart. Start planning and budgeting your move ASAP. It will make all the difference.
Four Reasons Why Most People Do NOT Move to Sydney
Are you thinking of moving to Sydney? Here are four reasons why most people don’t make the move and usually regret it in the end.
Read MoreSydney Relocation Costs You Need to Know Before Moving
A complete list of moving costs from Australian visa application fees to international shipping costs.
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Australian Visas
You can’t enter Australia without a valid visa, whether you’re visiting for two weeks or moving permanently to Sydney. There are dozens of visa subtypes, from tourist visas to permanent residency. I focus on work visas for skilled migrants since that’s what most people relocating to Sydney actually need.
Skills in Demand Visa Documentation Made Simple and Clear
Moving to Australia on a SID visa? Complete SID visa document guide with FBI check tips, processing times by stage, and what your employer needs. Avoid application delays.
Read More482 Visa to PR: Compare 189, 186 ENS, and 190 Visa Options
Can you apply for permanent residency while on a 482 visa? Yes. Compare three pathways: 189 independent, 186 employer nomination, and 190 state-sponsored.
Read MoreHow to Find Australian Companies That Sponsor Work Visas
Identify Australian employers willing to sponsor visas. Step-by-step research process, LinkedIn networking, and specialized recruitment agencies.
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Real Estate & Renting
Sydney’s rental market is brutally competitive. Figure out where you want to live and what you can afford before you move. Over 600 suburbs make this harder than it sounds. Factor in commute times, local schools, and the 100 Points ID Test. That last one’s critical.
Guide to Living in Bondi for Parents Moving to Sydney
Schools in Bondi, after school activities, where to go for a fun family day out, and yearly family-friendly events.
Read MoreFurnishing First Rental in Sydney on a Tight Budget
Even after moving, the expenses keep rolling in. Here’s where to shop for inexpensive furniture and appliances for your first rental in Sydney.
Read MoreSydney Rental Prices: Weekly Costs by Suburb & Bedrooms
Looking for average rents in Sydney? I have two tables that list rental prices by suburb and number of bedrooms.
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Expat Finances
How much money do you need saved? Can you open a bank account before leaving? Best way to transfer funds? Psst – You can lock in your rate before moving. Filing taxes in both countries? Yes, both countries. Get your money questions sorted before you leave home.
Expat’s Guide to Transferring Money to Australia
What you need to know before you start transferring money to Australia plus recommended forex brokers and transfer services that we use.
Read MoreDo You Owe Tax on Money You Transfer to Australia?
Many expats transfer large sums of money to Australia when they move. Is that money going to be taxed after it’s transferred? What about customs?
Read MoreHow to Get Your Australian Tax File Number
Everyone moving to Australia needs to get a Tax File Number (TFN). There are three conditions you must meet to apply for your TFN online.
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Sydney Moving Timeline
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12 Months Out: Budget & Visa
Create moving budget:
• Cost to Move to Sydney
• Sydney Arrival Expenses
Submit visa application → Australian Visas Articles
Research shipping costs → Shipping Costs
8 Months Out: Pets & Finances
Start pet importation → Recommended Pet Relocation Companies
Open forex account → Transferring Money Guide
Consult Expat Tax Accountant → Recommended Tax Accountants
NOTE: U.S. Taxes for expats is a pain in the butt. Make sure you have a clear understanding of how living in Australia is going to affect your U.S. tax filing.
4 Months Out: Packing & Research
Downsize household and personal belongings → What NOT to Pack
Research schools/childcare
• NSW Schools Guide
• Sydney Daycare Guide
Book short-term housing → Stayz.com.au
2 Months Out: Jobs & Logistics
Get shipping quotes → Moving Quotes Contact Form
Update resume for Australia → All Finding a Job in Sydney Articles
Zero in on Sydney suburbs → Best Sydney Suburbs for Expats
Final Month: Pack & Prepare
Organize documents → 100 Points of ID Check
Prepare for Sydney’s Competitive Rental Market → How We Found Our Apartment in a Week
Open Sydney bank account → Open Bank Account guide
