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.
Three Reasons Why You Should Move to Sydney
Are you considering moving to Sydney? I got three reasons why you should, especially if you’re from the USA, UK, Ireland, South Africa, or Canada.
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.
Quick Guide to Australia’s Working Holiday Visas
The Working Holiday Visas are the most popular of all the Australian visas and for a good reason. Here is what you need to know before you apply for your’s.
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.
Read MoreSkills in Demand Visa Rights: What You Can (and Can’t) Do
Understand your 482 visa work rights, the 180-day job transition rule, mandatory health insurance, and compliance requirements to avoid visa violations.
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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.
Manly Suburb Guide: Essentials for Expats Moving to Sydney
Your ultimate living guide in Sydney’s coastal paradise. Essential tips for expats in Manly: rent, commute, schools, daycare, dog parks.
Read MoreSurry Hills Suburb Guide for Expats Relocating to Sydney
A complete guide for expats in Surry Hills covering rental prices, commute, schools, parks, dining, and pros and cons.
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.
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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.
FAQs from Expats Filing First Tax Return in Australia
SMG readers wrote in with their questions about filing a tax return in Australia. Questions range from transferring money to tax deductions.
Read MoreOpening Australian Bank Account From Overseas Before You Move
Open Australian bank account from USA before moving. Two banks accept applications 14 days before arrival. One requires no Australian address. Step-by-step guide.
Read MoreNavigating Australian Taxes: An Expat’s Essential Guide
Are you a resident in Australia for tax purposes? Tax tables, how to file your taxes online, and a list of due dates you need to know.
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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
