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.
Australian 190 Visa Application: Trade 2 Years for Permanent Residency
Complete Australia’s 190 visa application after nomination: required documents, why approval is almost guaranteed, and timeline expectations.
Read MoreApply for a Work Holiday 462 Visa With an Agency or on Your Own
Are you nervous about applying for a Work and Holiday Visa on your own and considering using an agency? Read this first, it might change your mind.
Read MoreTSS vs. SID Visa: What’s Changed and How It Affects Current Visa Holders
Learn how TSS visa holders can transition to SID visas, what requirements changed, when to apply, why the renewal process differs, and how to plan your next steps.
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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.
Best Sydney Suburbs for Expats New to the City
Find the perfect Sydney suburbs for expats new to the city. Explore affordable options and median weekly rents. Start your journey today!
Read MoreRental Application: Required Documents & 100 Points of ID
If you don’t have proof of income, rental history in Australia, or these documents for your 100 Points of ID Check, you won’t be able to rent in Sydney.
Read MoreSydney Suburbs for Expat Families with Young Children
Are you moving to Sydney with young children? Here are the best suburbs for expat families with small children, all an easy commute to the city.
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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.
How 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.
Read MoreWhat US Expats Living in Australia Need to Know About FBAR
All US expats living abroad need to know what FBAR is, what the financial thresholds for filing an FBAR are, and if they need to file one every year.
Read MoreEstimating the Cost of Living in Sydney Before You Move
To help you estimate your cost of living in Sydney, here is a breakdown of daily and monthly household expenses.
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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
