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 MoreArrival Expenses to Budget for When You Move to Sydney
Yes, moving to Sydney is expensive, but you also need to budget for these expenses when you arrive plus the first few months afterwards.
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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 Visa Sponsorship: Make Employers Want to Sponsor You
Beat the competition for sponsorship positions. Templates, interview prep, and strategies that demonstrate your value to Australian employers.
Read MoreWhat is SkillSelect EOI? Australia Points & Invitations
How to submit your SkillSelect EOI applications, what points you need for Australian visa invitations, and why 85+ points beat the 65 minimum.
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.
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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.
Find a Rental in Sydney With No Rental History
Five tips to help expats secure their first rental in Sydney without having a NSW rental history for their application.
Read MoreParramatta Suburb Guide for Expats Moving to Sydney
Comprehensive guide to Parramatta for professionals and parents moving to Sydney. Explore real estate, schools, transport, and local amenities.
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.
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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.
What US Expats Living in Australia Need to Know About FATCA
What is FATCA and how it affects your tax return. This post covers Filing Thresholds Values, Physical Presence Test, and Bona Fide Residence Test.
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.
Read MoreFiling US Tax Return When Living in Australia
Taxes are very complicated for US expats living abroad. Not filing your taxes correctly can result in large fines. Here’s what 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
