Packing

Deciding what to pack when moving to Sydney is harder than it sounds. You’re balancing sentimental value, replacement costs, and Australia’s strict quarantine rules that will absolutely destroy your belongings if you get it wrong. Not “maybe destroy.” Will destroy.

Australia’s quarantine doesn’t mess around. Wooden furniture, wicker baskets, and even shoes with dirt can get flagged, fumigated, or destroyed. You’ll pay high fees for treatment or lose items entirely. These guides walk you through what’s worth shipping, what NOT to pack (learn from our mistakes), how to handle wooden household items, and the quarantine rules you can’t ignore.

Good news: you can bring your small US kitchen appliances. You’ll just need voltage converters and plug adapters. This is about making informed decisions before you pack, not finding out at customs that your favorite items are headed for incineration.

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