Moving abroad from Australia requires meticulous planning and attention to detail. And it all starts with a thorough moving overseas checklist to help you stay organised when planning your move.

Important documentation for moving abroad

The basic documentation that you will need for an overseas move is:

• Passport: This is the most important travel document that you will have. Carry it on you at all times when traveling and make sure that it's valid and won't expire prior to your overseas move.
  
  Children and even newborn infants need to have their own individual passport issued through the Australian government. To simplify an international move, make sure that your passport will not expire within six months of the date that you plan to move back to Australia.
  
• Work visa: The next equally important item on your moving overseas checklist is your work visa, which is required to work in another country. Before moving to any new country, check their individual visa requirements to submit the necessary paperwork far in advance.
  
  With work permits, some countries may require that your new employer verifies you as an employee before a permit can be granted.
• Register your travel information: The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade highly recommend registering your details before moving abroad, either online or over the telephone at 1300 555 135.
  
  

Further to this, once your move is registered, the Government can easily contact you in the case of an emergency in your new country.

A real life unfortunate example, is of one Australian family who moved to Kenya during a time of civil unrest. The family didn't register with the government and the Australian High Commission was unable to reach them when Kenya was under attack.

As a result, the family didn't receive any government support in their evacuation and had to cross the border on their own without government protection or assistance.¹

Last but not least, your moving overseas checklist should include research of your new area and the verification of your medical records to ensure a smooth transition:

• Research employment and transportation in your new city.
• Research schools in your area for your children.
• Verify medical information for each family member.
• Check requirements for pet entry to another country.
• Schedule an international removals company to move belongings overseas and / or ship vehicle, if necessary.
• Confirm banking arrangements abroad.
• Confirm travel insurance coverage.
• Notify change of address for bills and local businesses.
• Enrol in language courses, if necessary.

Top moving tip

School arrangements for children should be made in advance when moving abroad. Take current school records for your children with you to your new country in case they are needed for transferring.

Sources

1. "Living and working overseas - Travel information - Consular services - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade." Smartraveller: The Australian Government's travel advisory and consular assistance service - Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Aug. 2011.