It’s never easy to decide what to pack before you move to a new country. How much is too much? And do you really need to pack that bulky jacket that you’ve only worn once? Having a guideline of what to pack is essential if you want your move to go as smoothly as possible.
It’s important that you don’t wait until the last minute to figure out what you’re packing. Create a list of what you will need to immediately access upon arrival, what will go into your new home and what will go into storage.
A good suggestion is to prepare this list well in advance, to avoid any unnecessary panic in the final hour, when you won’t have a chance to run to the shops to pick up an essential product. Never underestimate the power of writing a simple list, when it comes to helping to organise your thoughts and settle any lingering anxiety.
If you can, create this list on a device that you always carry around, such as a digital notepad on your phone. You never know when you’ll get struck by the sudden need to jot something down (often when you’ve laid your head on the pillow to sleep for the night)!
And if you’re struggling to clear space before your big move, holding a garage sale will help you get rid of items that you no longer need, while earning extra cash.
If you need further guidance about packing your possessions, Prepare For Australia provides a useful checklist. Most importantly, you need to pack vital documentation such as birth certificates, passports and medical records.
If you’re coming to Australia as a permanent resident, you’ll be allowed to bring any household or personal items that you’ve owned for at least 12 months without any import duty and taxes. Ask yourself whether it’s cheaper to ship an item or buy it new from Australia. Researching the climate and landscape of the region you’re moving to will help you figure this out, especially when it comes to packing clothing.
If you’re bringing valuables into the country, it’s a good idea to bring any receipts that you can, to insure against loss or damage. You must also declare any amount of money that’s more than $10 000.
Moving to Australia provides helpful packing tips for any last minute preparations. Simple actions like labelling boxes and making sure that everything is secured, as well as compiling a list of what’s in each box and suitcase, will make the move easier.
The key to any successful move is preparation and organisation - to ensure that your move is as easy and stress-free as possible.
Get in touch with our expert movers at Chess Moving if you're seeking advice or assistance with packing your belongings for your big move.