Chess Blog

Moving to South Australia During COVID

Please note: This blog was last updated on the 12/07/21. 

Moving house can be more stressful at the best of times, but a pandemic can make the process even more challenging. If you’ve recently bought a new house in Adelaide, or you’re moving to South Australia, you may be wondering if it’s possible to relocate interstate at the moment. In this guide, we’ll explore moving to South Australia during Covid-19, providing detailed information about rules and regulations and offering helpful tips to minimise stress. 

If you’re planning to move interstate, you’re worried about the implications of new safety measures or guidelines, or you have questions about what to do before you move, you’ll find all the answers you need to make moving to SA during Covid as simple and seamless as possible.

Moving to SA: What can and can’t you do?

There is no doubt that the Covid-19 crisis has caused widespread disruption for homeowners, buyers and sellers in the last year, but it is still possible to move. The best piece of advice to prepare for a move to South Australia is to make sure that you are aware of what you can and cannot do before you make concrete plans.

Moving to a different state can be a daunting prospect at any time, and it’s a big decision to relocate. If you throw in a pandemic as well, it’s understandable that people have questions about making a move at the moment.

The situation in Australia is fluid and there are rules and regulations, which are in place to protect citizens and try to minimise the risk of contracting and spreading Covid-19. These regulations are not set in stone, and additional measures or changes to guidelines can be implemented at any time to offer more robust protection or ease measures in line with falling numbers of cases.

If you are planning to relocate interstate to SA, here are some important guidelines to be aware of:

Travelling to South Australia:

  • Moving to South Australia

                      Travelling within South Australia is permitted, and currently, there are no restrictions on movement within the state. If you are travelling to SA from a different state, there are steps you will need to take. These include completing a Cross-Border Registration form, which must be completed. The form is available online at https://www.police.sa.gov.au/online-services/cross-border-travel-application. Once your form has been submitted, you will receive notification within 72 hours and you will also be provided with a unique number, which you will need to present when you cross the border into SA. 

As of 12:01am Saturday 27 March 2021, all travellers should download the mySA GOV app from Google Play or the App Store prior to travel to South Australia and are required to use the COVID Safe Check-In to scan a QR code specific to the Adelaide Airport immediately after their arrival.

For travellers who do not have a smartphone, they must provide their relevant contact details to a person authorised or required to collect such contact details.

  • Moving to SA from a high-risk area      

It is important to note that additional restrictions have been introduced to protect against the spread of the virus in areas where case numbers are higher. At present, travel from the Greater Melbourne area of Victoria is prohibited except for people who are relocating to South Australia, victims of domestic abuse and SA residents who are returning to SA from Greater Melbourne. If you are moving interstate, you can travel from a high-risk area to your new home in South Australia, crossing the border once. When filling in your cross border form, you will need to provide evidence that you are relocating

If you are moving interstate from a high-risk zone, the current policy in South Australia requires individuals to complete 14 days of quarantine, with testing carried out on days 1, 5 and 12. Individuals must also wear masks when coming into contact with members of the public.

  • Moving from a low-risk area     

For those moving to South Australia from a low community transmission zone, it is not necessary to quarantine or undertake regular testing. 


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Hiring interstate removal firms

With Covid-19 restrictions in place in some parts of the country, you may be wondering if it’s possible to enlist the services of a removals firm to help you relocate to South Australia. The answer is yes. At the moment, it is possible to move to a different state and removals firms are operating in line with Covid-19 guidelines. Removalists are classed as essential workers and they do not have to quarantine. Even if you are required to isolate for a period, your removal firm will be able to transport your belongings for you.

Are there self-isolation requirements in SA?

One of the most common questions people have about moving interstate during the pandemic is ‘Will I have to self-isolate?’ The answer to this question depends on where you are moving to and from. If you are relocating to South Australia, there are currently restrictions on arrivals from high-transmission areas, including Greater Melbourne. If you are moving from an area where transmission is low, you will not have to self-isolate. As the situation is changing all the time, it’s crucial to check the guidelines and regulations regularly in the run-up to your moving date. Currently, if you are moving from NSW, QLD, NT, WA or TAS, you can start life in South Australia without having to spend 14 days in quarantine or taking a series of Covid tests.

If you are relocating from an area that is currently deemed high-risk, you will need to follow the requirements set out by the state. You may be asked to complete 14 days of quarantine and to undertake tests on specific days of your isolation. If you are required to isolate, the period of quarantine will commence on the day after your arrival. Refusal or failure to adhere to quarantine guidelines could result in a spot fine of up to $1,000 or arrest.

IS there any paperwork involved

Yes! If you are crossing the border into South Australia and you are not already a resident, you will need to complete a Cross Border Travel Registration form. This form needs to be filled in at least 7 days before you plan to relocate. Each member of your family must complete a separate form. The document contains information about where you are travelling, your reason for travel and any recent trips you have taken. If you are relocating to SA, you will be asked to provide evidence that you are moving to the state. You can complete the form here.

 

A Covid-friendly moving checklist.

Moving house can be an arduous process, and often, it feels like there are hundreds of jobs to tick off your list before you even say your final goodbyes. If you’re relocating during Covid-19, it’s particularly beneficial to be organised and to try and plan. Here is a handy, Covid-19 friendly checklist to help you get sorted and keep stress at bay:

  • Check the latest border restrictions in the states you are moving to and from. 
  • Make sure you complete the relevant paperwork before the deadline: when moving to SA, you will need to complete the cross border form at least 7 days before travelling.
  • Research the latest self-isolation and testing requirements.
  • Find a trusted, reputable removals firm and make sure they have robust plans in place to protect against Covid-19. 
  • Get a test if you feel unwell or there is a risk that you may have symptoms of Covid-19. If you test positive, follow the self-isolation guidelines. 
  • Give yourself plenty of time to pack, tidy and clean your house and find a removals firm. Covid-19 restrictions mean that you might have to tackle packing without the help of friends and family, and backlogs caused by restrictions may mean that companies are busier than usual.

Is it safe to move to SA during Covid-19? Why Trust Chess Moving

Relocating to a new state can be stressful and anxiety-inducing in normal times, but during Covid-19, it’s understandable to have reservations. At Chess Moving, we are expert removalists with many years of experience under our belts. We have had to adjust and adapt just like our clients, but we can assure you that it is perfectly safe to move to South Australia with our team. We know what it takes to oversee and undertake a successful, stress-free interstate move and we work efficiently to get your belongings from A to B as quickly and safely as possible.

The Covid-19 crisis has posed additional challenges for our business, but you can rest assured that you will be in the safest possible hands. We work in line with the latest guidelines and public health advice to keep our clients safe and to do everything possible to minimise the spread of the virus. We have already helped many clients to move interstate during the pandemic and we are committed to providing a first-class service.

Call us today to find out more

If you are planning to relocate to South Australia, and you’re searching for a reliable, trustworthy removals firm, we would love to hear from you. We employ additional safety measures and robust infection control strategies to protect our customers and we pride ourselves on offering an incredible service at an affordable price. If you would like to find out more about our interstate removals services, or you’re keen to discuss your plans in more detail and get a quote, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team. 


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