Leaving the UK for a New Life in Australia

Moving to a new country is a major step in anyone's life, but when that country is on the opposite side of the globe to the UK, it is even more important to plan that step so that the relocation goes as smoothly as possible.

If you are planning a relocation to Australia yourself, rather than being relocated by a new or existing employer, then you will have more choice about where you decide to live. Research different areas - the employment or business opportunities available, house prices, climate, entertainment, schools and clubs to find a location that best fits your desired lifestyle. Decide where you would like to live.

The internet will be a valuable tool for learning more about your new country of residence – there are numerous expat networks, forums and websites that will help you to make the right decision.

Given the large differential between property prices in the UK and Australia, it makes financial sense to retain your UK home as a future investment and rent it out. So you may need to prepare your house for this purpose by redecorating and putting some personal possessions into storage. Check with your mortgage about the regulations regarding letting out your property and also check that by doing so you will be able to rent or purchase the type of property you want in Australia.

Book your international removals company and your flights as far in advance as possible. Flights, in particular, will be substantially cheaper if booked more than 6 months in advance. Ensure you have all necessary paperwork and documentation for the life you are leaving behind (Mortgage, insurance etc) and the new life you will be embarking on (visa, birth certificate, marriage certificate etc). Try to pay off any credit card debts as the first few months in a new country may be difficult financially as you kit out a new home so starting debt-free would be a bonus. If you can, open an Australian bank account before you move.

Arrange to obtain any information that might be useful in your new country such as employee references, mortgage statement, bank statements, no-claims bonus evidence for car insurance, school records, health and dental records. You and your family will, in any case, be required to undergo a medical examination as part of the emigration process.

Two to three months before your travel date, arrange temporary accommodation in your chosen area so that you have a home to live in while you look around to buy or rent something more permanent. If you have children, register them at the local school or other school of your choice as soon as you have decided on an area.

Don't forget to organise a leaving party – hire a hall, function room or other venue and caterers so that you don't have to worry about the arrangements but don't forget to celebrate the start of a new life as well as saying goodbye to friends and family.

Those personal possessions that are being shipped to Australia will need to be packed up well in advance and you will need to ensure you have plenty of time to place those items remaining in the UK in a self-storage facility. So start packing all non-essential items as soon as possible ensuring you have a list of those items being shipped and those that will go into storage. Make sure that the shipping date to Australia for your possessions is before you leave so that you can easily check they are en-route before departing from the UK yourself. Now enjoy your leaving party and remember that if you have kept your house in the UK and out some of your possessions in self-storage here then you can always return if things don't work out in Australia.

The author has written and published articles on a wide range of topics including Small Business Advice, Tax and Accounting, Interior Design, House Renovation and Project Management.