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Writer's pictureAmy

9 Must-Know Moving Tips Before You Moving to Australia

Updated: Nov 2, 2023



map of australia for article on moving to australia

As the Australian moving season approaches, you may seek the best tips to moving to Australia from Singapore. Now is the right time to start planning your international move.


Granted, Australian customs regulations are among the strictest in the world. The movement of your household goods could allow the entry of pests and diseases; therefore, all personal effects entering the country are subject to biosecurity control.


That said, there are many more factors you need to consider to make your moving to Australia as stress-free as possible. In this article, we’ll cover all the critical details of how to moving to Australia from Singapore.


Bring only the necessary along with you.


As said earlier, Australia has one of the strictest regulations, especially concerning items originating from animals or plants (including timber). Goods that have come into contact with animals, plants, water, food, and soil are also subjected to inspection. Here is a complete list of strictly prohibited items that your moving company can provide, but if in doubt, please check BICON - Australian Biosecurity Import Conditions.


Generally, you cannot bring goods such as steroids, medicines, and firearms. Other items include:

  • Fresh fruit and vegetables

  • Herbs or live plants

  • Seeds and unidentified seeds, including spices

  • Live animals (including pets) may require an import permit

  • Herbal or plant-based medications

  • Animal produce comprises meat, poultry, fish, seafood, dairy,

  • Goods containing organic residues

  • Goods infested with pests and diseases.


There is a complete list of items that are strictly prohibited which can be provided by your moving company but if in doubt please check this link - Moving To Australia


Plan your move as early as possible.


We cannot emphasize the importance of planning your moving to Australia early as Christmas is one of the busiest times for moving companies and the Port Authorities. We recommend planning at least six months in advance. The earlier the container arrives in December, you will avoid delays due to congestion and the holidays. Any delays at port or dates coinciding with holidays will lead to extra charges.


Please advise your mover at the earliest possible time on your final address. Australian Movers will charge for delivery to “remote” areas, delivery above the ground floor, difficult access, and when a separate truck is needed to transfer the shipment from the container to the house.


Prep your household goods for the move.

Your household goods must be cleaned and completely free of unwanted dust, grass, and soil before you pack to moving to Australia from Singapore. The Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture and Water Resources is clear and precise on how they expect products like hooves and lawnmowers to be packed and delivered.


Most International Movers will list how to prepare your shipment before packing. Still, some requirements include thoroughly cleaning dirt off all shoes, sports equipment, outdoor furniture, dust bags, and nozzles in vacuum cleaners. Should any items not meet inspection standards, they will either be disposed of, or treated (both at additional charges).


Generally, you should empty, drain, clean, and dry the following:

  • Used equipment and machinery

  • Garden furniture, fencing, pots and ornaments, outdoor toys, tools, and implements

  • Dust bags and nozzles in vacuum cleaners

  • Sports equipment

  • All shoes

  • Waste bins, vacuum cleaners, and brooms

  • Kitchenware

  • Camping equipment

  • Carpets, mats, and rugs.


Here are a couple of quick packing tips:


  • The packing List should be specific – “wooden chair,” “metal bed frame,” “ cane basket.”

  • Keep groups of items in consecutive order when labeling – If there are three bikes, they should be labeled 56, 57, and 58.

  • If you are packing and using recycled boxes, ensure they have not been used to carry fruits/meat or anything that could have been exposed to animal/plant/soil.

  • If items may interest the biosecurity officer, pack them in groups for easy identification.

Length of time it takes to move to Australia.

A door to door move (own container basis) from Singapore to Australia will take approximately 5 – 7 weeks (depending on the port of entry) and DAFF Inspection. There are also options for Groupage (shared container) and Less Than a Container Load (LCL) if you do not need a full container but the timing would differ. DAFF ( Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry ) can take up to 2 weeks and all items will be thoroughly checked.


However with the current global shipping crisis, the delays can extend up to 6 weeks or more. Sometimes, boxes will be opened up and not necessarily repacked in its original condition. Insurance is always recommended for all your International Moving needs due to the handling at ports, movement on ships, inspection at quarantine and trucking to your destination.

How much does it cost to moving to Australia?

The cost to moving to Australia from Singapore can be very expensive. However, this depends on where you are moving from. For instance, the process of moving to Australia from Singapore may go as high as $10,000, which may cover the following:

  • Migration skills assessment

  • Notary fees

  • Medical check

  • Police certificate application

  • Visa application fee

  • Visa application preparation

  • One-way flight

  • Shipping your belongings

  • Monthly health insurance

  • Rent paid in advance.

Get your international moving insurance.


Sometimes, boxes will be opened up and not necessarily repacked in their original condition.


Insurance is always recommended for all your International Moving needs due to the handling at ports, movement on ships, inspection at quarantine, and trucking to your destination.


Fortunately, the best movers in Singapore will handle all aspects of your international moving insurance.


Ensure your documents are in order.


You should get a valid passport and visa, depending on your travel reasons. Every visa has its own cost, requirements, and documentation. You can apply for an Australian visa online through the official Australian government website, especially for student and work visa applications.


Aside from your passport and visa, start getting your important documents together. Think birth certificates, CV (resume), and marriage certificates. Don’t underestimate how long it could take you to get your documents from relevant authorities.


Be thorough about your research.

Do thorough research while planning to move to Australia from Singapore. The better your knowledge about Australia, the easier it will be for you to move and enjoy your stay there. Do you need help figuring out where to start? You can begin by researching the cost of living in Australia, the healthcare sector, the educational system, surrounding towns and cities, the banking sector, etc.


You also need to research the cost of accommodation in Australia. You can do this by looking at rental and property websites. On some of these websites, you can include your desired specifications. It may include the region/state, number of bedrooms, cost, etc.


Different schedules for pets.


To move your pets to Australia, you must educate yourself on the rules and regulations. First off, not all dogs and cat breeds can be imported. Also, you may need to purchase a special import license. Other requirements for your moving to Australia include ensuring your pet has a microchip, rabies vaccination, and additional treatments and blood tests.


If you have pets that will be relocating with you, the time-frame also applies due to the holiday season and busy international flight schedules to Australia due to restrictions for Covid-19 entry.

Should you require an obligation free quotation (Household Move & Pet Relocation) and consultation for your move to Australia please contact 65 65347345 or email amy@sirmove.com. For more information please visit www. sirmove.com/moving-to-australia.

SIR Move also offers Air Delivery for Small Shipments. Visit https://www.sirmove.com/moove-my-box


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