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10 Tips for a Stress Free Move From the US to Australia

Sydney Australia Skyline from the harbour bridge

Moving to a new country can be an exciting but stressful experience. If you’re moving from the US to Australia, many things must be considered to ensure a smooth transition. As an international moving company, we understand the challenges of moving abroad.

We recommend following these ten tips for a stress-free move from the US to Australia.

1. Research your destination

Before moving to Australia, learning about the culture, customs, and laws is essential. You’ll also need to determine what documents and visas are required for your move.

Australian Customs and Laws to be Aware of Before Your Move from the US.

For example, Australians drive on the left side of the road, so adjusting to this difference is important. Additionally, Australia has strict gun control laws, so make sure you understand the regulations before bringing any firearms into the country. It’s also important to note that Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10%, added to most goods and services. Being aware of these customs and laws can help make your transition to life in Australia smoother and more enjoyable.

2. Hire a professional moving company

Hiring a reputable moving company can help remove some of the stress of moving to Australia from the US. Work with a reputable company with experience with international household moving and can provide you with a detailed moving plan. At Schumacher Cargo, our international moving specialists are here for you. Call us to get started with your move.

Couple creating a packing checklist for an international move

3. Pack smart

Make a list of essential items to pack for your move and what to leave behind. Decluttering before the move can also help reduce stress and make the packing process more manageable. You can get started with our international moving checklist.

4. Plan your finances

Moving to Australia can be expensive, so it’s important to budget and plan accordingly. Consider the hidden costs of an international move, such as customs fees and taxes. Get a quote for the cost of moving your household items to Australia so that you know what to expect.

5. Prepare for customs

Going through customs can be a stressful experience, but being prepared can help ease the process. Make sure you have all the necessary documents and items declared. Your international moving specialist at Schumacher Cargo can help you with documentation and declaring items for your move.

For more information, you can also visit the Australian Customs and Biosecurity FAQ page.

Australian Kangaroo

6. Adjusting to a new culture

Adjusting to a new culture can be challenging but also an opportunity for growth. Stay open-minded and curious about your new environment, and seek opportunities to connect with locals.

7. Moving with pets

Moving with pets can be a stressful experience for both you and your furry companion. To ensure a safe and comfortable journey, book pet-friendly accommodations and provide plenty of exercise opportunities. Always double-check the pet policy before booking your accommodations, and bring all necessary paperwork and vaccinations.

8. Find essential services

Finding housing, schools, and healthcare in a new country can be overwhelming. Research your options before you arrive to ensure a smooth transition.

Healthcare in Australia

When moving from the US to Australia, US citizens need to be aware of the healthcare services available to them. In Australia, the healthcare system is publicly funded, meaning all citizens and permanent residents have access to free or subsidized medical treatment. This includes general practitioner visits, emergency care, and prescription medications. Private healthcare is also available for those who prefer it, with options for private hospitals, specialists, and additional dental and vision care services.

9. Stay connected

Moving to a new country doesn’t mean you have to lose touch with family and friends. Stay connected through video chats, social media, and other means of communication.

10. Take care of yourself

Moving can be a stressful experience, so it’s essential to take care of yourself during the process. Take breaks when needed, practice self-care, and seek support from friends and family.

Moving to Australia from the US can be a challenging but rewarding experience. With these tips, you can make the process as stress-free as possible. Remember to research your destination, hire a professional moving company, pack smart, and plan. At Schumacher Cargo, we can take some of the stress out of your move from the US to Australia. Call us now at 1-800-599-0190 to talk to one of our international moving specialists to get started.

There are many great reasons for living in Australia as an American. Ultimately, it offers a great experience to both expats looking for work and to retire. However, there are pros and cons of living in Australia vs USA to look at first. We’ll take a look at them and why we still think many Americans should try it out.

Check out our article on the pros and cons for differences living in the Australia below!

Living in Australia Sydney Opera House Ocean Side

Living in Australia: Pros and Cons Disclaimer

To start off, it is important to understand there are differences in life throughout Australia. Areas are different even within the same country. Living in Sydney will be different than Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, etc. For this reason, the differences for the Australia vs USA are broad and may not apply to all areas.

Pros of Living in Australia vs USA

There are many pros when living in the Australia vs the USA. The fact that so many Americans are living there right now should be a testament to that. We’ve listed some of the many benefits expats have told us they liked while staying here.

No Language Barrier

When living in Australia, many Americans find the fact that they speak English a great benefit. This means they can move here knowing they can speak the same language as everyone there. Be careful though, as the slang and terminology may be a bit different than what you use at home!

High Standard of Living

Australia is one of the countries with the highest standards of living and wages. They are know for one of the highest qualities of life and pay is significantly higher in the same industry. This translates to why there are many Americans, as they are here to accept new jobs.

Vast Natural Areas

Australia has biodiversity unlike anywhere on earth. There are rainforests, mountains, beaches, deserts, and many more. Each of these all have its own set of interesting creatures and animals native to Australia alone. With breathtaking views and climates available, many people enjoy going out to see nature more here.

Cons of Living in Australia vs USA

Though there are also cons when living in the Australia vs the USA. When living here, many Americans have experiences that are unappealing and detract from the overall experience. We’ve listed some of the many cons expats have told us they did not like while staying here.

Expats Still Pay US Taxes

Given that you are an American expat in Australia, you still have to pay US income tax if you make money. You can get rid of your US citizenship and become an Australian citizen, but that is pretty drastic. Most expats pay the taxes to both countries as they may want to return to the states in the future.

High Cost of Living

Since there is higher living quality and wages, the cost of living also goes up with them. One of the places this is the worst is in housing. Buying a home is very difficult and expensive, so you may be better off renting if you don’t plan on staying for a very long time. 

Also if you aren’t covered by Australia’s national healthcare, you may end up paying a lot for health insurance as well. Though if you are covered, you’ll have some of the best health insurance for free.

Dangerous Weather and Animals

If you like really hot days and really cold nights or tons of snakes, then this isn’t a con. Otherwise, these are common throughout most of Australia. Even worse, some of the deadliest spiders lurk all around the country. Many expats say they get used to these over time, but it definitely needs some time to acclimate.

Want to Live in Australia?

With the pros and cons of living in Australia, there are definitely reasons to move here. Even though there are downsides, nowhere is perfect. Australia has had a boom in Americans living there for good reason anyways.

If you are moving or thinking about moving to Australia, we at Schumacher Cargo Logistics can help you out. With over 40 years of experience, SCL is the premier moving company to Australia. From cars to full households, we can ship your goods door to door from the US to anywhere in the country. There are definitely more differences living in Australia, but we’ll let you experience the rest while you’re there.

To get started fill out our Online Quote Form or read another of our Australia guides below.

More Australia Guides

Written by Damien Shields

With the world going ever more global, it’s becoming easier and easier for people to try out living in an exciting new part of the world. And one of the most exciting places you could hope to test out is Australia. But with so many iconic, exotic, and exciting things on your plate, what do you do and see first?

A big move requires planning and preparation, and luckily we’re just the right people to help with that during moving season. We can help your move to Australia be as easy and stress-free as possible.

7 Things To Do And See FIRST In Your Move to Australia:

Great Barrier Reef:

This one will certainly qualify as an adventure and might cost a bit but you absolutely have to see the biggest barrier reef in the entire world. Home to some of the most beautiful and fascinating creatures on Earth, the Great Barrier Reef is a sust see!

Drive the Great Ocean Road:

One of the cheaper and yet more stunning sights in Australia can be found simply by driving the Great Ocean Road. This coastal highway offers easily some of the best shoreline driving on the planet. Be sure to watch the coast for the 12 Apostles – 12 columns of limestone jutting out from the waters.

Sydney Opera House:

One of Australia’s most, if not the most, iconic buildings is the Sydney Opera House. You simply must attend something here. It would be like moving to Chicago and not seeing the Sears Tower (yes, that’s right Sears Tower).

The Grampians National Park:

This park in Victoria is home to some of the coolest rock formations in the country as well as some of the oldest Aboriginal rock art. This is the Monument Valley of Australia.

Byron Bay:

Though a bit of a tourist trap, Byron bay in Queensland is one of Australia”s most iconic beaches. You’ll be doing yourself a disservice by not checking it out once. Might as well get it out of the way while you are still a tourist before setting out to find the hidden gems.

Uluru:

The most iconic sight in all of Australia’s Outback is Uluru. This humpbacked rock is truly a marvel of geography and ancient culture. You must see it!

Kakadu National Park:

While pretty much any of Australia’s national parks should be on your immediate must see lists, Kakadu offers some of Australia’s rarest, most iconic, and most gorgeous sights all in one park.

Written by Alex Bach

Whether setting out for a lifetime of bicycle exploration, undertaking the longest (and most scenic) bike trail in the world, or strapping in for a record setting pedaling session, the world is full of epic bicycle adventures.  Here are some of the best feats to perform on a bicycle.

Heinz Stucke’s Continuing Ride:

In Germany, Heinz Stucke went out for a ride on his bike one day and never came back. Sort of. In 1962 Stucke, a German citizen, started a journey he remains on to this day, endeavoring to see as much of the world as he could from the seat of his bicycle. He’s traveled almost 600,000 miles in his 48 years on the road, seeing just about every country you can imagine (257 in total).

Australia’s Munda Biddi Trail:

Munda Biddi trail in Australia offers 1,000 km of scenic pathways as it winds through the bushlands of Western Australia from Perth to the coastal Albany. The trail–the longest in the world–is held together by numerous signs, markers, bridges, and even huts for camping. The trail traverses numerous terrains, from farmland, to forests, sand and steep hills. It has a few parts that will be a challenge for many bikers, as well.

While there are many towns and access roads, the Biddi trail is not a light undertaking. Some stretches may require you to bush camp for rest or any mechanical problems that may arise. Be prepared to camp if you have to, and, of course, watch out for snakes.

Still up for the adventure? Schumacher Cargo can help ship your bike to Australia.

Stationary Bike Record:

While not exactly a scenic bike tour, it is itself an epic feat of pedaling. George Hood pedaled for 222:22.22, or 222 hours, 22 minutes and 22 seconds all on a stationary bike, beating the 200 hour benchmark previously set.  Why on Earth would he do that?  It was for a good cause. George shattered the record as a means of raising money for Gunnar Hotchkin, a soldier killed by an IED in Afghanistan.

In order to accomplish the feat Hood was allowed a quick 5-min break every hour, which he could accumulate.  As he did when he took a 28-minute break for a 15-minute nap.

Want to receive quality education at a fraction of the cost in the US?Study in Australia!

The top universities in Australia are located around cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. These universities see a great influx of students relocating to Australia for further studies.

The existing American students studying in Australia have all achieved tremendous success after moving overseas from the USA to complete their program of education. So what are the different vectors for these top universities in Australia? What makes them so attractive to students abroad?

Schumacher Cargo, an International moving company who has relocated many people to Australia, provides a glimpse on some of the top universities in Australia.
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Schumacher Cargo Logistics utilizes insured, secured and bonded facilities. We provide warehousing, packing, crating, trucking and loading services out of our own warehouses here in the USA - Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, Miami, New York, and New Jersey. All other worldwide destinations are covered by our affiliated organization member companies.