Moving can be stressful, let alone packing up and moving halfway across the world! Australia is well known for having some of the most beautiful cities in the world, a land of opportunity and outdoor living. However, it is a large country, bigger than Europe combined, so picking the exact area you want to move to is critical. The distance between Sydney and Perth is 3298km, so it is more complex than deciding to stay somewhere else once you get there.

Like every country, Australia has its quirks, so we have researched the top 5 things you should know before moving to Australia. 

Storing your stuff

If you have decided to move and your accommodation is still being prepared,  consider storing your belongings while finding your permanent place. There are loads of companies that offer storage units. I looked online and found storage units in Sydney for as little as £130 a month. It takes the stress out of moving and the panic of not having somewhere to stay. This way you can move all your belongings nearby where you can access them and take your time to find the perfect accommodation.

To rent or buy

Renting vs buying in Australia has pros and cons, and the answer depends on your situation. On average, renting is cheaper than buying in Australia if you’re staying for less than four years—but this doesn’t consider the high costs of breaking a lease. Buying is more expensive initially, but over time your mortgage payments will be offset by increases in property values. If you plan on staying longer than four years or renting out your property when you leave, it could make sense to buy instead of living in an apartment or house provided by your employer.

From experience, we know just how difficult it can be to find a place that fits all requirements: location within driving distance from work, affordable price tag; good neighbourhood; decent amenities such as a gym nearby! In short: expect this process to go smoothly only if you have lots of time at your disposal to do your research. It often makes sense to use AirBnB and try out different locations to get a natural feel for a neighbourhood before deciding whether you want to settle there.

The weather

The first thing to know is that Australia has a wide range of climates. There are eight different territories across the country, all with differing weather. The northern territories tend to have tropical climates, whilst the rest are broadly seasonal.  Summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures soaring into the high 30s Celsius (90s Fahrenheit). Winters tend to be cooler and more pleasant, although they can still get quite cold. In addition, it rains a lot in Australia in the summertime. This isn't necessarily bad news; it's just something you should know before moving there!

It's costly to live there

There are two things you should know about Australia's cost of living: it is higher than what you're used to, and it varies by city.

The first thing to consider is that food and housing are more expensive than in the US. It's not just a matter of a few dollars here or there; it may double or triple the cost of certain things. For example, an apartment in Sydney will set you back at least $1,500/month on average (more like $2,000+ if you want something nicer), while most people rent their homes for less than $1,000/month in other places like Brisbane and Perth.

Suppose your budget allows for these prices, then no problem! But, if not, let's say I don't recommend making ends meet with only your savings account. On average, you will need at least $5000 to live for two months, so it is worth having an emergency budget in case you don’t find work immediately.

What visa do I need

If you are not a citizen of Australia, then you need to apply for a visa. Visas are expensive and take time to get, and it is worth checking the requirements on the Australian Government website. You need to have one of the listed skills to apply for a visa, and it is based on a points system. The good news is that it is possible to find work in Australia without a visa if you can prove that your company will sponsor your work permit application.

There are many things to expect if you want to move to Australia

If you’re planning on moving to Australia, there are many things to expect. One of the most important aspects is that it can be costly to live in Australia, depending on the area you pick.

You may not think so many things were involved in moving somewhere else! But it's true; some costs come with leaving your home country and starting over somewhere new. For example, you'll have to pay for your plane ticket, a visa, rent or mortgage payments (including utilities), car insurance and petrol/gasoline for your car if you want one – all these things combined will probably cost more than what you're paying now.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many things to expect when moving to Australia. This country is a beautiful place with great people, but it's also very different from what you might be used to. So you'll need to be prepared for cultural differences and adaptable to make this move successful! The above tips are an excellent place to start, but like anything, the more research you do, the more successful your move will be.