Moving to Australia
6th June 2008 As the cold, dark and wet winter months set in, the thought of ‘upping sticks’ and jetting off to live in another country that enjoys a rather warmer climate becomes all the more attractive to many people.
The lure of long, bright days full of sunshine ensures that one of the most popular destinations for people from the UK to emigrate to is Australia.
A recent study found that the number of people who have made this move has increased dramatically in recent years, from 8,749 in 2001/2 to 23,290 in 2005/6.
Amid the quest to escape Scotland’s often miserable weather in search of sun, fun and the famed laid-back lifestyle of Australia, those emigrating there often don’t think of basic, but key, considerations that are vital for ensuring a smooth move that is as stress-free as possible.
Aberdeen-based company, The Shore Porters Society, specialises in international removals and highlights a number of simple steps which should be taken to relieve the problems caused by uprooting to another country.
The firm offers a service which sees them taking complete care of moving your goods to the country and provide a full door-to-door service, ensuring every possible area that needs to be considered is covered.
Colin Davidson, overseas removal manager at Shore Porters, says the number of the firm’s clients moving ‘down under’ has greatly increased in the last five years – with the company currently overseeing more than 100 moves each year to Australia. He says, however, that there are many issues and procedures that must be considered before, during and after the move.
Colin said: “A lot of people are now making the move to Australia and particularly Western Australia because of the oil and gas industry links there. But while there are the more obvious matters to think about such as where you are going to live, organising for your kids to attend a suitable school and whether or not you will actually adjust to the climate, there are so many details relating to moving goods that people just don’t think of and take the time to arrange.
“In terms of timing for instance, a sea shipment freight – which most people use for international moves – takes six-to-eight weeks to arrive in Australia, so that means that what you arrive there with will have to be sufficient to see you through that period.
“An answer to this, however, is arranging for a small air freight, which will arrive there at the same time as you do and will provide you with what you need to see you through the first few weeks without the rest of the goods, which are still making their way across to join you at your new home.”
Moving to Australia is getting easier but is by no means a straightforward process, and there are many legal documents which must be completed to ensure your goods arrive safely and meet all customs requirements.
Colin said: “Australia has a very strict customs and quarantine inspection system for importing personal and household effects into the country and failure to adhere to these rules and regulations can have serious consequences. As part of Shore Porters’ international move service, we assist in completing all customs declaration forms and documents.
“The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) adheres to very strict guidelines and because of the bluetongue and foot and mouth crises, goods coming from the UK in particular undergo incredibly thorough inspections. It’s very important that the correct procedures are followed and we can also advise and arrange for these matters to be taken care of.”
Although Colin wishes the very best for clients, hoping they settle with ease and enjoy their new life in Australia, he does suggest that people take precautions with their personal and household goods just in case they don’t fit-in and quickly look to return to the UK.
Colin said: “Although most people love the Australian way of life and have no problems settling there, we’ve had clients in the past who have emigrated and for one reason or another the move has not worked out and they’ve wanted to return back to the UK as soon as possible.
“To minimise the upheaval of moving back again, one option is to store your goods in this country for three-to-six months to ensure that you settle – and save you from having to move everything right back again if you don’t.”
“However, Shore Porters has a very strong network of agents in Australia and if one of our clients does struggle to adjust and adapt to life there, we can arrange for one of our contacts to quickly organise a full removal back home.”
“From storage and shipping to ensuring all necessary legal documents are completed, there are many issues to be considered for those heading off to start a new life in Australia and we’d urge anyone planning on making the move to take the time to arrange things properly in the UK so that once they get there, they can concentrate on enjoying the adventure.”
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