Moving to Australia from US Guide

With its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities, Australia is a dream destination for Americans looking to start a new life overseas. This culturally and geographically diverse country overflows with opportunities for both work and play — and with multiple visa options to choose from, it's welcoming to a range of immigrants.

Moving to Australia from the USA is a significant undertaking, but Atlas International can facilitate a smooth transition. Our experienced international moving services team is here to support you at every step, ensuring that you feel confident and your belongings arrive safely in your new Australian home.

Why Australia Attracts Americans

Australia is popular among American expats, and it's easy to see why — the climate is sunny, the culture is dynamic and the job market is booming. Plus, the "land down under" is bursting with natural wonders, from the spectacular sea life of the Great Barrier Reef to the red-rock grandeur of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. There's no shortage of awe-inspiring landscapes to explore, including wild ocean beaches, lush rainforests and massive deserts.

Australians take full advantage of the glorious weather and beautiful surroundings by prioritizing an outdoor-oriented lifestyle. Even in major cities such as Sydney, it's not uncommon to see locals kayaking in the harbor or heading to Bondi Beach for an afternoon swim.

As an American, it's easy to find your place. Australians are famously friendly and laid back — and since English is widely spoken, communication is a breeze. Whether you choose to live in a bustling, multicultural city or the wide-open spaces in the interior of the country, you'll discover a relaxed pace of life and a welcoming culture.

Preparing for Your Move to Australia: What You Need to Know

As an American moving to Australia, there are several preparations you'll need to make. For a pleasant, peaceful experience, we recommend starting the process as soon as you decide to make the big move.

Navigating the Visa Jungle

Getting a visa is the most important step in moving to Australia. The type of visa you get determines where you can work and how long you can stay.

The right visa for you depends on your professional situation, but there are two common options:

• Skilled independent visa. This visa is granted to workers under the age of 45 who have in-demand skills. You can apply for it without a sponsor and look for work once you arrive in Australia.
• Employer Nomination Scheme. If you land a job with an Australian employer, they can nominate you for a visa under this program. It's open to people in specific skilled occupations.

As you evaluate different visas, determine if they:

• Require you apply from outside Australia
• Allow enrollment in the Medicare healthcare system
• Allow you to stay indefinitely
• Permit you to include family members in the application
• Require you to start working in a specific time frame

The visa application process typically requires a health exam, personal and professional documentation and a police certificate to prove your character. For the Employer Nomination Scheme, you must also take a skills assessment. Many American immigrants opt to hire a registered migration agent to help them through the process.

Crunching the Numbers: The Cost of Moving to Australia

As you might expect, a move to Australia is more expensive than an interstate move. The cost can vary considerably based on factors including:

• Moving expenses. Your moving costs depend on how many items you're shipping, whether you're using sea or air freight services, the weight of the items and the container size. The destination city in Australia can also impact the cost.
• Visa fees. Applying for Australian visas can be costly. For example, the Employer Nomination Scheme visa costs 4,640 AUD (roughly $3,000 USD) for the main applicant; there are additional fees for spouses and family members.
• Cost of living. Consider the differences in cost of living between your current home and your destination in Australia. If you're moving from a small town to a large Australian city, you may need to budget more for rent and utilities.
• Transportation. Will you need to buy a vehicle in Australia, or will you ship your own from the United States? Make sure to factor these expenses into your moving costs.
• Travel. Anticipate expenses including flights, hotels, and airport transfers — especially if you'll need to find temporary accommodations before moving into your new home.

It's helpful to include about 3 to 6 months of living expenses in your moving budget. These funds serve as a financial cushion to carry you through until you find a job and receive your first paycheck.

Settling In: Housing & Living Essentials in Australia

Housing is a top concern for Americans who move to Australia. The housing market varies from city to city. Sydney's market is famously competitive, so you should allow ample time to find the perfect home. Adelaide and Perth tend to be more relaxed, but since each neighborhood has its own distinct vibe, you may want to shop around to find the right fit.

No matter where you settle in Australia, you'll find top-notch education and healthcare. Australia has a universal health insurance system called Medicare, which provides free or low-cost access to a wide variety of medical services. The quality is on par with the United States; expect modern hospitals and well-trained doctors.

As with any move, there's an adjustment period. The Australian approach to life tends to be relaxed, with a greater focus on work/life balance. You'll likely get more paid holidays than you would in the United States. There are challenges, too — it takes time to get used to the Aussie slang, driving on the left and being so far away from family and friends. Given the similarities between the two countries, however, the transition tends to be relatively easy.

Your Move to Australia, Simplified With Atlas International

If you're planning to make the move to Australia with more than a few suitcases, it's imperative to choose a reputable and experienced international moving company. Why choose Atlas moving services? We're proud to offer comprehensive services and personalized relocation solutions to ensure that the process moves smoothly.

Your Journey to Australia with Atlas: A Step-by-Step Voyage

At Atlas, our goal is to make your physical move to Australia as seamless as possible. During your initial consultation, we'll discuss the move and walk you through the factors that are involved in transferring your belongings from the United States to Australia.

We recommend getting in touch a minimum of 90 days before your desired move date. (Refer to our international moving resources for a helpful timeline.) This is a great time to ask questions. Our experienced representatives are always happy to provide the information you need to move with confidence. Plan to provide basic information: your destination city in Australia, a timeline, and what you intend to bring.

After this call, we'll send you a detailed pre-move survey to gather additional details. This helps us create an accurate quote.

If you decide to move forward, our team works closely with you every step of the way. Our team members are always available to help you understand restricted items, customs procedures, and documentation requirements.

When the big day arrives, our packing crew arrives at your home and prepares all your belongings for safe international shipment. We bring packing materials, seal the containers, and document everything meticulously. Once everything is securely packaged, our movers load them carefully into sturdy shipping containers and transport them to the nearest port. From there, they're loaded onto a ship or aircraft and moved to Australia.

When your belongings reach Australia, they're processed by customs. One of our trusted international partners receives the shipment when it clears; depending on your timeline, they can store it or deliver it directly to your new home. The movers unpack the container and move items into your space, so you can embark on your Australian adventure in comfort.

Tips for a Smooth Australian Transition

Here are a few useful tips to help with the transition your new life in Australia:

• Connect with other expats for advice and friendship
• Join community groups to meet people in your area
• Don't be afraid to ask questions about cultural traditions and differences
• Take a driving course to ease into Australian driving
• Enjoy the weather with an outdoor activity such as surfing or biking
• Network with your colleagues to ease the professional transition

Embark on Your Australian Adventure with Atlas International

Now is the perfect time to make your Australian dream a reality — and our team at Atlas International can help. With our experienced movers on your side, relocating across the world is seamless and hassle-free. Get a free international moving quote today, or call us at 1-888-669-6031 to talk through the process and discuss how our personalized moving solutions can streamline your big transition.