Everything You Need To Know Before Packing To Australia

If you have started your preparations to shift to Australia then it is time you draw out a checklist of everything you need before your departure.

You can be a student moving to Australia to study or you can be an employee moving there for work, your checklist is similar when it comes to moving to Australia.

Yes, you have to keep the luggage limit in mind but that does not mean you leave out the most basic things you would need in Australia, so we are here to guide you to keep everything you need and also keep the weight within the assigned limit.

Get Your Finances in Order

In a hurry to do everything, sometimes you miss out on the most important thing and that is getting your International debit/credit cards.

• Visit your bank and apply for international cards. (Even if you plan on getting a local card once you reach)
• Convert your money into Australian dollars beforehand.
• Notify your bank about your shift and make the necessary arrangements for the shift.

Pick Your Luggage
 

When you are packing, the weight limit for your luggage is less so to fall within the limit, make sure you pick your bags carefully. 

• Best Option - 4-wheeled trolleys which are light yet durable.

Even for your other luggage, make sure your bag itself is not heavy so that you can add more things you need.

Get The Documents in Order

You need not carry every document of yours to Australia. If you contact your university or ask your agent, you can get a list of documents you will need. In case you are shifting for work, contact your employer to get the list.

• Passport
• Visa
• Enrollment or Employment documents.
• Insurance and Health documents.
• Driver’s licence (if you are of age and will be driving)
• Flight Tickets
• Proof of Funds (if required)
• Birth Certificate
• English Proficiency Certificate (if required)

If the original document is not needed then just get a soft copy. These are just some of the most commonly needed documents, so please refer to your university or place of employment for any other specifics.

Things To Book Before Leaving

These are the things you must do before you leave your country because these things cannot be done at the last minute.

• Book your flight tickets (based on seasonal charges it is best to book as soon as you get your visa)
• Book temporary residence in Australia (for a week or a month) 
• Book Airport transportation in advance.
   

If you plan on driving yourself when you shift, then lease a vehicle in advance or look for places to lease or buy in advance.

If you are a student it's best to take public transportation for a while so you can get to know the best ways to commute before you shift.

What To Pack!

Things you need to pack are:

• Medicine
• Local Currency
• Clothes (Summer / Winter) 
• Basic electronics (Phone / Chargers / Laptop / iPad / Earphones / Hair Straightener / Hair Dryer)
• Shoes / Flip-flops / Slippers
• Toiletries
• First-Aid Kit
• Vaccination Certificate (digital if applicable)
• Sanitary products
• Spectacles / Contact Lense (if required)
• Padlocks 
• Others (medicinal oils/ personal hygiene products/ personal items)
   

Here’s a packing list for International Students:
https://www.melbournecitycollege.edu.au/blog/packing-list-for-international-students-shifting-to-australia 

Suggestions:

• Check your luggage weight limit
• Find what kind of luggage is allowed in the flight company you booked
• Weigh your luggage and see if you need to courier some beforehand.
• If yes, arrange it at the right time to reach you when you land.
• Make a checklist of everything you need to pack.
• Make sure your allergy or other medications are up to stock.
• Get all your health documents in order.
• Get luggage tags to differentiate your bags.
• Get a carry-on bag to bring all your basic needs for your long flight
• Avoid carrying food or other beverages, they just add to the weight of your luggage.
• The best way to bring all documents without adding weight is to upload them to your cloud or get them all on a Pendrive.
• Don’t carry any appliances or vessels unless the said objects are expensive in Australia compared to your country.
• Don’t buy all the clothes in your country, get the basic ones and try to get the rest after you land in Australia. (check for price differences and decide)
• Download food apps, transportation apps, money transfer apps, language apps, and maps that are used in Australia beforehand.
• Get an Australian SIM as soon as you land.
• Get to know the place you will stay before you leave and memorise your address and other details.
• Don’t carry a lot of cash around, using money transfer apps is the best solution.
• Get your medicines and toiletries from your country itself if you are allergic to many things or else don’t add weight and just buy them when you land.
• But make sure you have travel-size toiletries to use for the first few days as you acquaint yourself with the place.
• Avoid carrying bedding, pillows, towels, water bottles (extras), clothes (extra) and fashionably extra shoes or slippers.
• Make sure you have the basics filled and you can do the fashion shopping once you settle in.
• Don’t carry luxury items or valuables on your first visit
   

It is best to prioritise basic needs over fashion or extra comfort. Be smart in finding out the things you will need and don't panic pack everything.

Contact someone you know from Australia to learn about their experience, read as many blogs as possible to cover everything you will need.

But keep this in mind, no one is 100% prepared, so leave room for adjustment. If you are a student make sure your accommodations for a term are booked inside the campus itself for safety then you can shift out.

If you are an employee, verify if your company provides official accommodation, this will save you a lot of money, energy and transportation costs too.

If you are looking to study abroad any short-term courses to boost your resume then visit our campus at Melbourne. At Melbourne City College Australia, we make everything possible!