You’re Moving to Sydney! Are You Excited? Overwhelmed?
Or a bit of both with a dash of AM-I-REALLY-GOING-TO-DO-THIS sprinkled on top?
Sydney Moving Checklist
What to Know Before You Pack & Go
You can't google your way through coordinating pet quarantine, visa paperwork, school enrollments, and international shipping while working full-time and keeping your family sane.
This checklist breaks down when to start each process (spoiler: pet import takes 7 months if you're on top of it), what actually costs money, and which decisions you can push until you're on the ground.
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Before You Move
Moving to Sydney is a big decision and will consume every minute of your day. Is it worth it? Yes, it is. Most expats now living in Sydney, never want to leave. If they do, it’s with a very heavy heart. Start planning and budgeting your move ASAP. It will make all the difference.
Arrival Expenses to Budget for When You Move to Sydney
Yes, moving to Sydney is expensive, but you also need to budget for these expenses when you arrive plus the first few months afterwards.
Read MoreEight Reasons Why You Should Migrate to Australia
Why migrate to Australia? Considered one of the best countries in the world to live for it's diversity, amazing landscapes, and overall quality of life.
Read More
Australian Visas
You can't enter Australia without a valid visa, whether you're visiting for two weeks or moving permanently to Sydney. There are dozens of visa subtypes, from tourist visas to permanent residency. I focus on work visas for skilled migrants since that's what most people relocating to Sydney actually need.
482 Visa to PR: Compare 189, 186 ENS, and 190 Visa Options
Can you apply for permanent residency while on a 482 visa? Yes. Compare three pathways: 189 independent, 186 employer nomination, and 190 state-sponsored.
Read More189 Visa Australia Eligibility + Points Assessment
Australia's 189 visa officially needs 65 points but really requires 85-95+. Get the competitive reality for skilled independent permanent residency.
Read MoreAustralia NIV Visa: Subclass 858 Requirements & Timeline
While others calculate points, exceptional talent gets direct invitations to Australian PR. No age limits, no points race. Are you invitation-worthy?
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Real Estate & Renting
Sydney's rental market is brutally competitive. Figure out where you want to live and what you can afford before you move. Over 600 suburbs make this harder than it sounds. Factor in commute times, local schools, and the 100 Points ID Test. That last one's critical.
Sydney Rental Prices: Weekly Costs by Suburb & Bedrooms
Looking for average rents in Sydney? I have two tables that list rental prices by suburb and number of bedrooms.
Read MoreFurnishing First Rental in Sydney on a Tight Budget
Even after moving, the expenses keep rolling in. Here's where to shop for inexpensive furniture and appliances for your first rental in Sydney.
Read MoreFind a Rental in Sydney With No Rental History
Five tips to help expats secure their first rental in Sydney without having a NSW rental history for their application.
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Expat Finances
How much money do you need saved? Can you open a bank account before leaving? Best way to transfer funds? Psst – You can lock in your rate before moving. Filing taxes in both countries? Yes, both countries. Get your money questions sorted before you leave home.
What US Expats Living in Australia Need to Know About FATCA
What is FATCA and how it affects your tax return. This post covers Filing Thresholds Values, Physical Presence Test, and Bona Fide Residence Test.
Read MoreWhat US Expats Living in Australia Need to Know About FBAR
All US expats living abroad need to know what FBAR is, what the financial thresholds for filing an FBAR are, and if they need to file one every year.
Read MoreEstimating the Cost of Living in Sydney Before You Move
To help you estimate your cost of living in Sydney, here is a breakdown of daily and monthly household expenses.
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Sydney Moving Timeline
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12 Months Out: Budget & Visa
Create moving budget:
• Cost to Move to Sydney
• Sydney Arrival Expenses
Submit visa application → Australian Visas Articles
Research shipping costs → Shipping Costs
8 Months Out: Pets & Finances
Start pet importation → Recommended Pet Relocation Companies
Open forex account → Transferring Money Guide
Consult Expat Tax Accountant → Recommended Tax Accountants
NOTE: U.S. Taxes for expats is a pain in the butt. Make sure you have a clear understanding of how living in Australia is going to affect your U.S. tax filing.
4 Months Out: Packing & Research
Downsize household and personal belongings → What NOT to Pack
Research schools/childcare
• NSW Schools Guide
• Sydney Daycare Guide
Book short-term housing → Stayz.com.au
2 Months Out: Jobs & Logistics
Get shipping quotes → Moving Quotes Contact Form
Update resume for Australia → All Finding a Job in Sydney Articles
Zero in on Sydney suburbs → Best Sydney Suburbs for Expats
Final Month: Pack & Prepare
Organize documents → 100 Points of ID Check
Prepare for Sydney's Competitive Rental Market → How We Found Our Apartment in a Week
Open Sydney bank account → Open Bank Account guide
