Please copy and modify to make as useful as possible for your own situation. I have included the tasks we did and the approximate timings, if you see omissions please let me know and I will update the original! Below is the html version, but you may find the Word version more useful.
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When (6/3/1 month) |
Action |
Tasks |
Date (insert the date this task should be achieved) |
(tick when completed) |
|
6 months |
Health Insurance |
Reserch and apply for health insurance (if appropriate and you know what status you will be with Medicare). |
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6 months |
Flights |
Buy now where possible – you can buy a return and change the date later! |
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3 months |
Shipping |
Contact the company responsible for shipping to book in a provisional date for collection and packing. INSIST they come out to view the goods you would like to be shipped (you have probably underestimated how much), they will ask you all sorts of questions to ensure the correct container size is allocated. |
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3 months |
Utility bills and council tax |
Advise your utility companies and council tax that you are moving, so they can issue final bills. If you are renting your abode out, you will need certain safety inspections and certificates done (arrange these yourself where possible it is cheaper than going through an estate agent). It is important not to leave this to the last minute as the tests are higher than the usual tests and they may require to come back and do a second test once any measures have been rectified. |
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3 months |
British Gas Homecare |
If you are renting your place out and have gas you may want to investigate British Gas Homecare Agreement for Landlords – it takes the pressure off you worrying about things going wrong while you are out the country and will cover electricity and plumbing as well. (Obviously read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure it is suitable for your situation.) |
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3 months |
Driving license |
Ensure your license is up-to-date and you have all the relevant sections (it is a good idea to photocopy these!) |
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3 months |
Sydney rental market |
Research the Sydney rental market so you have an idea about prices/location/real estate agents etc. |
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1 month |
Mobile Phone |
Ensure you have arranged for your mobile phone to be unlocked before you leave so you can put an Australian SIM card in on arrival. It is also a good idea to finalise your monthly contract and move to prepay if you still want to access your number when you return from OZ on holiday. |
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1 month |
Mail labels |
Have forwarding address labels printed up that you can leave at your old address so they can forward these to you. |
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1 month |
Home insurance |
If you are keeping your home and renting it out be sure to tell your insurer, so the package can be changed if required. |
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1 month |
Keys |
Ensure you leave a spare set of house keys (if you own your home) with someone who lives close by, so they can deal with any emergencies that may arise. |
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1 month |
Packing |
1) If you are leaving anything behind pack this away and separate to what you are shipping across. 2) Sort through everything you have and ensure you throw out (take to a charity shop) anything you no longer want. 3) Organise your belongings into meaningful piles (DO NOT RELY ON PACKERS FROM SHIPPING COMPANIES TO DO THIS FOR YOU). 4) Ensure you have identified anything that may not be customs compliant and speak to your shipping company to identify (in writing) how to proceed. 5) Ensure you have parking available outside your abode for the date and time of the day the shipping company or moving company are picking up your items. (Even if you are hiring a van and moving your belongings to storage ensure you have thought about access and any parking restrictions on your road.) |
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1 month |
Paperwork |
Ensure you make multiple (at least 10) copies of your most recent utility bills, bank statements, mortgage statement and rental agreement where appropriate, as well as your new contract for work with details of your new salary. This is in addition to your passport, insurance and other items you would normally take copies of on holiday! They will be a necessity when finding somewhere to rent! |