International Moving Guide

Start Planning Early

8 weeks to 12 months before departure.

• Research your destination’s culture, laws, cost of living, and language.
• Confirm visa and work permit requirements.
• Check passport validity and renew if needed.
• Begin researching housing, schools, and health care options.
• Notify your employer and begin planning handovers.
• Create an inventory of what you’ll move, store, sell, or donate.

Our tip: It’s never too early to contact international moving companies. Even if you’re months away from moving, a consultation can help you make decisions about your belongings, budget, and timeline.

Get Documents and Logistics in Order

6 weeks before departure.

• Gather essential paperwork: visas, birth/marriage certificates, work contracts.
• Obtain medical checks, police clearances, academic transcripts, and recommendation letters.
• Apply for an international driving permit (if needed).
• Book pet vaccinations, vet checks, and transport requirements.
• Review tax obligations in both countries and consult a financial adviser.
• Research temporary and long-term housing at your destination.

Our tip: Now is a good time to start moving furniture into storage or selling excess belongings. The less you have to pack and move, the easier your final preparations will be.

Finalise Key Decisions and Notify Contacts

4 weeks before departure.

• Finalise what you plan to ship, store, sell or donate.
• Begin running down pantry and freezer stocks.
• Notify banks, schools, insurers, and utility providers of your upcoming move.
• Arrange mail forwarding and change your address with key contacts.
• Book flights and confirm arrival accommodation.
• If renting, notify your landlord or property manager of your vacate date.

Our tip: Depending on your destination and plans, you might need to start shipping some belongings already. The distance between Australia and popular international destinations like the UK, Europe, and the USA means that shipping and customs can take several weeks.

Get Your Home in Shape and Finalise Moving Plans

2 weeks before departure.

• Finalise your packing plan with your KEYS relocation coordinator.
• Organise transit insurance (we can help).
• Disconnect utilities and subscriptions.
• Notify Australia Post, the ATO, and the Electoral Commission of your plans.
• Request packing materials if you plan to handle some packing yourself or move excess small items to storage.
• Set up international bank accounts and organise local currency.
• Clean and prepare appliances, furniture, and fragile items for shipping.

Our tip: This time can feel a little bit like “limbo” between the big-picture planning and last-minute packing. Use that time to organise farewells, research fun things to do in your destination country, and do any odd jobs around the house if you’re planning to rent it out.

Let’s Get Packing

7 days before departure.

• Pack your travel bag with clothes, documents, chargers, and medications.
• Use the boxes we provide to pack clothing, soft toys, and non-breakable items.
• Create a packing inventory so you know what is where.
• Confirm all bookings with KEYS and your destination accommodation.
• Take the final items to storage and double-check your inventory.
• Defrost and clean the fridge and freezer.

Our tip: If you’re confident disassembling furniture or large items, it’s a good idea to get a head start before we arrive. But don’t worry if not; we’ve been doing this for over 30 years.

Moving Day

• Be present for uplift or assign someone authorised.
• Carry all valuables and documents with you.
• Conduct a final walk-through with your KEYS team leader.
• Lock up, collect all keys, and do one last sweep of the house.
• Start your journey with peace of mind – your move is in expert hands.

Our tip: Moving day is often a blur of excitement. Make sure to have a good breakfast and drink water during the day, because there’s a lot to oversee. Our team will arrive promptly to pack, prepare, and move your belongings.