Moving from Australia to the UK: Comprehensive Moving Checklist

3-6 Months Before Moving to the UK

Research International Moving Companies

Start sourcing quotes from reputable international movers. We recommend getting at least three quotes for comparison.

• OSS Worldwide Movers is a trusted name in international removals from Australia to the UK, with a reputation for reliability, professional packing, and end-to-end service.
• If you’re thinking ahead, also consider freight from the UK to Australia for return shipments, or for sending items back in future.
• Ensure the moving company is familiar with customs clearance, shipping container options (20ft or 40ft), and offers insurance for your furniture and belongings.

Whether you’re considering shipping furniture to Australia from the UK in future, or you’re booking a shipping container from Australia to the UK now, choose a company experienced in international removals Australia to UK.

Research Visa Requirements

Your visa is the foundation of your move, so it’s important to understand which UK visa is right for your situation—whether you’re moving for work, study, family, or residency.

• Begin the application process as early as possible, as documentation, interviews, and processing times can vary.
• Gather essential paperwork like your passport, birth certificates, financial statements, and employment letters.

If you’re moving to the UK from Australia, this step is crucial and should not be delayed.

Start the Pet Relocation Process

Bringing pets along? The UK has strict entry requirements for animals, so you’ll need to begin the process early.

• Ensure your pet is microchipped and has all required vaccinations, especially for rabies.
• Begin the rabies antibody test (RNATT), which must be completed at least 3 months before travel.
• Work with a reputable pet relocation company to organise quarantine requirements, documentation, and travel arrangements.

Decide About Your Car

Decide whether to sell your vehicle in Australia or ship it to the UK.

• Shipping a car internationally is possible, but there are import regulations, compliance standards, and shipping costs to consider.
• In many cases, it’s more cost-effective to sell your vehicle in Australia and purchase one in the UK that’s suited to local regulations and driving conditions.

Research Housing Options in London

Start looking into the London property market and what areas suit your lifestyle, work location, and budget.

• Explore family-friendly neighbourhoods such as Richmond, Clapham, or Greenwich.
• Factor in proximity to schools, transport, and amenities.
• Be aware that you may need to pay deposits and several months of rent upfront, particularly if you’re new to the UK with no rental history.

This is also the time to include accommodation costs in your moving budget.

Research Schools for Children

If you’re moving with children, you’ll need to understand the UK education system, which differs slightly from Australia’s.

• Public (state) schools are free but may require proof of address and are often based on catchment areas.
• Private schools charge tuition and may require entrance assessments.
• Begin applications early, especially if your move coincides with the UK school year (which starts in September).

Create a Moving Budget

Your relocation budget should cover all foreseeable expenses—and allow for a buffer for the unexpected.

• Including visa fees, shipping from Australia to the UK, flights, insurance, temporary accommodation, school enrolments, rental deposits, and living expenses.
• Don’t forget customs duties, storage (if needed), and costs associated with shipping containers or removalist services.

If you plan on returning to Australia later, factor in removal from the UK to Australia, whether that includes furniture removal to Australia, boxes from the UK to Australia, or container shipping to Australia from the UK.

Working with a professional like OSS Worldwide Movers can make budgeting easier—they offer transparent quotes and personalised advice for those moving belongings to Australia or relocating to the UK.

2 Months Before Moving to the UK

Book Your International Moving Company

By now, you should have selected a reliable company for your international move. Finalise your booking and confirm all the important details:

• OSS Worldwide Movers is a trusted expert in international removals from Australia to the UK, offering tailored services including packing, customs clearance, insurance, and delivery to your new home.
• Confirm your moving date, insurance coverage, and whether you’ll need storage services either in Australia or the UK.
• If you’re planning a future return or sending goods back, it’s worth discussing removals to Australia from the UK, freight from the UK to Australia, or shipping furniture to Australia from the UK as part of your long-term planning.

Whether you’re moving a few boxes or a full household, OSS Worldwide Movers can arrange everything from shipping containers Australia to UK, to furniture removal to Australia, and everything in between.

Book Flights

Book your flights to London and coordinate them with your shipping schedule.

• Allow for potential delays in shipping, and consider arriving ahead of your belongings so you can organise temporary accommodation and prepare for delivery.
• If you’re travelling with pets or children, plan for comfort, stopovers, and entry requirements at both ends.

Arrange Temporary Accommodation

If your permanent home in London isn’t ready when you arrive, arrange short-term accommodation:

• Options include serviced apartments, Airbnb, or short-stay rentals.
• Be sure to choose somewhere near your intended long-term area or close to work, schools, and transport.
• If you’ll be waiting on your shipping container from Australia to the UK, pack a few essentials to get you through your first few weeks comfortably.

Begin Decluttering

International shipping is charged by volume or container size, so now is the time to declutter:

• Decide what’s worth taking, and what can be sold, donated, or discarded.
• Focus on items that are expensive or difficult to replace overseas.
• For items you’re not bringing, consider long-term storage in Australia or include them in a future freight shipment from the UK to Australia.

If you’re planning on shipping furniture to Australia in future or returning after a temporary move, you may want to store larger items or prepare them for removal from England to Australia later on.

Notify Your Children’s Schools

Inform your children’s current school of your upcoming relocation and request transcripts, reference letters, and vaccination records.

• These will be needed for applications to UK schools, which often require full academic histories.
• Keep digital and hard copies of important documents with you during the move.

Research UK Banking Options

Setting up your finances ahead of time can save you hassle when you arrive:

• Research banks that offer accounts for new residents, including those with expat support services.
• Some UK banks allow you to open accounts online from overseas, which can make the transition easier.
• You’ll typically need identification, proof of UK address, and in some cases, a visa or residency permit.

This is also a good time to notify your Australian bank of your move and explore options for international money transfers or joint accounts.

Check Passport Validity

Ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity beyond your planned arrival date in the UK.

• This is essential for visa approval and smooth entry at the border.
• If renewal is required, apply now to avoid delays.

Also check the validity of passports for all family members travelling with you.

1 Month Before Moving to the UK

Begin Packing Non-Essential Items

Start packing the things you won’t need during your final weeks in Australia.

• Clearly label each box with its contents and destination room (e.g. kitchen, bedroom, office) to make unpacking in London easier.
• Keep an inventory of what you’re sending—this will help with customs clearance and insurance claims if needed.
• If you’re using OSS Worldwide Movers, their professional team can assist with expert packing services, ensuring your belongings are secure during international removals from Australia to the UK.
• Whether you’re shipping a few boxes or a full shipping container from Australia to the UK, proper packing now saves time and stress later.

If you’re already thinking ahead to a future return, consider which items may need to be stored or shipped back later using removals UK to Australia or furniture removal to Australia.

Notify Utility Companies

Contact your electricity, gas, water, internet, and mobile phone providers to schedule disconnections and settle final accounts.

• Confirm the cut-off dates and ensure no services are ended too early.
• It’s also a good time to notify your local council or strata if applicable.

For your new UK home, OSS Worldwide Movers can offer guidance on setting up basic utilities once you arrive.

Change Address with Important Services

Update your address with all relevant organisations and service providers, including:

• Banks and credit card companies
• Superannuation funds
• Insurance providers
• Streaming and subscription services
• Medical practitioners and Medicare

Redirecting mail alone isn’t enough—ensure these services have your new UK address, even if temporary.

Arrange Mail Forwarding

Set up mail redirection with Australia Post to ensure you don’t miss any important correspondence after your departure.

• You can forward mail internationally for a set period.
• Consider forwarding to a trusted friend or family member if you don’t yet have a permanent UK address.

This is also useful if you’re managing future freight from the UK to Australia or arranging shipping furniture to Australia from the UK and need to receive invoices or customs documents.

Schedule Your Pet’s Final Vet Visit

Your pet’s last visit to the vet should cover everything needed for travel to the UK:

• Final health checks and vaccinations
• Completion of your pet’s official health certificate
• Confirmation that all entry requirements (including rabies and tapeworm treatments) are met
• Update microchip information, if required

Pet relocation should be coordinated alongside your shipping from Australia to the UK, and OSS Worldwide Movers can recommend trusted pet transport partners.

Confirm All Visa Documentation

By now, your UK visa application should be approved. Take time to double-check all your documentation:

• Printed visa approval letters or residence permits
• Passports (with at least 6 months’ validity)
• Supporting documents such as offer letters, tenancy agreements, or financial records

Keep all original documents with you in your carry-on luggage—not in your shipping container from Australia to the UK.

Arrange International Health Insurance

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is excellent, but as a new arrival, you may not be immediately eligible for all services.

• Research and arrange international health insurance to cover you during the transition.
• Look for policies that cover GP visits, hospital care, emergency services, and COVID-19 related expenses if applicable.
• This is especially important if you’re not yet working or your visa type doesn’t include access to public healthcare.

2 Weeks Before Moving to the UK

Confirm Moving Dates with Your Removal Company

Double-check all arrangements with your international removalist, especially if you’re shipping a container from Australia to the UK.

• Confirm pickup dates, timeframes, and delivery schedules with your provider.
• Ensure you understand how long it will take for your belongings to arrive in the UK, particularly if you’re shipping via sea freight.
• If you’ve chosen OSS Worldwide Movers, they’ll provide clear updates, tracking, and expert advice to help with every stage of your international removal from Australia to the UK.

Planning a return in the future? It’s worth noting that OSS also supports removals to Australia from the UK, including shipping furniture to Australia and freight from the UK to Australia.

Prepare a Folder with Important Documents

Create a folder or travel pouch containing all essential documents you’ll need on hand during your journey:

• Passports, visas, flight tickets
• UK accommodation details
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Driver’s licences and vehicle documents
• School records and immunisation certificates
• Insurance policies, both for health and your international removal

Do not pack these documents in your shipping container—carry them with you at all times during your travel to the UK.

Prepare a “First Day” Essentials Box

Pack a clearly labelled “first-day” box or suitcase containing everything you’ll need immediately upon arrival in London.

Include items such as:

• Toiletries and basic cleaning supplies
• A change of clothes
• Important chargers and adapters
• Towels, bed linen, and a few kitchen essentials
• Snacks, water, and child or pet items (if applicable)

If you’re waiting for your furniture removal to arrive in the UK, this kit will help you settle in without stress while your shipping container is still in transit.

1 Weeks Before Moving to the UK

Pack Suitcases for the Journey

Pack your suitcases with enough clothing and personal items to last at least two weeks, in case your shipping container from Australia to the UK is delayed in transit.

• Include toiletries, medications, device chargers, travel adaptors, and important documents.
• Think about the UK’s weather—if you’re arriving during winter, pack warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and suitable footwear.
• For families, include kids’ favourite toys, snacks, and bedtime items to ease the transition.

Everything else will be on its way with your international removal provider, such as OSS Worldwide Movers, who will ensure your belongings are safe and trackable en route.

Confirm Pet Travel Arrangements

Finalise all pet relocation details and ensure that documentation is complete and compliant with UK regulations.

• Confirm flight bookings, crate requirements, and pick-up/drop-off logistics with your pet travel agency.
• Double-check that all vaccinations, microchip registration, and health certificates are in order.
• Keep copies of your pet’s documents in your travel folder, separate from anything packed with your furniture or boxes being shipped.

If you’re planning to return to Australia in future, keep records of their travel for reference when dealing with removals UK to Australia or freight from UK to Australia that includes pets or related items.

Withdraw Cash in GBP

Even if you’re planning to use cards most of the time, it’s helpful to have some British pounds on hand for initial expenses:

• Taxis, public transport, small purchases, or tips.
• Aim to withdraw enough for the first few days in London, especially if you arrive outside normal banking hours.

Some international shipping and relocation costs may also be easier to manage with a small cash reserve until your UK bank account is fully operational.

Back-Up Important Computer Files

Ensure all important digital files are securely backed up before your move:

• Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud) or an external hard drive.
• Back up important documents like scanned IDs, financial records, insurance documents, and receipts for your international removal.
• Don’t forget to back up work files and family photos that can’t be replaced.

This step is particularly important if you’re shipping electronics—accidents can happen during international removals Australia to UK, and data loss is harder to fix than physical damage.

Upon Arrival In The UK

Register with a Local GP (General Practitioner)

Access to healthcare in the UK is through the NHS (National Health Service), and registering with a local GP is your first step to accessing medical care.

• Find a doctor’s surgery near your new address—you can search via the NHS website.
• Bring your passport, visa, and proof of address when registering.
• Once registered, you’ll receive an NHS number and be able to access standard healthcare services, including referrals and prescriptions.

If you’re working with a relocation provider like OSS Worldwide Movers, they may be able to recommend reliable GPs and other local services.

Open a UK Bank Account

Opening a bank account is essential for receiving income, paying rent, and setting up utilities.

• Major UK banks include Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, and Monzo.
• Bring your passport, visa or residence permit, and proof of address (a rental agreement or utility bill is often accepted).

Some banks offer expat accounts or let you open an account online before arriving, which can help if you’re managing international removals from Australia to the UK and want your finances ready.

Apply for a National Insurance Number

To legally work in the UK, you’ll need a National Insurance Number (NIN), which ensures you pay the correct tax and qualify for state benefits.

• You can apply online through the UK government website.
• You may need to attend an interview or submit identification documents.
• You can begin working while your application is being processed, as long as you’re legally allowed to work in the UK.

This is a key step if you’re moving for employment purposes, and should be prioritised early

Register with Your Local Council

Once you’ve moved into your new accommodation, register with your local council for council tax purposes.

• Council tax helps fund local services such as waste collection, public libraries, and community services.
• You can register online by providing your name, new address, and move-in date.
• Rates vary depending on your borough and the property’s value.

If you’re planning a future return or relocation, be sure to notify the council when it’s time to leave to avoid any outstanding payments—especially if you’re arranging removals to Australia from the UK or freight.

Set Up Utilities

Arrange to have your electricity, gas, water, internet, and council tax set up in your name as soon as possible.

• Ask your landlord or letting agent who the current providers are.
• You can either continue with existing suppliers or switch to new ones.
• Setting up automatic payments can help avoid missed bills while you’re busy managing your new life—and tracking your furniture or shipping container from Australia to the UK.

Get a UK Mobile Phone

Having a local mobile number will make settling in much easier.

• Choose between a SIM-only plan (if your phone is unlocked) or a new mobile contract.
• Popular UK providers include EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three.
• Be sure to update your number with banks, schools, and other important services.

Having a local SIM is also helpful when dealing with international providers, including OSS Worldwide Movers, especially if you’re coordinating international removals from Australia to the UK.

Register Children for School

If you haven’t already enrolled your children in school, now is the time to finalise the process.

• Submit any outstanding school registration forms and provide documents such as proof of address, passports, and previous school records.
• Confirm term dates, uniforms, and required materials.
• For public schools, placement is usually based on catchment area, so this may have influenced your choice of neighbourhood.

Education can differ from Australia, so make sure you’re familiar with the UK school system and curriculum.

Find a Local Veterinarian

If you’ve moved with a pet, locate and register with a local vet near your new home.

• Bring your pet’s medical and vaccination records (these should have travelled with you, not in your international shipping container).
• The UK has high standards for animal care, and some local councils also require dogs to be registered or microchipped.

If you’re planning to ship belongings or pets back to Australia in future, your vet can also help prepare for removals UK to Australia, especially with requirements like rabies treatments and export certification.

First Month In The UK

Apply for an Oyster Card

An Oyster card is essential for navigating London’s extensive public transport system, including buses, the Tube (underground), trams, and overground trains.

• You can purchase a card from any Tube station or online through Transport for London (TfL).
• Load it with credit or set up auto top-ups for convenience.
• If you’re travelling frequently within zones 1–2, consider a weekly or monthly travel pass to save money.

Getting your Oyster sorted early will make it easier to explore your new neighbourhood and handle errands—especially while waiting for your furniture removal to arrive or deliveries from your shipping container from Australia to the UK.

Join Local Community Groups

Moving to a new country can feel isolating at first, so connecting with others is essential for your emotional well-being and support network.

• Join local clubs, sports teams, volunteering groups, or hobby classes.
• Platforms like Meetup, Facebook Groups, and InterNations are excellent for finding expat meetups, especially for Australians living in London.
• Local councils often host free community events, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Register to Vote (If Eligible)

If you’re living in the UK long-term and meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to register to vote in certain elections, such as local council or general elections.

• Eligibility depends on your residency status, visa, and Commonwealth citizenship.
• Visit the official UK government website to register and check if you’re eligible.

This is also a great time to update your local council with any changes—particularly if you’re later leaving your address temporarily.

Register with Your Local Council

Once you’ve moved into your new accommodation, register with your local council for council tax purposes.

• Council tax helps fund local services such as waste collection, public libraries, and community services.
• You can register online by providing your name, new address, and move-in date.
• Rates vary depending on your borough and the property’s value.

If you’re planning a future return or relocation, be sure to notify the council when it’s time to leave to avoid any outstanding payments—especially if you’re arranging removals to Australia from the UK or freight.

Consider Getting a TV Licence

In the UK, you’re legally required to hold a TV licence if you:

• Watch or record live television on any channel (including BBC)
• Use BBC iPlayer, even on-demand

The licence applies regardless of the device used—TV, laptop, tablet, or mobile.

• You can apply and pay online, and fees can be spread out monthly.
• If you’re unsure whether you need one, the TV Licensing website has a tool to check.

Avoiding this fee if you’re not using live services is fine—but if you do, ensure you’re compliant to avoid penalties.