Moving to Australia from the USA
Congratulations on your decision to move to Australia from the USA! We understand that this is an exciting time in your life, filled with anticipation and new adventures. However, before you embark on this journey, there are important details to consider. Among these, hiring an international household mover to safely transport your personal belongings should be a top priority.
At SDC International Shipping, we offer various transportation options to ensure your belongings reach Australia securely and efficiently.
Our Process for Moving to Australia
Moving internationally with SDC International Shipping is a seamless experience. With our extensive network, we have the capability to handle shipments to numerous countries, including Australia, across Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Whether you prefer ocean freight or air freight, we take care of the entire process from start to finish, ensuring smooth pickup and delivery from point A to B.
To begin, we conduct a thorough assessment of your belongings to determine the precise volume and calculate your moving costs. Factors such as cargo size, origin, destination, and any additional services required are taken into account to provide you with a customized quote tailored to your specific needs.
Enhance your moving experience with our additional services:
- Packing and wrapping: Our team of professionals will carefully pack and wrap your belongings to ensure they are safe and secure during transit.
- Door-to-door solutions: We offer convenient door-to-door delivery, taking care of all logistics and bringing your belongings directly to your new home in Australia.
- Pickup options from your home: We provide flexible pickup options, allowing us to collect your belongings from your current residence, ensuring a hassle-free moving process.
Once your belongings are ready to be shipped, we will transport them to the designated port and handle all necessary preparations. Rest assured, you will be provided with a Bill of Lading, enabling you to track the progress of your shipment and anticipate its arrival in Australia.
What Not to Bring When Moving to Australia
Moving to Australia involves adhering to strict import regulations, especially for household belongings. While it may be tempting to bring everything with you for a long-term move, it’s worth considering leaving behind certain items.
One major consideration is items contaminated with plant or animal material. This often applies to camping equipment, bikes, animal bedding, and carpets. Sending them without proper cleaning would require them to undergo cleaning before Customs clearance, or they may be destroyed. In such cases, you will be responsible for covering all associated expenses. It’s worth noting that purchasing these items in your new destination may actually be more cost-effective than importing them.
Additionally, keep in mind that some electronics and appliances may not be compatible with Australia’s electrical system. For mobile phones and laptops, it’s advisable to bring converters and plug adapters to ensure they can be used in Australia.
In terms of jewelry and other valuable items, it’s not recommended to include them in your shipment. Instead, pack them in your carry-on luggage for added security.
For more detailed information, we encourage you to visit the Australian Border Force website. It provides a comprehensive list of prohibited and restricted goods for import to Australia. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free process, remember to thoroughly clean all items and create a detailed inventory list for each box.
Efficient Packing Services with SDC International Shipping
When it comes to sending your personal effects to Australia, you can rely on our professional packing service at SDC International Shipping. We take care of packing your belongings and preparing the necessary inventory list required by Australian customs.
Our team of custom clearing representatives is here to assist you with the paperwork involved in the process, including completing the customs forms that must be submitted prior to your arrival in Australia.
Rest assured, we offer specialized packing solutions for various types of items, including household goods and delicate artwork such as canvas paintings, sculptures, and even pianos. Our packing and crating services are tailored to meet your specific needs, ensuring the utmost care and protection for your possessions throughout the journey.
How to Ship to Australia
Flexible Shipment Options – Ocean and Air Freight
At SDC International Shipping, we provide two shipment freights for your convenience: ocean and air.
Ocean freight is the more economical choice, offering a cost-effective solution for your international move. However, it’s important to note that this method typically takes around 4-5 weeks for your belongings to reach their destination.
Alternatively, if you require a faster delivery, air freight is the optimal choice, although it comes at a higher price point.
In addition to the shipment method, the cost of your international removal also depends on other variables such as packing, loading, and delivery services. As previously mentioned, our door-to-door pickup and delivery services are available and can impact the total cost of your move if you opt to utilize them.
To Which Port Will We Ship In Australia?
When moving to Australia from the USA, we will ship to the port nearest to your destination. Additionally, you can book a port-to-door service, and we will deliver your cargo to any city or rural area in the country.
Main shipping ports in Australia are:
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Perth/Fremantle
- Adelaide
Streamlined Car Shipping to Australia
Moving your car to Australia is a complex process due to the country’s unique import regulations. Various scenarios, such as importing luxury cars or owning a vehicle for less than twelve months, are subject to specific regulations. Depending on the situation, your vehicle may require modification and official approval from an Australian engineer.
In order to import any vehicle, including motorcycles, caravans, trailers, and more, you must obtain a “Vehicle Import Approval” prior to its arrival in Australia. These are just a few examples of the numerous scenarios that can impact the eligibility of your import. That’s why it’s crucial to rely on the expertise of an experienced international vehicle mover to navigate the process and avoid any surprises during Customs clearance.
At SDC International Shipping, we have successfully shipped hundreds of cars overseas and are well-versed in all the intricacies involved. Our goal is to ensure a smooth and streamlined experience throughout the entire process.
We offer various transportation options for your auto, including FCL (Full Container Load), LCL (Less Than Container Load), or transportation on a RORO vessel. The cost of the shipment depends on factors such as the chosen shipping method, destination, departure location, and vehicle information.
With multiple departure locations throughout the USA, we can conveniently ship your car from the port nearest to your residence. For instance, if you reside in Los Angeles, we will arrange sea transit from the Port of Long Beach or Los Angeles. If your original address is in San Francisco, we will ship your vehicle from the Port of Oakland.
The Importance of International Moving Insurance?
When moving to Australia from the USA, it is imperative to have international moving insurance. Despite professional packing services, there is always a risk of damage or loss to your household items, including clothes, books, furniture, and more. Unforeseen circumstances can arise during the long journey between the USA and Australia. As a precautionary measure, we strongly recommend insuring your cargo to provide financial protection.
In the event of any unexpected perils, having international moving insurance ensures that you will be reimbursed either partially or in full, depending on the terms of the insurance contract. This coverage offers peace of mind during the transit of your valuable belongings.
We offer several insurance options to cater to the unique needs of our clients. Additionally, we can provide assistance in finding a reputable third-party moving insurance provider, ensuring that you have comprehensive coverage for your international move.
Determining the Right Coverage Options for You
Ensuring adequate coverage for your belongings is crucial for proper replacement in case of damage or loss during transit.
To accurately assess the coverage you need, we will ask you to provide a detailed list of your belongings, including the value of each item. When indicating the value, please consider the replacement cost in Australia. This should be the amount necessary to replace the lost or damaged item with a new one.
For example, let’s consider your office chair. If you were to sell it in your destination country during a yard sale, you might expect to receive around $100. However, if the chair were to be lost in transit, that amount would not be sufficient to purchase a new one. It is essential to insure the chair and other items based on their current cost of replacement.
Alternatively, if you prefer, you can choose coverage only for high-value items, listing only those specific items you wish to insure. This allows you to focus coverage on the items of greatest importance to you.
By carefully considering the replacement costs of your belongings and selecting the appropriate coverage options, you can have peace of mind knowing that your possessions are adequately protected during your international move.
List of Considerations for Moving to Australia
When planning your move from the USA to Australia, there are key factors to keep in mind to ensure a smooth relocation for you and your family. We’re here to provide you with a breakdown of the following important points:
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Restricted Items: Australia prohibits the import of perishable goods, seeds, grains, plants, and items with soil, seeds, or dried flowers. It is crucial to clean items such as gardening tools and bikes to remove any dirt or plant material.
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Prohibited Items: Firearms, illegal drugs, and pornographic materials are strictly prohibited from being shipped to Australia.
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Alcohol Import: While alcohol is permitted, it is categorized as a restricted item. It is subject to duties and must be declared upon arrival.
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Import Eligibility: Only Australian citizens or permanent residents can ship items to Australia.
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Vehicle Import: All vehicles are subject to duties and the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
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Release of Shipment: The shipper must be in Australia for the release of their shipment.
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Pet Considerations: You can bring dogs and cats with you to Australia, but birds are not allowed. Animals must undergo quarantine and have a valid vaccination certificate.
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Import Permit for Pets: Prior to moving to Australia with your pets, you must obtain an Import Permit from the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.
By taking these considerations into account and being well-prepared, you can ensure a successful move to Australia while adhering to the necessary regulations and requirements.
