[kelly]

We have just started the process of moving to Australia and I was wondering if anyone could give us an idea of the total costs involved in their move?

It does seem very expensive when you start to add it all up.

[PamInPerth]

Here’s a rough idea of what it cost us two years ago

Agents fees (if you use one) – rough guess from a friend as we did it ourselves, - £2000 + for this
Shipping your stuff to oz in a container - £2000 pounds inc insurance rough guess from a friend
Shipping – we travelled light and shipped only 4 boxes - £225
Medical Fees - £600 approx (2 people +2 children)
Police check fees - £20 approx
Visa Fee - can't remember exactly but currently $2525 AUS for PR Visa (£1250)
Document certification - about £50
Flights to Aus - £1500 pounds
Furniture and stuff bought over first year- £5000 very approx!!

When you add it all up it is costly – but the flights were an alternative to taking a holiday that year and our UK furniture was not worth keeping.

[Thongs of Praise]

If you're a family and moving your household contents I'd budget £10,000/$20,000. If you're travelling light and you're a couple, a good bit less. If you have it, put it in a bank account and it should cover everything, unless you're doing something unusual. Obviously it won't cover buying a new car but, if you're willing to trade down, you can buy a car in Australia from the proceeds of selling your car when you move.

[Cliff]

I would definitely budget £10,000 - £15,000 if you are moving as a family. The most expensive cost in the move is the shipping but if you have decent stuff then it is worth taking, as it will cost more to get yourself set up in Aus.

Once you are in Aus there will be more expense, bond money for a rental, car to buy and loss of earnings while you find work.

[platypus]

When you see the costs laid out in black and white, they're a lot more substantial than I'd ever have imagined. On the other hand, people will spend that sort of money and more on a conservatory for a bit of warmth. I think I'd rather live somewhere naturally warm and sunny than fake it with a conservatory. :D

[kelly]

Thanks for all the replies. I will have to take out a loan to cope!!

[fran]

I'm too scared to add what it cost us all up!! You do pay for it in stages, not all at once, so that helps with the budgeting.

[flighty]

They say the best things in life are free but I honestly think you need to look at some things as investments in the future. You put up money now for something like a good education, good training, a good house. I'm approaching Australia with the same thoughts. It'll cost us money in the short term but we'll reap a long-term benefit in having a better place to live.

[sunny35]

It will have cost us around £10,000 and yes it is an investment in a better future for our family. There's a lot of worry and stress at times as well but it is also very exciting. I can't believe will be off in 4 weeks!!

[Cliff]

You can save a bit of money if you don't use an agent.