Australia Removals

Moving to Australia | Removals to Australia | International Relocation Company

Australia is an extremely popular destination for UK expats. It is easy to understand why — it has a prosperous economy, relaxed way of life and stunning natural environment. It is also a family-friendly location, with a low crime rate, generous social safety net and excellent school system.

If you are moving to Australia this year, use a skilled international removals company like Schepens. Our experienced team will streamline the removals process and make moving to Australia easy.

We are a family owned international removals company that was established more than 100 years ago. Over the years, our company has built a strong reputation for providing reliable, efficient and affordable removals to Australia.

This guide will explain why so many people are moving from the UK to Australia and share some useful resources for moving to Australia. We’ll also tell you why Schepens is the best choice for Australia removals.

Why move to Australia from the UK?

Australia is a unique country with a vibrant culture and pristine natural environment. The most common reasons why people move to Australia from the UK include:

Australia has a clean environment

Successive Australian governments have made it a mission to take care of the Australian environment. As a result, pollution levels are very low and it is a healthy place to live. The beaches are incredibly clean and there are dozens of pristine national parks to explore. The landscape is also quite diverse, ranging from tropical rainforests through to sandy deserts and snowy mountain tops.

Australia has a very successful economy

Australia is one of the few countries to not go into recession during the global financial crisis. It’s prosperous export industries helped the economy stay strong when the rest of the world was struggling. The economy remains powerful today, with a high GDP per capita and low unemployment rate. Working conditions are generous and it is easy to find a job.

Australia has a low population density

If you are leaving the UK to escape the hustle and bustle of city living, Australia is the perfect location to move to. It has the lowest population density of any continent on the planet. You can find a nice quiet regional town to move into, with friendly people and a relaxed atmosphere.

Australia’s climate is incredible

Australia’s climate ranges from hot and humid in the north to cool and snowy in the south. You can find a location to suit your preferred lifestyle.

Australia has a strong multicultural society

Australia is often cited as being the most successful multicultural country in the world. It is an immigrant nation that has successfully integrated people from every country. Aussies are welcoming of outsiders and enjoy learning more about other cultures.

Australia has a strong healthcare system

The Australian healthcare system is a mixture of public and private facilities. It delivers excellent health outcomes and has built an excellent reputation.

The Australian school system is great

If you are moving to Australia, you will be glad to learn that Australian schools are very good. The public school system is well funded and teachers are highly trained. Some of the best schools in Australia include:

• North Sydney Girls High
• James Ruse Agricultural School
• North Sydney Boys High
• Normanhurst Boys High School

Useful resources when moving to Australia

These resources provide some very useful information for moving to Australia

• Travel advice for Australia from the UK government
• Living in Australia advice from the UK government
• Visa information for Australia
• Just Landed guide to living in Australia

Tips for moving to Australia

Here are a few useful tips to streamline the moving process:

• Pack all important paperwork together, including birth and marriage certificates, financial documents, insurance policies, driver’s licenses, and school records
• Keep medical records together and find a doctor in Australia as soon as possible
• Get certified copies of identification documents in both paper and electronic form. You will need them for renting a home.
• Finalise your utilities bills in the UK
• Close your UK bank accounts and open accounts in Australia or find a bank with low fees for international transactions.
• Cancel insurance policies for your home and cars in the UK
• Redirect your mail
• Contact your accountant to determine your UK taxation liabilities
• Tell your solicitor you are moving
• Obtain rental references if you intend to rent a property in Australia

Why choose Schepens when moving to Australia

Schepens has the right combination of skills, experience, and equipment to make removals to Australia simple. The main reasons to choose Schepens for Australia removals include:

We offer affordable Australia removals

Schepens is one of the largest international removals companies in the world. The large scale of our operation allows us to obtain operational efficiencies which and bring the cost of our removals service down.

Schepens has an incredible reputation and great customer service

We have built a reputation for being honest, reliable, and professional in all of our business dealings. Our team provides incredible customer service and we treat each client with an incredible amount of respect.

A large global network

Schepens has depots in many locations around the world. This speeds up the processing and handling of cargo. It also helps to improve the efficiency of our international removals.

Removers trained to British Association of Removers standards

Our removers are friendly, hard-working, and very skilled. They are also trained to the standards set out by the British Association of Removers. Our adherence to these standards helps to ensure our removals to Australia are performed professionally.

Schepens regularly performs removals to Australia

Our company regularly helps clients move to Australia. The frequency of our journeys to this wonderful country means we can offer clients flexible moving schedules and part load removals.

All Australia removals are managed by move coordinators

Each removal is managed by one of our talented move coordinators. They are incredibly knowledgeable removers with years of experience in the removals industry. Their incredible knowledge helps to ensure our international removals go off without a hitch.

Our BAR trained team have helped people to move to all parts of Australia, including; Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Cairns, Gold Coast and Darwin.

Retire to Australia | Moving to Australia | Removals to Australia | International Removals to Australia

Tips on Moving to Australia

The first thing to remember about Australia is that it’s as big as Europe. Once you’ve digested that lots of other things about this beautiful country fall into place. Like the fact that it’s possible to ski and surf on the same day, or that there are different seasons going on in different corners of the country. This is a vast area which has some of the most vibrant cities on earth, and some of the most dangerous and unexplored wildernesses.

Following two years of economic expansion, Australia is now one of the wealthiest of the Asia – Pacific nations. The service industry dominates the economy, employing 79% of the labour force, and it’s closely aligned to tourism which brings 38 billion Australian dollars into the country each year. Other significant sectors are finance, manufacturing, mining and agriculture.

4 Tips on Moving to Australia

If you’re thinking about a possible move to this extraordinary place, there are a few things you should consider sooner rather than later:

1. Residency

The two main routes to Australian residency are via marriage/family ties, or through the Skilled Migration Programme. The latter is dependent on how good a match your skills and experience are for the kinds of jobs that need to be filled. These tend to focus on farming, construction management, engineering and health.

2. Finding Somewhere to Live

Whether you’re relocating to Australia for work, or to start a new life with your family, you’ll probably start out by renting whilst you decide where you want to live. The market is highly competitive so it’s a good idea to do some research before you arrive. You’ll need personal documentation (including references) just to apply to rent a property. Any delay in providing them knocks you out of the race, so check out what you need and have them ready.

3. Setting Up Your Bank Account

It’s best to set up your bank account before you arrive. Once you’re in Australia you could be asked for an Australian address and this could slow things up. All of Australia’s major banks will help you to do this in advance. When budgeting you’ll need to factor in monthly banking charges as there’s no free banking in Australia. And make sure your credit cards are sorted in advance; applications require proof of three months of income.

4. Education

Australian education is globally renowned and movers to Australia have plenty of options for their children. So long as you have a permanent resident permit the public schools are free, although there is an expectation that parents pay a ‘voluntary contribution’. The Australian curriculum is very different from the one offered in the UK. If you want your child to receive a baccalaureate education I would be worth exploring the many independent schools across the country.

Schepens Can Help With Your Move to Australia

We’re a 4th generation, family run business, and we’ve been moving people to Australia for over 100 years now. Our aim has always been to relieve the stresses and strains associated with moving, and when you’re moving to the other side of the world these can be acute. We allocate a dedicated Move Co-ordinator to every single client. They will help with the logistics of your move from start to finish.

We know that every move is unique in its own way, which is why all our packages are tailor made. Early on in your planning, your Move Co-ordinator will discuss with you the specific services you require. Schepens ships regularly to Australia which means that we can offer flexible scheduling; we can also provide part or dedicated container loads.

Our services include:

• Packing – our professional packers are individually BAR trained. They can pack up your house for you, carefully label each box and create a detailed inventory.
• Insurance – all your goods are insured whilst in transit. Should you require Accidental Damage or Extended Liability insurance, we can arrange cover.
• Non-Standard Goods – if you are considering shipping valuable, or fragile items such as antiques, fine art or musical instruments, we can provide bespoke packaging and shipping.
• Removals Vehicles – Your goods will be shipped in one of our state-of-the-art removals vehicles, run on air ride suspension and boast an adjustable bearing system, which ensures little or no movement of vehicle content.

Schepens Puts Customers First

We are proud of our flawless record when it comes to removals to Australia. Feedback we’ve received from clients focuses on professionalism of the removals team, their ability to work proactively when challenges arise, and their willingness to go the extra mile. We know that having strong support for a move can make all the difference. So we do everything we can to ensure that’s what we provide.

Schepens currently move to all the major towns and cities in Australia, including: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Canberra, Wollongong, Sunshine Coast, Hobart, Geelong, Townsville, Cairns and Darwin.

Retire to Australia | Moving to Australia | Removals to Australia | International Removals to Australia

Looking to Retire to Australia?

Australia is one of the most popular locations for people from the UK to move to. 1.27 million Brits have moved there, which translates as 1 in every 4 relocators choosing Australia as their new home. A significant percentage of those will be people who have decided to retire to Australia in order to enjoy the sunny weather, the relaxed culture, and the fabulous beaches and cities.

Many retirees move to Australia to join relatives who have also made the move. For those pioneers who are planning to be the first in their family to put down roots, however, the distance between the UK and all the major cities Down Under is a major consideration, with flights taking up to 24 hours. That said, the quality of life is high, the environment is largely pollution-free and the locations on offer are extraordinarily beautiful and vibrant.

Choose Schepens for Your Removals to Australia

However much experience you have of moving house, you’re unlikely to have experienced anything on the scale of moving to the other side of the world. Choosing a professional moving partner with extensive experience in international removals to Australia is important, therefore. Schepens is a fourth generation, family-run business that has been moving people Down Under for over 100 years.

Our aim is simply to reduce the stress of your move by providing expert knowledge, strategies for successful removals, and a range of services designed to provide the support you need. Customers planning to retire to Australia are provided with a dedicated Move Co-Ordinator, who knows the country well, understands the process, and can help with drawing up a ‘Removals Plan’ detailing all the deadlines that need to be hit.

Schepens for Moving to Australia and Storage

Shipping to Australia takes 6-8 weeks for a dedicated container, and 8-12 weeks for a shared container. Your goods will be subject to Australian customs and a quarantine examination – this process normally takes between 7-14 days. Your Move Co-Ordinator will help you to schedule your shipping in order to leave the minimum time after your arrival in Australia, before your items arrive.

Moving to Australia requires careful calculations about what to ship, what to store, and what to buy when you arrive. Schepens staff can help you by sharing their local knowledge and offering advice based on professional experience of the process. Should you decide to put any of your goods in storage, Schepens can provide a door-to-door delivery and transportation of containers which are stored in a secure, local facility.

Australian Retirement Visa

If you are planning to retire to Australia and your children live there, you could be sponsored by them (so long as they are permanent residents) in order to get a Visa. If you don’t have family in Australia you will need to apply for a retirement visa which has to be renewed every four years. Whatever the option open to you, be aware that the process can take up to a year to complete.

Healthcare in Australia

The excellent climate, and lack of pollution means that people live long and happily in Australia. There is an excellent healthcare infrastructure across the country, but retirees should be aware that they won’t be entitled to access any medical care unless they have purchased a fully comprehensive insurance policy from an Australian broker. Proof of insurance cover may be required when applying for a visa, so it’s worth finding a provider early on.

Housing in Australia

Property is extremely expensive in Australia currently, with current house prices being double those in the UK. The housing market has become too expensive for a growing number of Australians which means that there has been significant growth in the rental sector. Sydney is the most expensive city to rent in, but housing costs are significantly cheaper in Adelaide, Canberra and Cairns.

A Range of Schepens Services

Retiring to Australia is a life-changing experience which will be unique to each different mover. That’s why we don’t create standard packages which require customers to conform to expected patterns of behaviour. We prefer to work the other way around; our retiree customers work out with their Move Co-Ordinator the bespoke package that will suit their needs best.

Services may include:

• Packing – our BAR trained teams of professional packers have the skills and experience to manage your packing in an efficient and cost-effective way. Should you wish to pack for yourself, Schepens will provide professional packing materials.
• Insurance – all Schepens removals are fully insured. Should you require additional insurance such as accidental damage and extended liability, we can provide these for you.
• Storage – Schepens has secure storage facilities across the UK. If you require a comprehensive storage solution for goods you intend to leave in the UK, your Move Co-Ordinator will be able to schedule in this door-to-door service.
• Removals Fleet – Your goods will be shipped in one of our state-of-the-art removals vehicles which run on air ride suspension and boast an adjustable bearing system, which ensures little or no movement of vehicle content.

Schepens is proud of its excellent track record for international removals to Australia. We provide the professional services you require, supported by highly trained staff who have local experience in removals Down Under.

Schepens currently move to all the major towns and cities in Australia, including: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Canberra, Wollongong, Sunshine Coast, Hobart, Geelong, Townsville, Cairns and Darwin

International Removals to Australia | Moving to Australia from UK

Australia is one of the most successful nations in the world, with a strong economy, egalitarian society, world-class infrastructure and incredible social services. It is a popular destination for immigrants from the UK because the two countries have so much in common — a similar political system, shared cultural values and a love for sport!

Australia is also very welcoming of immigrants. It accepts between 100,000 to 200,000 immigrants per year and the government is very skilled at helping new arrivals get settled in the country. Australia’s environment is diverse and absolutely beautiful, the people are the friendliest in the world and the economy is prosperous — it truly is the lucky country!

If you are considering a move to Australia from the UK, it is important to choose an experienced international removals company. Schepens is that company! We have performed many international removals to Australia over the years and understand the logistics well. Our company has an extensive global network of storage depots and transportation hubs. We can make overseas removals to Australia a breeze!

The blog post will discuss why so many people are moving to Australia and why Schepens are a great choice for overseas removals to Australia.

Why are so many people moving to Australia?

Australia is a very unique and interesting country. It is an island nation that is absolutely huge —it is the 6th largest country in the world! It has been inhabited by indigenous Australians for more than 50,000 years, which is one of the oldest human habitations in the world. The country was colonised by the British at the end of the 18th-Century and it has rapidly developed over the past 200-plus years.

Today, Australia is a very modern, wealthy and progressive country. Australians have an innate sense of “mateship” and giving people a “fair go” which makes its citizens extremely friendly and welcoming of immigrants. It is the perfect place to start a new life, go to school or pursue a career. Here are a few more reasons why so many people are moving to Australia.

• A resilient and booming economy
  The Australian economy has been growing for more than two decades. It is so strong that unlike most other developed countries, the global financial crisis didn’t send it into recession. The strongest industries in Australia include mining, telecommunications, banking, manufacturing and primary production. It is a market economy with a very high GDP per capita, a low rate of poverty and a low unemployment rate. In 2013, Australia was listed as having the 2nd-highest wealth per adult in the world. The Australian economy has grown at an average annual rate of 3.6% for the last 15 years, in comparison to the OECD annual average of 2.5%.
• A pristine natural environment
  Because Australia is so large, it has a very diverse landscape including tropical rainforests, alpine healths and arid zones. Australia’s age and isolation have led to an incredible number of unique plants and animals. About 89% of the flora and 85% of the mammals found in Australia are only found in Australia.
• One of the best health care systems in the world
  Australia has had a very strong universal health care system since 1975. The cost of most medicines is heavily subsidised by the government and visiting a public hospital is free. Most of the costs associated with visiting a doctor are paid for by the government.
• A strong education system
  The Australian education system is one of the best in the OECD. It regularly scores in the top 5 of the 30 countries in the OECD for educational outcomes. In 2012, education firm Pearson ranked Australia’s education system as thirteenth in the world.The states and territories provide most of the funding for the schools in their area and have control over the schools. There has been an Australian National Curriculum since 2012, which has been adopted by most schools. It will become compulsory in the coming years.

Education in Australia is compulsory between the ages of five and fifteen to seventeen (depending upon the state or territory in which you live). Children can be enrolled in optional Pre-school or Kindergarten from as young as 3-years of age. Children then begin primary school at 5 or 6 and secondary school at 12 or 13.

Some of the best schools in Australia include:

• Canberra Grammar School
• Radford College
• James Ruse Agricultural School
• North Sydney Boys High
• Melbourne High School
• Brisbane Grammar School

“Your team worked really hard and nothing was too much trouble, they kept smiling and in good spirits even when things were more tricky that first envisaged”.

Useful Resources For People Moving to Australia

These resources provide some great information to help you plan your move to Australia.

• Travel advice for Australia from the UK government
• Living in Australia advice from the UK government
• Visa information for Australia
• Just Landed guide to living in Australia

Why Choose Schepens for Removals to Australia

There are plenty of reasons for choosing Schepens for removals to Australia including:

We are very experienced at performing international removals
Schepens is a family owned company that was established more than 100-years ago. We have performed countless international removals over the years and understand precisely what is involved when performing overseas removals. Our company is the leading provider of international removals to Australia and we love helping clients move to this great country!

Schepens have a large global network
We have a substantial international network spread throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. When you have an international removal performed by Schepens, you know it will be sent via our well-established global network. We are one of a handful of international removal companies to have a network of this size.

Schepens regularly perform international removals to Australia
Many of our clients are moving from the United Kingdom to Australia. Because of the frequency of our cargo shipments to Australia, we can offer our clients a very flexible delivery schedule for overseas removals.

Uniformed staff trained to British Association of Removers standards
Our hand-picked removers are efficient, professional, polite and trained to BAR standards. These standards dictate how cargo should be packed, which emergency procedures should be in place, which insurance options should be offered to clients and much more.

Customs and Quarantine Requirements for international removals to Australia
Schepens is very familiar with the customs and quarantine requirements for Australia. f you are unsure about what you are allowed to ship or have any questions about the quarantine process in Australia, we can answer them for you!

All Australian removals have a dedicated move coordinator
All clients moving to Australia will be assigned a move coordinator to manage the process. They will walk you through the international removals process and answer questions that you may have. They will also inform you of the status of your delivery. All move coordinators are experienced international movers who understand the international moving process thoroughly.

We offer both shared containers and exclusive use containers for international removals to Australia
Schepens can accommodate removals to Australia of any size. If you have a small amount of cargo, choose a shared container, if you have a significant amount of cargo, choose an exclusive use container.

Security and protection
Your cargo will be very closely monitored on its way to the Australia. We also offer a wide range of insurance policies for your protection.

Our BAR trained team have helped people to move to all areas in Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Cairns, Gold Coast and Darwin.