So you’re going Down
Under? It may seem like a formidable task but shipping your life to Australia
can go smoothly if you’re well prepared. Knowing what you can and can’t take is
half the battle, so that you don’t have any trouble getting your goods released
at the other end. Rose Removals are experts at helping people move their goods
across the world so we’ve put together a handy guide so you know what you shouldn’t
pack.
What household
goods should I leave behind?
Let’s start with what to leave out, so you can reduce your shipping
costs!
The Australian
Government has some strict rules about what is not allowed inside their
borders. These are:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Live plants and bulbs and some restricted
seeds (if in doubt, leave it out)
- Live animals – pets require a permit, and
will go into quarantine
- Biological products, including some plant-based,
herbal medications
- Unprocessed goods of plant or animal
origin
- Soiled items – clean all boots, shoes,
wellies before packing
- Items that have pests or are diseased
(such as items with woodworm)
Another point to note
is that if you’ve been using a real Christmas tree, you can’t bring it and
leave out pine cones and holly! Garden furniture is not prohibited but if it’s
muddy or has bits of grass on it, it may prove difficult in customs.
Electrical Items
The first bit of good
news is that Australia has the same voltage as the UK, so your 240-volt items
can come along. Unfortunately, their plugs are different so you can either
replace new plugs when you get there, or for the sake of an easy transition,
get some travel adaptors so you can connect right away. Putting on the kettle
won’t be a problem, and getting your laptop to work will be fine but some items
are a little trickier.
TVs, DVD players and games consoles will work when you plug them in but you may have some problems
with sound. If you have a SCART connection on the item, then it can be
converted to Australian standards, but if not, it may not be worth bringing
with you. You won’t be able to sell it, so it will just take up space in your
shipment. Games consoles in Australia are on Region 4, so bear in mind that if
you buy games there, they won’t play on your Region 2 console.
Fridges/freezers, washing machines and cookers are items you might consider bringing,
but there may be issues with connection on the other side. Also, Australian
houses are built differently so you may already have these in your property, or
you may not be able to fit it in your new home. Generally, these goods are
larger in Australia, so you’ll probably replace them soon after arrival.
Washing machines are normally top loading in Australia so bringing yours might
be a consideration, especially if it’s in good condition, as they are expensive
out there.
What you can pack
Do take as much
furniture as possible, because Australian homes are normally bigger, and
furniture is expensive. Wardrobes normally come with a house as standard, but
everything else you will need to provide.
Contact
Rose Removals for Overseas Removals
We’ve been managing house removals
to many parts of the world since 1976 so you can
rest assured you’re in safe hands. From packing materials to storage Rose
Removals have you covered. Give us a call today on 0800 655 6020 or contact us
via info@roseremovals.co.uk
for a
quote!
