Moving to Sydney Guide

Making the big leap to beautiful Sydney? Congratulations!

Moving can feel overwhelming, but if you take your time and make a few lists, you’ll be fine. In this article, we’ve included some of the big-ticket things to organise before and after the move, plus tips and sources to help you get it done.

Moving your actual stuff

There’s nothing like living in a maze of packing boxes for days to make you wish you’d planned ahead. It’s critical to line this up early, because during busy months you might not get the date you want.

If you can afford it, using removalists who can pack for you can save a lot of time and stress compared with packing it yourself. Whether you go pro or not, don’t forget to label your boxes so your Sydney removalists can see what goes where.

 

Looking for work in Sydney

Thankfully, looking for work in Sydney is mostly an online process. Job listings for everything from grocery store cashiers and machinery operators to graphic designers and admin staff are usually posted online.

You can search on large sites like Indeed and Gumtree, or go through recruitment agencies such as Hays Recruitment or Randstad. LinkedIn and Indeed are among the biggest online job platforms in Australia.

If your visa already allows you to work in Australia, make sure you state that clearly at the top of your CV. Also, review your CV for terms or phrases that may not make sense outside your home country.

 

Language skills in Australia

If you’re looking for work in English, you may need to build your language skills. There are online options such as Lingoda, which can give you a flexible schedule with live teachers online.

This can be especially helpful while you’re still finding your way around a new city or country, because you don’t have to worry about travelling to classes or signing up for a long course. Lingoda also has a one-week trial if you want to give it a go.

Of course, one of the best ways to learn a language is by using it. Speaking with locals is a great way to build vocabulary and pick up Aussie slang.

 

Healthcare in Australia

Healthcare in Australia is excellent, but it can be a little confusing at first. Medicare is the universal healthcare system, and you may be eligible to join if you come from a country with a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement.

These countries include Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and others covered under current agreements.

If you don’t come from one of these countries, you will probably need private health insurance. Dental care is generally not covered by Medicare, so you’ll usually need private cover or pay out of pocket.

Emergency services such as ambulances are also not covered by Medicare, so if you’re going private, read your policy carefully. It’s hard to plan ahead for accidents like falling off a bike or getting injured unexpectedly.

It’s also worth noting that some private health insurance programs may allow you to claim back part of a gym membership. Check before you sign up.

 

 

 

Meeting people in Sydney

Making friends in a new city can be hard. It helps to treat it like any other important setup task, the same way you would organise your internet or electricity.

Try to go to as many events as you can and, if you feel comfortable, say yes to parties, dinners, and social plans. Websites such as Meetup can also help you join groups with people who share your interests.

I met some of my best friends through other acquaintances, so at first it can help to focus on meeting more people rather than finding the “right” people immediately.

It’s not uncommon for it to take at least a year to feel comfortable in a new city, and two or three years to really feel at home. Take classes, go on expat association hikes, or join your child’s school community—you’ll find your people eventually.