By Robin Vogels

This article focuses on when is the best time to relocate to Australia, but it also gives useful hints for anyone that has to relocate.

The timing of your move can have cost implications. We look at a few considerations you should keep in mind when planning your relocation.

Removalists (removal companies)

When the removalists have excess work, they will charge higher rates. Not to be unfair, there are conditions that impact this higher rate, one of which is the employment of additional staff to handle the workload. Labour costs contribute significantly to the cost of removals. 

As with most things, removalists too have a high season. For Australia, this is summer. Many people are moving domestically during that time. Now, for internationals, if you are also currently based in the Southern Hemisphere, then it would be summer in both your departure country and on arrival in Australia – this will impact your quotes.

Solution: The way around this would be to obtain your removals quotes early on in your relocation, as early as possible and lock them in. That way, as their demand increases during their quoting stage, they will load other quotes, not yours. 

Accommodation

Again, high season is the same all around the world. If you choose to relocate over the Australian summer, then your temporary accommodation costs could be 20–30% higher than normal. Factor this in. Unfortunately, no matter how early you book accommodation, the prices will already be fixed for the high season. That said, the earlier you can book, the more choice you will have – whilst there are still choices, there is an opportunity to save money.

It is not all bad news. There are ways to save money elsewhere in your relocation if you do need to move during the high season. We know that most people, with school-aged children, will move at the start of the school year. In Australia, this is January, summer and the high season.

Solution: Accommodation alternatives. Using a relocation company can reduce your stay in temporary accommodation, or a service such as INSPECT4U by Personnel Relocations will eliminate temporary accommodation completely. 

Another great option for high season is to house sit. There are websites such as Aussie House Sitters in Australia, where they are looking for people to house sit for long periods of time. Again, locking this in early will give you more options. 

Bonus tip: When booking a house sit or temporary accommodation, make sure there are plenty of convenient food options, markets or grocery stores nearby. You want to save money on car hire and fuel, so having options within walking distance is key.

Schooling

The cost of living in Australia is high, and the cost of education is no different. Private schools can charge upwards of $30 000 per year, and even public schools can cost several thousand dollars per year. While schooling in Australia can be expensive, there are a number of ways that you can offset the cost if you move at the right time.

One way is buying second-hand uniforms. The start of the school year or even the end of the previous year will present with uniforms and books that others are selling. 

Solution: Keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace or enquire with the school the children will be attending. Most schools now operate a Facebook page to sell used school uniforms. Keep in mind that a uniform for a private school will set you back $800 to $1 000. Keeping an eye out for used uniforms is a great way to save money.

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