Once you have decided to move to Australia, you will need to think about the best time to actually make the move. For a lot of people, the focus is on making the move as seamless and comfortable as possible.
There are a number of factors you should consider depending on your circumstances including job requirements, the school year, the weather and your circumstances for leaving the UK.
Many people plan their time for a stopover on the way, allowing time for a break to relax and really enjoy the experience. We don’t blame them, as moving to Australia is a big task. You will probably think about the best time of day to move to Australia, in an attempt to minimise the effects of jet lag. But, have you thought about the best time of year for your international relocation?
What is the Best Time of Year to Move to Australia?
Seasonally
Australian summer – which is the opposite to the UK summer, running from December to February – is a popular time to move. This is because the Australian school system starts in January, and moving beforehand gives children the chance to settle into their new home, without undergoing a big transition halfway through the school year. If you move during the Australian summer, your children will be able to join their new school at the start of the year, with everyone else.
There is one downside to this, as summer is also the hottest part of the year. This could make the move slightly more difficult, as a hotter climate can be tough to get used to. Plus, some costs, such as flights, are likely to be more expensive around Christmas.
Public Holidays
Though arriving in Australia on a public holiday or long weekend is tempting, you might actually find this to be a more stressful time to move. Public holidays are busy times of the year, with holidaymakers and tourists flooding to cities, and towns and visiting family. This can make it difficult to organise moving services – such as removals and estate agents – and it can really throw you into the deep end. It’s a lot more relaxing to arrive at your destination during a ‘normal’ week and enjoy the celebrations of a public holiday once you have settled in.
Deciding When to Move Down Under
We can all agree that moving to Australia from the UK is a big undertaking. One of the most important things to consider is when you should make the move. The best time to move to Australia will vary depending on your individual circumstances, preferences and priorities. Here are some factors to consider when you’re planning your relocation Down Under.
The School Year
One of the most important considerations about the best time of year to move to Australia if you have children is the school year. The UK school year starts in September and finishes in June / July.
However, the Australian school academic year starts in late January or early February and ends in December, for the summer holidays. So for most British families timing to arrive in December to allow time for acclimatisation and settling in before starting at a new school may be the the best option. However, if you have older children doing GCSE’s or A Levels, it may be best to wait for these to be completed before making the move down under.
Weather and Climate
Australia’s climate varies significantly across its regions due to its impressive size. Generally, the southern parts – such as Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide – have mild winters, running from June to August.
They also have warm summers between December and February. If you are moving to one of the more northern parts of Australia, including Brisbane and Darwin, you won’t have to factor in winter weather. Instead, you will have a tropical climate with clear wet and dry seasons.
Consider your preference for weather when choosing the time to move as heat, rain and humidity can all impact how comfortable your relocation is.
You can also check out our article on the best place to move to in Australia. This can help you decide which Australian state is most suitable for you not only for the climate but based on other factors too.
Peak Moving Season
In Australia, the months of September and October are often considered to be peak moving seasons. The weather is usually pleasant across most regions, and families often choose this time to relocate due to the school holidays. This shows that it’s generally a good time to move for a lot of people, but it also means that you will need to plan ahead to avoid moving companies being booked up. It’s also important to remember that peak moving season means a lot of migrants will be making the same move as you, which can mean competition for jobs.
Job Market
If you’re moving to Australia for work, it’s beneficial to research the job market in your field and the demand for your skills in the specific city or region you are considering. Some industries are likely to have busier hiring periods throughout the year, and you don’t want to move at a time when it’s going to be challenging to secure a new role.
Housing Market
Research the housing market in your desired location. Prices and availability can fluctuate, and it’s helpful to have an understanding of the local property market trends before making a move. With many people deciding to move to and around Australia in the summer, this tends to be when accommodation prices are at their highest and competition is fierce.
Visa and Legal Considerations
If you’re moving to Australia on a visa, make sure you are aware of the visa requirements, processing times, and any seasonal changes in immigration policies that might affect your plans. It’s not uncommon for Australian visas to have a limited time when you must enter the country, and you don’t want to miss your chance.
Festivals and Events
Consider if there are any specific festivals, events or holidays in Australia that you would like to experience. Planning your move around these times can enhance your cultural experience. Instead of moving and struggling to immerse yourself in the community, you can enjoy the fun side of living somewhere new.
Personal Factors
Your personal circumstances, such as family commitments, work commitments, and other obligations will influence your decision about when to move. For example, you’re unlikely to make a big move to Australia if you have a family wedding coming up, but you might want to plan your move to align with the end of a big project at work. There’s always going to be something happening at home, so you need to decide which personal factors take priority.
Research and Preparation
Regardless of the time of year, thorough research and preparation are essential before making an international move. So, make sure that you give yourself enough time to get everything in order. This includes researching your destination, booking a removals company and selling your house. Having the time to understand the cost of living, healthcare system, education options and other important aspects of daily life will contribute to a smoother transition. Allowing time for a good amount of planning can reduce problems further down the line.
Your Circumstances Leaving the UK
Your situation in the UK can also affect the timing of your move to Australia. Particularly if you need to sell your house and need the proceeds to finance your move.
Also your job circumstances or needs of your children, for example, finishing school exams, will also need to be taken into account.
Many people can be keen to move and start their new life in Australia but it is important to tie up loose ends in your old life before you begin anew.
The Best Time to Move to Australia is Now
If you ask us, the best time is now. Most people say that their only regret is not moving to Australia sooner. Whilst there may be better times of the year to move and for different reasons, there is no better time than right now. After all, you don’t want to delay such an exciting journey unnecessarily.
Once you have decided on the best time to move to Australia, it’s time to start thinking about the logistics. You will need to enlist the help of an expert removals company, such as United International Removals. To find out more about who we are and what we do, get in touch.