Getting Your Stuff To Australia With Seven Seas

So that’s it. You’re off. You’ve made all the necessary arrangements, hugged the relatives goodbye and watched your last episode of whatever terrible soap opera you’ve been glued to. So, how do you make the transition as smooth as possible? Think of this article as a little research to help you along the way, with help from the guys at Seven Seas.

Contacts

Firstly, just the simple act of letting everyone know your whereabouts will make your journey easier. Draw up a little spreadsheet that explains your movements and contains addresses, phone numbers, etc. during this busy period. Make sure all your contacts both home and in Australia have a copy. Oh and make sure they read it otherwise that tip won’t work.

Customs

Australia’s customs are among the strictest in the world – as an excess baggage company, we know all too well. You’re probably aware that most animals and plants cannot be taken into the country but there are other items that could lead to a dreaded ‘inspection’. For instance, if you’re taking shoes or boots with you, wash them thoroughly before packing. Any mud on your footwear could lead to them being confiscated.
(We told you they were strict.)

Household Items

If you find you have packed a fair amount of household items and furniture for the move, it may be in your best interests to ditch some of it. Sorry we meant ‘eBay’ some of it. It’s understandable that you would take items of sentimental value but if you can replace an item with something similar in Australia, take that option. It will cost less and you won’t have to worry about transportation.

Make A Checklist

People are always banging on about making checklists before departing and, for the most part, we don’t really make time to do them. And then we forget something that would have been on the checklist. So before you go to the airport, make up a checklist of all the things that should be on your person.

Here’s a little reminder of what should be on it.

• Passport
• Bank cards
• Mobile phone
• Chargers
• Adapters
• Flight tickets
• Accommodation details
• Sun lotion
• Insect repellent
• Wallet/purse
• Notepad and pen
• Nondescript clothes allowing you to mix-and-match
• Painkillers, aspirin, etc.

Weight

Don’t skip the bathroom scales. It’s a must to weigh your baggage before leaving for the airport. Airlines do love to slap hidden baggage charges on you if your suitcases or bags exceed the maximum weight limit. A handy tip which I’m sure all you holidaymakers are familiar with, is standing on your bathroom scales, measuring your own weight and then having someone pass your suitcase to you. All you need to do is deduct your own weight from the total. Simple!

Restricted Items

The last thing you need as you begin your journey is for your belongings to be held at security because you’ve packed something prohibited or restricted. There’s lots of information about this online but the main thing to be aware of is liquids may only be carried in containers holding 100ml or less with the exception of prescription medicine which you will need to support with documented proof. Put all toiletries in a bag before putting them in your luggage. If there is a possibility of a toiletry leaking, don’t just wedge it down the side of the suitcase amongst the underwear and socks. It’s not only inconvenient for you but it may be held in customs for investigation if there is visible leakage. Always put these potentially troublesome items in a zip lock or food bag.

The same goes for fragile items – wrap them thoroughly. Glass items should be put in a bag (or possibly two) to ensure that if there should be a breakage, there will be minimal leakage. Plus it also means glass fragments will be kept inside the bag rather than peppering the contents of your box.

Pack The Essentials

Don’t take things you could buy at the destination country. I’m talking about books, CDs, DVDs, anything that takes up too much room and could be easily duplicated at your new address. I mean, it’s all iClouds,
Kindles and Spotify these days, so why add unnecessary weight to your shipment? For your own peace of mind, it’s very handy to put all the things you’ll need straight away (such as toiletries, tea and coffee-making facilities, etc.) in one handy box labelled ‘essentials’. That way, you can unpack it and set yourself up immediately. Sometimes it can feel unsettling being in a new place knowing everything you own is in a box – the ‘essentials’ box will help you feel more at home. It’s a psychological thing – plus it means you aren’t opening every single box searching for your toothbrush.

Don’t forget a change of clothes. I sincerely hope this doesn’t happen to you but in the event that your airline loses your luggage, it’s always best to have a change of clothes in your
hand luggage.

There’s plenty more information available online but these are the basics to help take the edge off. Have a safe journey and enjoy your new chapter. You’ll have a ball.

Visit www.sevenseasworldwide.com for all your shipping needs.

DEAL! BBM Readers get 5% Off Shipping from the UK to Australia or reverse with Seven Seas Worldwide

From within Australia call 1300 216 698 and quote code BBM15IP04
From within the UK call 0800 21 66 98 and quote code BBMUK15IP06

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