8 things to consider when moving your employees from overseas or interstate. FAQ's

As the Owner and Director of a relocation company specialising in helping individuals and employees move to Australia I am often asked "What are the most important things to consider when moving new or existing employees to or around Australia?" …. so here are my top 8 current FAQ's below:

1. Is it worth bringing all my stuff?

Not everyone wants to move their furniture; it’s important to allow flexibility in a relocation policy and budget for furnished properties, furniture hire or furniture purchase. Don’t forget there are often high-quality second-hand items available on sites such as Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace. (I see too many employers spend 10 - 20k to move 5k worth of old Ikea furniture!)

2. How long should a book my short term accommodation for?

When arriving in a new destination, 4 weeks short term accommodation upon arrival is usually the optimum amount. Any less means time is too tight to secure a rental home, any more means properties may not be advertised yet. If this is the case, the relocate may lack a sense of urgency to make a swift decision as they will want to make the most of their subsidised short-term accommodation. 

3. What are the best suburbs to live?

Everyone’s definition of success and the best place to live is not the same. We each have differing priorities and appetite when it comes to location, commute times, public and private schooling, as well as type/quality/age/size of home and affordability. These factors must be assessed and explored. In saying that, don’t assume Barry in the lunchroom knows the best fit for your new arrival. Please also be aware there is a lot of propaganda on the internet... especially from real estate agents trying to boost certain areas …. so do not believe everything you read!

4. How easy is it to get a house to lease?

Real estate sectors in every part of the world work in vastly different ways. In Australia, Property Managers represent landlords. Even though they have a duty of care to the tenant, they are engaged to advocate and achieve the best outcome for the landlord/owner of the property. In other parts of the world, relocation agents may get a kickback from a Property Manager / property company for bringing them a high-quality tenant. Property Managers might even offer to repaint, relock and carpet entire properties as an incentive, even if it does not require it between. In Australia this does not happen- in Western Australia specifically we have a record residential vacancy percentage of 0.08% which is its’ lowest ever. Therefore, most properties will have multiple competitive applications meaning it’s imperative to not put many demands or requirements on an application. 

5. Do I really need to put all that information in the rental application?

The more information the better! When Landlords are assessing applications it’s important that they see a clear picture of who their potential tenant will be. Family photos, Pet CV’s that include photos, links to a property that has recently been sold or leased, personal written references, employment contracts and bank statements are all things that should be included in an application. These factors are assessed by potential Landlords and Property Managers, in order to see that you will have no problem paying the rent and have a history of looking after a home. 

6. How do I find a job for my Spouse?

Spouse and extended family requirements - many partners will be looking for employment upon arrival to their new location. Their qualifications or experience may not be easily translatable to the new location and they will require support and coaching to enable them secure, fulfilling work. If the spouse is not going to be working, it is vital that support and a social network of local people is provided to help them, and other dependents settle in and enable a sense of purpose and belonging.

7. Where/how should I buy a car?

Car auction houses that have ex government cars are a great cost-effective places to purchase cars. 

8. How much extra luggage can I bring or is there another way?

If you are coming from overseas and need to hotel quarantine, you may want to consider sending luggage separately. Otherwise, all bags will need to be collected at the airport by yourself solely as there is very limited help and support available and they will need to stay in your room with you. Send My Bag service can be useful, the link being https://www.sendmybag.com 

For more information on how to make your relocation positive from the start visit aussieos.com.au