Making the move of a lifetime

We know why people choose Australia, the lifestyle is really great and for those who have migrated they know what I am talking about. So if you are at the start of your journey and you are considering a move I will be happy to provide some information along the way. Cost of living, schooling, medical, house prices etc can mostly all be found on google (be careful though there is as much misinformation as there is factual information)

I will over the coming weeks provide answers to questions that we are regularly asked as well as try to give you some idea of the experiences you may have initially and some tips on how myself and others have made Australia our home.

The reality is you will never know if moving is a good move for you until you do it. It isn't a holiday it is a lifestyle change. Even if you have been to Australia on a holiday, living here is different. If you were to move from Scotland to England you would find it would take you time to settle (I know I did that too!) Moving from the UK to Australia will not be easy. Missing family and friends is not the only hurdle you have to navigate. Most people come out knowing no-one and meeting new people and starting friendships can be difficult in the beginning. Here are the three big plus's that I found when I made the move.

You get to start all over and although this can cause some apprehension it is also very exciting. You get to decide who you want to become your close friends.I shouldn't say it but you do become more selective and the great friends you end up with are ones that really connected. It may take you a bit of time or you might find it is the first person you meet but they do become like family. Melbourne has been awarded the friendliest city. Australians in general are a friendly bunch and will go out their way to help you when you first arrive. I have heard so many amazing stories of the kindness of neighbours and work mates who through small acts have made a significant difference to those who have landed with the bare essentials.

If you have children being outdoors and not having to spend money to entertain them made a bit difference to our budget. Weekends involved going to the local park and beach and having a BBQ. No big expense although sunscreen is a must!!!! Many people talk about the relaxed lifestyle but it really is. If you are coming with school age children it will likely be other parents that will become your first friends. If you are coming on your own it can be harder but no matter what hobby you have you can find it in Australia, fishing, cycling, running, sailing, gym, watching or playing sport, quiz nights, book clubs even winter sports if you head to the mountains. Maybe take up a new hobby you always wanted to, this is your fresh start!

The environment, this is an obvious one but the difference it makes to your mood is clear when you get here. It's not just the weather there are so many beautiful spots to see. I am passionate about how beautiful the scenery is in Scotland but in Australia you get to see beautiful spots mostly in the sunshine. We have made numerous trips back and forth from Australia to the UK and the trips that are the most memorable are the ones when the weather was lovely and we got to see a lot more of the incredible country and architecture. People had their heads up and were smiling. The summer when it rained frequently all we saw was the tops of umbrellas and black raincoats, although I did like sitting in front of a fire with a glass of red wine!

So if you are considering a move, here is my number one tip. Plan to stay at least two years. My husband and I decided that we would give it two years and if one of us didn't like it after that we would both go back. We knew we had a good life in the UK so it would have been easy to return but we were both hooked after about 6 month's and we knew we were staying. For some it can take longer. What I can say for sure is most people that have come out through ATC and stayed a year, end up Australian residents and I am so happy they are living their best life and are such a benefit to this great country.