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Australia to USA relocation guide

Complete moving checklist
for Australians.

Everything you need to do before, during and after your move from Australia to the United States — organised week by week from 12 weeks out to arrival. Built specifically for Australians, covering ATO, Medicare, Centrelink, E-3 visas, CBP customs and more.

36
Tasks across 6 phases
12 weeks
Recommended lead time
AU-specific
ATO · Medicare · E-3 visa · CBP
How to use this checklist

Your 12-week plan, step by step.

Work through each phase in order. Most tasks in the 12-week and 10-week phases are about paperwork and bookings — these take longer than people expect. The closer you get to departure, the more physical the work becomes. Don't compress the early phases.

For questions about the shipping, customs and delivery tasks specifically, speak with your Nuss move manager — they can advise on timing for your particular destination city and departure port.

01
12 weeks out

Research, survey & book

Book your Nuss in-home survey
A move manager scopes volume, access, timelines and gives you a fixed written quote covering pack, freight, customs and US delivery.
Shortlist and confirm your US destination city
Your port of arrival, freight transit time and inland delivery cost all vary by destination. Confirm your city before finalising the quote.
Check your passport validity
US entry requires a passport valid for the duration of your stay. Renew now if it expires within 12 months of departure.
Start your visa application
The E-3 visa (Australia only) is the most common pathway for professional workers. L-1, O-1 and EB visas apply in other circumstances. Your employer's US immigration counsel typically leads this.
Notify your Australian employer (if leaving)
Most Australian employment contracts require 4 weeks notice; senior roles often 3 months. Check your contract.
Research Australian school year vs US calendar
Australian schools run February–December; most US schools run September–June. Factor this into your departure date to minimise disruption.
02
10 weeks out

Financial & government admin

Engage a US-qualified tax accountant
The US taxes on worldwide income for residents. Set up correctly before your first US payroll. Dual-qualified AU/US accountants are common in Sydney.
Notify the ATO of your departure
File a tax return covering your Australian income for the year and update your residency status. This affects your tax withholding rates on remaining Australian investments.
Review your superannuation
You cannot access super early simply by moving overseas. Speak with a super fund adviser about consolidating funds and what happens to contributions while abroad.
Arrange US bank account before arrival
Wise, Citibank and HSBC offer pre-arrival account setup for international relocatees. Having a US account live before you land avoids cash-flow issues in week one.
Apply for a US Social Security Number (if eligible)
SSN applications are made in person in the US after arrival. You cannot get one before you land. Note the requirement and plan to apply in your first week.
Check your Australian private health insurance
Confirm cancellation terms. US health insurance must be in place before your first day of work — typically arranged through your employer's HR team.
03
8 weeks out

Shipping & customs preparation

Confirm your Nuss shipment booking
Container sailings from Sydney to the US depart roughly every 2 weeks. Confirm your pack date, container loading date and vessel departure to secure your slot.
Arrange marine transit insurance
Your Nuss quote will include an insurance option. Ensure coverage is confirmed before pack day — most household and contents policies do not cover goods in transit internationally.
Start building your CBP 3299 inventory list
US Customs (CBP) requires a detailed list of every item you are importing as used personal effects. Nuss provides a template — start building it room by room now.
Check US import restrictions
Certain foods, plant products, animal skins, certain firearms accessories and prescription medications have restrictions at US Customs. Review the CBP prohibited items list and consult your move manager.
Gather vehicle import documents (if shipping a car)
You will need the original title, proof of ownership, EPA/DOT compliance paperwork and a Customs bond. Nuss coordinates this — provide documents at this stage.
Confirm your US delivery address
Goods cannot clear CBP without a confirmed US delivery address. If you don't yet have a lease, Nuss can arrange US storage while you confirm accommodation.
04
6 weeks out

Property, school & services

Give notice on your Australian rental or list property for sale
Most Australian residential tenancy agreements require 14–28 days notice. Owner-occupied properties can take 60–90 days to settle.
Enrol children in US school
Public school enrolment requires a US address. For independent schools, many have application deadlines months in advance — contact admissions as soon as you have your suburb confirmed.
Cull, donate or sell items not going to the US
Every cubic metre you don't ship saves money and space. Nuss provides a room-by-room culling guide. Marketplace, Gumtree and local charities handle the rest.
Redirect your Australian mail
Australia Post mail redirection takes 5 business days to activate. Set up for 12 months minimum.
Update address with key Australian institutions
ATO, Medicare, superannuation funds, banks, insurers, electoral roll (update to overseas status), ASIC (if a director).
Arrange Centrelink notification (if applicable)
If you receive any Centrelink payments, notify Services Australia of your departure. Continued receipt of payments while living overseas without notification is a compliance issue.
05
4 weeks out

Sorting, packing & pre-departure

Confirm pack dates with Nuss and arrange access
Nuss crews typically need 1–3 days for a full house export pack. Confirm building access, parking for the truck and whether lifts require booking.
Set aside 'do not pack' items
Clearly label items you need until the day of departure — toiletries, computers, passports, school uniforms, suitcases. Nuss will not pack items you have set aside.
Photograph high-value items before packing
For insurance purposes, photograph art, jewellery, antiques and electronics before they are wrapped. Store photos in cloud backup.
Cancel or transfer Australian utilities
Electricity, gas, internet, council rates, water. Most utilities allow cancellation with 5 business days notice.
Collect all prescription medications and Australian prescriptions
US pharmacies do not honour Australian prescriptions. Get a 3-month supply and a letter from your GP explaining the medications. Customs allows personal-use quantities.
Book airport transfers and arrange travel to the US
If your household goods shipped 2 weeks ago, your container will arrive at the US port approximately 1–2 weeks after you land (depending on the sailing). Plan temporary accommodation accordingly.
06
Arrival week

First week in the USA

Apply for Social Security Number
Visit your local SSA office in person. Bring your passport, visa and I-94 arrival record (downloadable from the CBP website). Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
Obtain a US driver's licence
Australian licences are typically valid for 10–30 days after establishing residency, depending on the state. Visit your state's DMV — written test, vision check and road test required.
Activate US bank account and transfer funds
Wire transfer from your Australian bank to your pre-arranged US account. Be aware of ATO reporting requirements for amounts over AUD $10,000 leaving Australia.
Enrol children in school
Bring proof of address, immunisation records (translated to English and often requiring additional US vaccinations — check with the school), and birth certificates.
Register with the Australian Consulate or Embassy
Register at smartraveller.gov.au so DFAT can contact you in an emergency. Not mandatory but strongly recommended.
Track your Nuss shipment
Your Nuss move manager provides tracking updates. Allow 7–14 days from vessel arrival at the US port for CBP clearance and delivery scheduling.
Ready to get started?

Book your in-home survey.

The first item on every checklist is the Nuss in-home survey — a no-obligation conversation with a move manager who has done this route dozens of times. Fixed written quote. No surprises.

Get a Free Quote (02) 9425 4600
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