Complete Guide to Shipping Your Car from Australia to New Zealand

The world is a much smaller place these days and taking up residence overseas is relatively common. A change of lifestyle, education, a new relationship or a fantastic job opportunity can mean packing up your life and moving it thousands of kilometres.

Here are our top tips for common sense, stress-free (or at least stress-reduced) international moving.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

You can never start preparing for a big move too early.  There can be delays due to different laws and regulations in your destination country - so the more time you give yourself, the better off you will be.  Once you start writing down what needs to be done it can seem quite overwhelming. But by working through the list and breaking the tasks down into ‘3 months, 2 months, 1 week before move’ lots, you will begin to feel on top of things again. 

Donate. Sell. Bin.

Time to be ruthless.  Sell what is worth selling, donate the rest and bin anything you’ve been hanging on to but can’t remember why!  Google ‘packing tips’ for fragile items such as mirrors, art and glassware.

Use Shipping Experts

McCullough Shipping can ship your car, campervan, heavy machinery, even your boat from one country to another.   This will be one of the easiest parts of your move. Simply fill out the online quoting form and McCullough takes care on the rest. We handle all customs and shipping (including insurance) and guarantee your vehicle professionally packed.

Talk to us about recommendations for household movers too.  With over 25 years of shipping experience, we’ve been ‘around the block’ and can steer you in the right direction, making sure your worldly goods are in the hands of a reputable, professional moving company. 

Organise the Legal Stuff

Visas, travel insurance, new passports, think of it as an overseas holiday – just longer.  There will be a new bank account to open, medical records to take, pet transportation, selling or renting your property, cancelling policies.  Quite a list of things to do!

Make sure you have copies of all your important documents in case the unexpected happens.  If you’re moving to work your new employer may be able to advise on areas to live, schools etc so it can start to feel like home.  

Moving overseas is an exciting adventure, but one which needs lots of organisation and time. Most importantly, ask for help or advice when you need it – and don’t forget to throw a Bon Voyage party!