858 290 5144Moving to Australia from USA? Trust DeWitt’s 98 Years of Experience
Trust the International Experts for Residential & Business Removals
USA to Australia Moving Guide: Start Your Journey Here
Relocating from the United States to Australia spans over 9,000 miles, navigates complex customs and quarantine regulations, and represents a significant life transition. At DeWitt Move Worldwide, we’ve specialized in moving to Australia from USA for decades, bringing our 98 years of transportation expertise to ensure your international journey remains worry-free.
Whether you’re planning a move to the bustling streets of Sydney, the cultural hub of Melbourne, or the sun-soaked shores of Brisbane, our experienced team will manage every aspect of your relocation. As part of The DeWitt Companies family, we leverage our global network and local knowledge to deliver a personalized moving experience that makes crossing the Pacific as simple as moving across town.
Custom Solutions for Stress-Free Australia Moves
A move between Australia and the US means crossing thousands of miles, navigating customs regulations, and preparing for a potential quarantine inspection. (And that doesn’t even cover settling into your new home!)
Trust the international experts at DeWitt Move to help you make a seamless transition. With deep experience in US–Australia removals, our specialists know how to ensure that your personal belongings make the journey safely—and arrive in excellent condition. For moves to Australia, we’ll also give your packing list a careful review to help you avoid any quarantine inspection problems with the Australia Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry.
You’ll enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish, managed by a single point of contact: your DeWitt Move Worldwide expert. We can get you anywhere you want to go in Australia, including:
Sydney
Melbourne
Brisbane
Perth
Adelaide
Perth
Adelaide
Get Your FREE Quote Now
Trust the International Experts for Moving to Australia
Moving 15,000 People Worldwide Every Year
Residential Moves
We handle moves of all sizes, from one-bedroom condos to multi-bedroom estates. Let us tailor a custom solution for you.
Business Moves
Relocating a business? We can move team members, business equipment, inventory, and more between Australia and the US.
Customs Clearance
We’ll help you assemble all the right paperwork for easy, duty-free clearance for your household goods.
Packing/Unpacking Services
Short on time? Looking for maximum convenience? Our crews can handle the heavy lifting and pack your belongings securely.
Secure Storage
Need some extra time to locate the perfect home? Let us store your belongings securely until you’re ready for them.
Why Choose DeWitt Move Worldwide for Your US–Australia Relocation?
Custom Solutions for Stress-Free Moves
Simply tell us what you want to move, and we’ll create a custom solution to get your belongings wherever you’re headed in Australia or the US. Oversized items, musical instruments, artwork, exercise equipment—we can handle it all.
Customs clearance (and quarantine inspections!) made easy.
We’ll help you prepare the documentation you need to clear your household goods duty-free. For moves to Australia, problems during quarantine inspection can cost you time and money, so we’ll also keep a sharp eye out for any items that might raise a red flag.
A dedicated expert who will be with you the whole way.
Your entire US–Australia move will be handled by a single point of contact: your DeWitt Move Worldwide expert. If you have questions, you’ll know exactly who to call.
Your Australia Move Made Simple in 3 Easy Steps
Step 1:
Get Your Free Quote
Provide us with a few details about your move and we’ll respond ASAP with your no-cost, no-obligation free moving quote.
Step 2:
Schedule Your Move
Once you receive your free international moving estimate, we’ll work together to determine which date(s) work best for your move.
Step 3:
Receive Your Custom Moving Plan
Once your move is scheduled, we’ll send you a formalized moving packet and plan so you’ll have everything you need for moving day.
What to Expect When Moving to Australia from USA
Relocating across the Pacific Ocean involves complex logistics, but with DeWitt Move Worldwide managing your journey, you’ll experience the confidence that comes with having a seasoned expert by your side. Our approach to moving to Australia from USA ensures nothing is overlooked.
When you partner with DeWitt, you’ll receive:
- A dedicated relocation specialist who serves as your single point of contact throughout the entire process, from initial consultation to final delivery
- Complete door-to-door service including professional packing, secure transportation, customs clearance, quarantine inspection guidance, and final delivery to your new Australian home
- Personalized guidance on Australian regulations including detailed advice on import restrictions, quarantine requirements, and necessary documentation to prevent costly delays
- Customized shipping solutions tailored to match your specific timeline, budget considerations, and volume of belongings
- Specialized handling for valuable items such as artwork, musical instruments, or family heirlooms requiring extra care
- Access to our established network of trusted partners throughout Australia, ensuring local expertise at your destination
We understand that moving to Australia from USA represents more than just transporting belongings—it’s a significant life transition for you and your family. That’s why our team approaches each international move with the care and attention to detail that has defined The DeWitt Companies for nearly a century. Our commitment is to make your relocation as stress-free and cost-effective as possible, allowing you to focus on the excitement of beginning your new chapter in Australia.
The Australian Lifestyle: Time Zone, Weather, and Seasonal Differences
Relocating to Australia involves adjusting to more than just a new country—you’ll be adapting to a completely different hemisphere with its own rhythms and patterns. Understanding these fundamental differences will help you prepare both mentally and practically for your new life Down Under.
Time Zone Adjustments
Australia operates across three primary time zones, all significantly ahead of the United States. When it’s evening in America, it’s already the next day in Australia:
- Eastern Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane): 14-17 hours ahead of US Eastern Time, depending on daylight saving periods
- Central Australia (Adelaide, Darwin): 13.5-16.5 hours ahead of US Eastern Time
- Western Australia (Perth): 12-15 hours ahead of US Eastern Time
This substantial time difference means you’ll need to plan carefully for communications with family, friends, or business contacts back home. Many Americans in Australia find themselves making calls early in their morning or late in their evening to catch US contacts during their business hours.
Reversed Seasons
Perhaps the most noticeable lifestyle change is experiencing seasons opposite to those in the United States:
When it’s summer in the US (June-August), it’s winter in Australia When Americans are celebrating Christmas in winter, Australians are enjoying beach barbecues and outdoor festivities Back-to-school season occurs in late January/early February rather than August/September
This seasonal flip affects everything from holiday traditions to clothing needs. While Americans are shoveling snow in December, Australians are applying sunscreen. Planning ahead for this reversal helps with packing decisions—you may need to prioritize different clothing than you’d typically use during your move date in the US.
Climate Variations
Australia’s climate spans everything from tropical to temperate zones:
- Northern Australia (Darwin, Cairns): Tropical climate with wet and dry seasons rather than four distinct seasons
- Eastern Seaboard (Sydney, Brisbane): Mild winters and warm summers with more rainfall than many US cities
- Southern Australia (Melbourne, Adelaide): Four distinct seasons with cooler winters
- Western Australia (Perth): Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters
- Central Australia (Alice Springs): Desert climate with extreme temperature variations between day and night
Unlike the US, where air conditioning is standard in many regions, older Australian homes might not have central cooling systems, relying instead on individual units or natural ventilation. Similarly, heating systems differ from American expectations, with many homes using space heaters rather than central heating.
Understanding these fundamental lifestyle differences will help you prepare both mentally and logistically for your new life in Australia. Our DeWitt relocation specialists have helped thousands of Americans successfully adjust to Australian living and can provide additional insights specific to your destination during your moving consultation.
Transportation in Australia: Getting Around Your New Home
Navigating transportation in Australia requires some adjustment for Americans, from driving on the left side of the road to understanding public transit systems that might differ significantly from those in the US.
Driving in Australia
The most immediate challenge for Americans is adapting to driving on the left side of the road. Give yourself time to adjust—practice in quieter areas before tackling busy city streets. Australian roads feature roundabouts more frequently than four-way stops, and speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour (100 km/h equals roughly 62 mph).
Most Americans can drive on their US license for three to six months after arrival, depending on the state or territory. After this period, you’ll need to convert to an Australian driver’s license, which typically requires an eye test, identification verification, and possibly a driving test depending on your state of residence.
Importing or Buying a Vehicle
While DeWitt can help ship your vehicle to Australia, many Americans choose to purchase locally due to strict import regulations and right-hand drive requirements. Imported vehicles must meet Australian Design Rules and emissions standards, which can be costly to modify. Our team can guide you through the vehicle import process if you decide to bring your car.
Public Transportation
Australia’s major cities offer well-developed public transportation systems:
Sydney and Melbourne feature extensive train, tram (Melbourne), and bus networks with contactless payment cards (Opal in Sydney, Myki in Melbourne).
Brisbane operates a bus system complemented by ferries (CityCats) that traverse the Brisbane River.
Perth and Adelaide have growing light rail and bus systems covering most metropolitan areas.
Most cities offer transport apps that provide real-time updates and journey planning, making navigation simpler for newcomers.
Regional Transportation
Outside major cities, transportation options become more limited. Regional train services connect larger towns, while coach services reach more remote areas. For exploring Australia’s vast landscapes, many residents invest in reliable vehicles suited to longer journeys and varying road conditions.
In remote areas, especially in the Northern Territory and Western Australia, distances between towns can be substantial. Always plan road trips carefully, ensuring your vehicle is in a good place and you have adequate supplies.
Whether you’re planning to drive or use public transportation, understanding your options beforehand will help you settle into your new Australian lifestyle with confidence. Our DeWitt relocation specialists can provide additional guidance on transportation considerations specific to your destination city during your moving consultation.
A Century of Moving Experience at Your Service
With nearly a century of transportation experience, DeWitt Move Worldwide stands as a trusted leader in international relocations. As part of The DeWitt Companies—a fifth-generation family-owned operation established in 1927—we bring deep expertise and personalized care to every move between the USA and Australia.
Our journey began with a single truck in Pasadena, California, and has grown into a global network serving more than 100 countries. Since completing our first international relocation in 1958, we’ve developed strong partnerships with the most reliable local moving companies across Australia, ensuring consistent service from departure to arrival.
What truly sets us apart is our unique position within The DeWitt Companies family. This integrated network allows us to leverage extensive resources while maintaining the personalized attention that larger corporations often lack. For your Australia move, this means having access to our worldwide logistics capabilities coupled with the dedicated care of a family-owned business that treats your belongings as if they were our own.
We’re proud of our long-standing relationships with government agencies, including the Department of State and U.S. military, which have trusted us with tens of thousands of relocations worldwide. This experience translates directly to the meticulous planning, attention to detail, and expert handling we bring to every residential and business move to Australia.
At DeWitt Move Worldwide, we don’t just transport your possessions—we help transition your life with the care and expertise that only comes from decades of successful international relocations.
