What To Do Before Moving Overseas (And How To Sell Your Car)
Moving overseas is exciting—but it’s easy to underestimate how much there is to do before you take off. Between sorting out your life here and planning for your arrival there, it can get overwhelming fast. This checklist will help you cover the essentials (including how to sell your car quickly if you’re short on time).
May 6, 2024
Finalise Your Passport, Visa, and Travel Essentials
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your departure date. Apply for the right visa early, check vaccination requirements, and gather other documents like your birth certificate, driver's licence, and travel insurance. Keep both digital backups and printed copies of everything.
Handle Your Money and Pay Off What You Owe
Get your finances sorted. Let your bank know you're leaving, set up international banking if needed, and cancel or transfer direct debits. It’s also smart to clear out any loans, especially if you're planning to sell a financed car—more on that below.
Cancel Subscriptions, Utilities, and Redirect Your Mail
From gym memberships and internet plans to electricity and your mobile phone—cancel anything you won’t need. Update your address with Australia Post, Medicare, the ATO, and any services that send physical mail to avoid surprises after you’ve left.
Decide What to Keep, Store or Sell
Moving overseas is the perfect excuse to declutter.
Sell: Furniture, electronics, household goods—use platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree.
Store: Items you want to keep but can’t take with you, like photo albums or important documents.
Take: Essentials you’ll need immediately (think: laptop, chargers, clothes, personal items).
Sell Your Car Before You Leave Australia
If you own a car, you’ll need to decide whether to sell it, store it, or transfer it to someone else.
Most people choose to sell—and it’s a smart move if you won’t be back for a while. But timing matters. Selling privately can take weeks, and you’ll need a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) in Queensland. You’ll also be handling buyer messages, inspections, tyre-kickers, and final paperwork.
If you're short on time or just want it handled for you, We buy cars in Brisbane and offer same-day payment—with no RWC required. You get a fair offer, we handle the paperwork, and you can keep using the car right up until the day you leave.
Got finance owing? No problem—we'll pay it out directly and pay you the difference.
Say Proper Goodbyes
Don’t let your final days get swallowed up by logistics. Make time to see friends and family, visit your favourite spots, and take some photos. It's okay to be a little emotional—it’s a big move!
Moving overseas takes more than packing a suitcase. From selling your car to cancelling your subscriptions, there’s a lot to think about—but ticking off this list will make the journey a lot smoother. And if you need help selling your car quickly in Brisbane before you go, we’ve got you covered.
