Lockdowns have been imposed in different regions, states, and countries – the uncertainty of being hit by the Covid-19 virus has made it very clear for businesses to close, workplaces in skeletal and WFH setup, and moving from one place to another undeniably inconvenient.
Nonetheless, while some other businesses are still operating because they are tagged as an “essential” component of society, cross-border transactions and hopping can be a headache. All the more, you might be considering moving your residency from one place to another; yes, we get you – moving primarily to a safer place makes us live more comfortably avoiding health threats.
While moving may sound pretty seamless usually, the pandemic made regions create different regulations and precautionary measures, and you must see to it to follow such to ensure protection and convenience for your family and the community as well. While you are now in doubt and questions are circling your head as to what you should do, here’s what you must remember to have that smooth moving in and out of residence process.
Essential Services
While there’s a pandemic going on, it must be taken into account that essential commodities and services are still there to help you out. This includes manufacturing and selling of food, builders, trading and logistics, and also removalists. These areas of business are likely to operate as much as they do before the pandemic, and always exist as they are always necessary.
Yet, when moving a house, local government councils in Australia have deemed removalists as one of the essential services for people. Hence, there’s always a legitimate reason for people to leave and move to a place but must follow precautions and rules whether or not they’re moving interstate or within a state.
Policies per Australian Territory
Sydney and New South Wales
– Moving to a house is a permitted reason to travel and hire a removalist for the job.
– Yet, if you are moving from Sydney/NSW to other states, you must review the destination state’s information and requirements before you move house.
– If moving to Sydney/NSW from other states, some restrictions and requirements need to be submitted before doing so, most especially if you’re moving from a “hot spot”
– It is mandatory to secure your Sydney/NSW proof of residence when moving to another location
– Here’s a guideline of what you can do when moving to Sydney/NSW
Melbourne and Victoria
– it is always necessary to abide by the safety travel rules when moving from and to Melbourne and Victoria
– Nonetheless, both states are lenient for movers, regardless of being vaccinated or not
– Always carry with you your proof of residence in your new home when moving
– Border passes must be secured as well in line with Victoria’s Covid regulation for travelers
Adelaide and South Australia
– Both states require a permit secured by your local government when moving to Adelaide or SA
– When moving to SA, travelers and movers are also required to have the SA border pass to permit entry
– 14-day isolation is mandatory for people moving to SA as a requirement by the Border Control ; other testing and precautionary requirements should also be followed
Brisbane and Queensland
– No requirement for quarantine when moving in and out of both states
– However, a border pass or travel declaration is required and movers must be fully vaccinated as well
– Travelers must also secure a negative Covid test result within 72 hours of moving. Yet, it cannot comply and needs to be hotel quarantined for 14 days which is shouldered by the traveler
– If unvaccinated must follow the guidelines mentioned by their council
Perth and Western Australia
– WA will require an approved border permit when traveling to its territory. All the more, individuals traveling from high risk areas as required to have at least 1 vaccination shot before entry
– Individuals traveling from low-risk states are not required to have quarantine, while travelers from medium-risk areas are required to isolate for 14 days and are still subject to Covid tests
– Yet, removalists are permitted to move household essentials without having a quarantine but are still subject to secure passes when entering
Canberra and Australian Capital Territory
– The ACT government permits individuals to move to the territory and removalists are permitted to deliver goods
– However, if coming from high-risk areas, individuals will move to the territory and be required to get tested and do self-quarantine
Darwin and Northern Territory
– The Darwin region allows movers to their territory in compliance with the restrictions and precautionary measures by their Health Council
– Arrival forms should be filled out upon entry, and NT border passes must be secure beforehand
– While removalists are exempt from 14-day self-isolation but are still subject to the restrictions and precautionary covid practices
– For soon-to-be residents, the residence information must be secured upon entry to the territory
If you’re considering moving to a new house, it’s always necessary to check-in for details of every state when it comes to moving restrictions. Always secure the requirements, check for the regulations imposed by the local government in the place you’re heading to, and be prepared to isolate and do tests to make everyone safe.
While this may be a hassle for some, ensuring safety when moving into a new home either local or interstate must be followed. Undeniably, this seeks to create a better household in an environment that’s new to you, and nevertheless a safer one.
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