FAQs
Answers to the questions we’re asked every day.
Every move is different, but many of the questions we receive are the same. We’ve answered the ones we’re asked most often below. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you.
Browse questions by the type of move to find the information you need.
Moving To & Within Australia
For individuals and families
relocating locally or internationally.
Senior & Downsizing Moves
Helping you or your loved ones transition with care, respect and clarity.
Corporate Relocations
Supporting employees and teams moving from work, from start to settled.
Before You Get Started
What does Claymore Thistle do?
We help individuals, families, older Australians and employees manage the many practical details involved in moving. That might include planning, finding a home or school, downsizing, coordinating the move, unpacking or helping you settle in. You can ask us to manage the whole process or simply help where you need it.
How does the process work?
It starts with a conversation. We’ll ask about your move, what you’ve already organised and where you could use some help. From there, we’ll recommend the services that suit your situation and provide a clear proposal.
Do you arrange removalists?
Yes. We have removalists as part of your relocation and if you have already chosen a removalist, we can liaise with them on your behalf.
Can you help after I move in?
Yes. We can help with unpacking, home set-up, furniture deliveries and assembly, utility connections and arranging local trades or services. The aim is to help you get settled without being left with a house full of boxes and a long list of jobs.
What areas do you service?
We assist clients across Australia, including people moving locally, interstate or from overseas. Get in touch to discuss your destination and the support available in that area.
How do I know which services I need?
You don’t need to have everything worked out before contacting us. We’ll talk through your situation, help identify where support would be useful and explain the options available.
Do you provide packing and unpacking?
Yes, We will carefully pack your belongings before the move, then unpack and organise your new home for you.
How much do your services cost?
Every move is different, so the cost depends on the services you need and how much you’d like us to manage. Once we know more about your move, we’ll provide a clear proposal before any work begins.
Senior & Downsizing Moves
Do you only help people moving into retirement villages or aged care?
Not at all. We help with all kinds of later-life moves, including moving to a smaller home, relocating closer to family, retirement living, assisted living and aged care.
How does a senior relocation work?
We begin by getting to know you, where you’re moving and how much help you would like. We then make a plan covering the parts you need support with, from sorting and packing to moving day and setting up your new home.
When should we begin planning?
The earlier, the better, especially if there’s a whole home to sort through or prepare for sale. Starting early gives everyone more time to make decisions without feeling rushed. We can also step in when a move needs to happen quickly.
Can you help us decide what to keep when downsizing?
Yes. We can work through your belongings with you, taking into account the space in your new home and the things you use, value and want around you. These decisions are always made with you and at a pace that feels manageable.
What happens to the belongings we no longer need?
We can arrange for items to be given to family, donated, stored or responsibly disposed of, depending on what you would prefer. We don’t sell items ourselves, but we can talk through the options available.
Can you help arrange storage?
Yes. If there are things you’re not ready to part with or won’t have room for, we can provide suitable storage options and coordinate getting everything there.
What if Mum or Dad isn’t ready to move?
We understand that leaving a long-term home can be difficult. We won’t pressure anyone or rush important decisions. We’ll listen, explain what’s involved and work at a comfortable pace wherever the timeframe allows.
I live interstate or overseas. Can you manage my parent’s move?
Yes. We can be your local point of contact, coordinate the services involved and keep you updated along the way. You can remain part of the process even when you can’t be there in person.
Can family members be involved?
Of course. We can include nominated family members in the planning and provide updates along the way, while keeping the person who is moving at the centre of the decisions.
Can you liaise with the retirement village or aged care residence?
Yes. We can confirm move-in dates, access arrangements, room measurements and any requirements set by the residence, then coordinate those details with the removalist and other providers.
Can you set up the new home?
Yes. We can unpack, make beds, organise the kitchen and wardrobes, arrange furniture and place familiar items around the home. We can also coordinate jobs such as picture hanging, television installation and furniture assembly.
How much does a senior or downsizing move cost?
It depends on the size of the home, the work involved and how much you’d like us to manage. Once we understand the move, we’ll provide a proposal based on the support you need.
Moving To & Within Australia
Can you help if I’m moving to Australia from overseas?
Yes. We can help you prepare before you arrive and get settled once you’re here. This might include choosing an area, finding a home, researching schools, attending inspections and arranging the practical details for your arrival, such as unpacking and setting up utilities.
Can you help with an interstate move?
Yes. We can help you learn more about your new area, find a new home, pack you up, move you and unpack you when you arrive.
Can you help us choose where to live?
Yes. We’ll help you compare suburbs based on your work location, commute, schools, transport, lifestyle and the kind of community you’re looking for. Our recommendations are based on your priorities rather than a generic list of popular suburbs.
Can you help me find a rental property?
Yes. We can search for suitable rental properties, prepare a shortlist, attend inspections and help you through the application process.
Can you attend rental inspections for me?
Yes. If you can’t be there yourself, we can inspect shortlisted properties and provide photos, videos and honest feedback about the home and its surroundings.
Can you guarantee that my rental application will be approved?
No. The final decision always rests with the property owner or manager. We can help you prepare the required information and keep the process organised, but we can’t guarantee an approval.
Can you help us compare schools?
Yes. We can research schools based on your children’s ages, educational needs and the areas you’re considering. We can also help with enquiries, appointments and enrolment information.
Can you help before we arrive?
Yes. A lot can be organised remotely, including suburb and school research, rental searches, property inspections, removalist coordination and setting up essential services.
What does settling-in support include?
It depends on what you need, but it may include orientation tours, utility connections, furniture deliveries, home set-up and help finding useful local services. If you’re arriving from overseas, we can also help you work through practical tasks such as opening a bank account and applying for a Tax File Number.
Can you arrange an orientation tour?
Yes. We’ll tailor the tour to what you need to see, which might include suitable suburbs, schools, shops, public transport, medical facilities and the commute to work.
Do you provide visa or immigration advice?
No. Visa and immigration advice must come from a suitably qualified professional. If you need specialist help, we can point you towards the right type of provider.
How early should I contact you?
As soon as you start thinking about your move! The earlier we can talk to you the earlier we can start planning things like shipping goods and pets which may require long lead times. If timeframes are short we can still help with those last minute moves too!
Corporate Relocations
What does a corporate relocation service include?
It can include area orientation, rental home searches, property inspections, school research, move coordination and settling-in support. We tailor the service around the employee, their family and the company’s relocation policy.
Do you work with employers or directly with employees?
Both. An employer or HR team may engage us as part of a relocation package, or an employee can contact us directly if they’re arranging their own move.
Can you tailor the service to our company’s relocation policy?
Yes. We’ll work within the employee’s entitlements, approved budget and timeframe, with a clear scope agreed from the beginning.
Can you help employees moving from overseas?
Yes. We can help employees prepare for their arrival, find a home, understand their new area and organise the practical details involved in settling in. We don’t provide visa or immigration advice.
Can you help an employee find a rental property?
Yes. We can search for suitable rentals, prepare a shortlist, attend inspections and help with the application process. Rental approval remains with the property owner or manager.
Do you provide school-search support?
Yes. We can research suitable schools based on the children’s needs and the areas the family is considering. We can also help with enquiries, appointments and enrolment information.
Can you arrange orientation tours?
Yes. Tours can cover suitable suburbs, commute routes, schools, transport, shopping, healthcare and other local services that will help the employee and their family get to know the area.
What settling-in assistance do you provide?
We can coordinate utility connections, furniture deliveries, home set-up and useful local services. For employees arriving from overseas, we can also provide practical help with bank accounts and Tax File Number applications.
Can you coordinate the physical move?
Yes. We can liaise with removalists and other suppliers, confirm schedules and keep the different parts of the move organised. The level of support will depend on the employee’s relocation package.
Can employees choose only the services they need?
Yes. Services can be booked individually or combined into a more complete relocation package, depending on the employee’s needs and the support approved by their employer.
How are HR teams kept updated?
We’ll agree on the preferred communication and reporting process at the start. HR can receive progress updates, while the employee has a dedicated person to contact with day-to-day questions.
Can you manage relocations for several employees?
Yes. We can help with a single appointment or provide ongoing support for multiple employees. Each relocation is managed consistently while still being tailored to the employee and their family.
Let’s make your move feel manageable.
Whether you’re relocating across Australia or arriving from overseas, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Do you need a little more support right now?
Explore our blogs and free resources, created to help you feel informed, prepared and ready for your move, with practical advice, useful tools and support for each stage of the journey.
UK to Australia Moving Timeline
PDF Guide
A step-by-step timeline to help you plan your move from the UK to Australia.
Rental Application Checklist
Checklist
Everything you need to prepare a strong rental application in Australia.
Downsizing Checklist
Checklist
