10 Tips on Moving to Australia: Packing and Buying Winter Essentials Part 1

05/24/2013 by lezgomelbourne 3 Comments

Brrr! Autumn is the season where you start piling one layer of clothing after another. It is also the season where you have to wrestle yourself out of bed every morning. And now that it is almost winter, it only gets colder and harder to wake up and leave the comfort of those warm blankets.

If you’re moving to Melbourne or Australia during this time, and if you’re not used to cool temperatures like that of Baguio and Tagaytay, then you must prepare yourself and pack some of these items with you. Sure, you can find and buy these items when you get here. It won’t be a problem if you have a budget allotted for winter clothing.

But then again, with temperatures of 7C – 17C, can you brave the cold with barely anything to keep you warm? Besides, you can buy all of these back home at much cheaper prices.

1. Beanies
In the Philippines, we call these bonnets although that may not be accurate. Anyway, bring some with you, especially when you are prone to getting headaches from being exposed to cold weather.

2. Gloves
As I am typing this, my fingers are feeling numb from the cold. If you’re like me whose hands turn to ice whenever the temperature drops, then bring a pair or two. You might want to buy a full finger glove and a half finger glove. Half finger gloves expose the tips of your finger so you can easily text or sms someone on your touch screen smart phone.

3. Scarves
It’s not just a fashion statement; you can keep warm with a simple scarf wrapped around your neck on a cool, windy, winter night.

4. Thermal undergarments
If you like to keep warm without putting on thick layers of clothing, bring thermal undergarments with you. I did because I don’t have any idea how cold autumns or winters can be. Others will tell you it is not necessary, but a pair is okay. I think it will help you adjust to the cool temperature better.

5. Umbrella
It sometimes rains in Melbourne; it doesn’t matter if it’s summer or autumn. You have to have a sturdy and reliable umbrella with you, especially if you don’t want to get soaked in freezing water.

Umbrellas here aren’t cheap and the cheap ones end up in the trash really quickly. So buy a really good umbrella and bring it with you. I’m not telling you to buy golf umbrellas since you won’t be able to put that in your luggage. Just buy a really good one, one that can withstand strong winds. It can be windy here so cheap umbrellas don’t last long.

6. Coats or Jackets
There are many kinds of coats or jackets that you can buy, but what you should be bringing with you is one that is thick enough to keep you warm. There are puffy jackets or vests that you can buy and bring with you. If that is not your style, you can buy a cape, a parka or any coat made of fleece or wool. There are also jackets that are thermal lined so you can keep warm without wearing too many layers.

7. Sweaters & Cardigans
You don’t have to bring a ton with you, just bring one or two so you can layer your clothes. Sometimes, when you attend dinners or parties, it can be too warm to wear a jacket indoors. You have to leave your jacket at the cloakroom, but still keep warm wearing your sweater or cardigan.

8. Boots
If you want to keep your feet and legs warm, then you have to wear boots. But I suggest you invest in a pair that you can wear to work or wear for hours on end. Let’s be practical here. You will do a lot of walking, so invest in a pair that won’t torture your poor feet.

You can buy a good pair of leather boots in the Philippines or you can buy them here for anywhere between $150 – $200. It’s your call. And while you may be able to find $10-$30 boots from big department stores, I don’t think it will be real leather. So, invest wisely.

9. Tights
Tights or leggings help keep you warm. I don’t know how or why but it acts like a second skin for me. So yes, you can wear your dress and keep warm by pairing it with tights or leggings.

10. Facial moisturiser
It doesn’t matter if it is summer or winter; I find my skin drying up like the dessert. There is very little humidity here so you have to keep your face and body moisturised. Buy some facial moisturisers to take with you and remember to choose one with a good SPF. Australia is near the hole or tear in the ozone layer, so you have to protect your skin.

On my next post, I’ll be making a list of items that you can buy to make you home more warm and cosy this winter. If you have other suggestions or questions, please feel free to comment.

 

 

Disclaimer: LezGoMelbourne is not paid by nor affiliated with any of the companies, shops, or brands mentioned above (if any). These are LezGoMelbourne’s personal opinions with no intention to cause or do any harm. These tips/guides are not to be taken as fact or absolute. Please consult with a professional for your own counsel.