Bit of advice about what to take?

eb9129 · #1 (**permalink**) 18th June 2008, 11:10 AM

Hi

We are soon to be packing up and moving out to sunny Perth. The problem we are having is that we are only planning to stay for about 2 years and so are not sure what to take with us and what to buy out there. Is it really easy to pick things up from yard sales? We are trying to weigh up costs of shipping versus buying stuff out there. A large part of me looks forward to the simple uncluttered life for a couple of years, but are we going to end up spending a fortune on cooking utensils and the likes?

STGO · #2 (**permalink**) 18th June 2008, 02:16 PM

Hi, congrats on your move, its work related i take it?

Even if you are only going for 2 years you will still need to have your effects and equipment with you.

That includes all utensils, entertainment and clothing. How much of your other nicknack's you take, ornaments keepsakes etc will be up to you and your budget.
It would work out cheaper if you only take what you will actually need out there and send it "groupage" rather than taking everything, including furniture, and paying for a whole container, although this depends on a few factors.
Is the company paying for the move? if so take it all!
Are you renting your current house out or do you need to put furniture into storage?
If you do go groupage, remember to keep the amount of stuff shipped to as low a minimum as possible as this method is more expensive per cubic foot than dedicated. On the price of a 20 footer, you need to keep your groupage shipment below 400 cubic feet to be better off financially.
Sorry i cant help with the question of availability for buying stuff out there, i am sure someone will come along and answer soon.

Good luck.

u2downunder · #3 (**permalink**) 18th June 2008, 03:42 PM

Hi there, there are not many Bootsales in OZ and the Garage sales are BAD. Reason being that the Brits are very materialistic and change their decor frequently. The ozzy lifestyle is outdoors as you know and they do not throw out anything, if they do it is rubbish. Look on ebay australia before you leave and get an idea of what is about. Toiletries are expensive, I would stock up on Suncreams ie: Boots Soltan or PIZ buin are the best you can buy. Aussie suncreams are not any good, believe it or not. They do not have a good protection at all. I would also buy any cheap clothes from Primark/Asda/Matalan etc as you will miss the cheap British Shops. Designer is easy to buy but Expensive. Cheap clothes in OZ are Cheeeep. But, it is a much better lifestyle AND AND AND the WEATHER. I hope this helps. I am still trying to get there. I have had my TRA refused so I go for 6 months every year. How did you succeed? Did you use an agency? Elisa

u2downunder · #4 (**permalink**) 18th June 2008, 03:50 PM

Hi again, furniture and especially appliances are really expensive to take. I found it cheaper to buy new in the UK and ship over than to buy from scratch, honestly. British is so cheap at the moment to buy. Fridges are about 2000 Aud. Plasma tvs are aud 4000. Remember that items cannot be Brand new so you will have to unpack new wrapping. I think they have to be a year old. You could always buy 2nd hand here and ship over. You get good money for British stuff in OZ. Car seats are expensive so if you have children take your own. I am queen shopper holic so any questions I could probably help. Elisa

RedRose · #5 (**permalink**) 18th June 2008, 09:36 PM

Hi u2downunder,

we are also arriving to perth in next month from kuwait. I am also confused what to bring. Actually I don't have much things which are 12 months old. So if I buy new items like color printer, LCD TV, LCD Monitor, FRIDGE ETC. how much will be the custom duty?its 100% or pls. let me know.

Can you help to know the price of

20" LCD monitor for computer
42" LCD TV good brand
Washing Machine
Refrigerator
HP Colour printer , scanner, FAX and copier all in one
Mobile Phone

etc..

Regards,

RedRose

eb9129 · #6 (**permalink**) 6th July 2008, 07:07 PM

Thanks for all that. We now have a bit of sorting and pondering to do!

northern mover · #7 (**permalink**) 6th July 2008, 09:52 PM

Hi guys,

We are heading to Adelaide in Oct/ Nov.
Had a reasonable quote of 4k to ship our stuff out from the UK.
Thats furniture, tv's computers, golf clubs etc etc. essentially the contents of a 4 bed house. The rest we will sell; if we can.
Clothes you need to shop around, but tbh, you are better off taking stuff from the uk, or wherever.
Found reasonable furniture in oz, again, you will pay more for "quality"; shop around, there are places that will do deals for multiple purchases.
Didn't know about the sun cream malarky, i'd better stock up.
Good luck with your move