[sojournerpaul]

Hi All

We just got our stuff from the US. One of the most difficult things to research was moving companies, so I thought I would share my experience.

Of the companies we had in to do estimates, we had a good feeling about both Raineir and Southern winds. From Houston (leaving Jan of 12) the cost was about 12k for a 40ft container and more for insurance and quarantine.

We went with Rainier. International movers are basically like general contractors, and they used three subcontractors: The mover that will do your packing at departure, the container shipper and the destination mover. Our departure company was Atlantic Relocations and in Sydney was Chess moving company.

Our things arrived with very few broken items, fortunately. Chess did a great job and Atlantic a very good one. Rainier could have been a bit better with communications, but we are very happy with the end result. (Well, moving is always a pain, but it went about as well as it could have).

We are at the northern beaches in Sydney. If anyone in a similar position of moving soon needs some guidance, please let me know and I will do what I can.

 

[Texas2Aus]

My husband and I are considering moving to Australia from the US. I noticed that you also moved from the US and we are having trouble finding forums and info from US to Australia. The moving advice was helpful. Do you have any other advice such as cost of living, lifestyle etc that might be helpful? How has your experience been? Positives? Negatives?

 

[sojournerpaul]

Other factors

My husband and I are considering moving to Australia from the US. I noticed that you also moved from the US and we are having trouble finding forums and info from US to Australia. The moving advice was helpful. Do you have any other advice such as cost of living, lifestyle etc that might be helpful? How has your experience been? Positives? Negatives?

Hi,

Everything has positives and negatives.

The positives from my point of view are:
The culture matches my own better than any other place I have been. There is much to say about this, but you maybe have been here and you know how it works for you. For me, it has been a primary draw.
The natural environment is wonderful in many parts. It is really easy to be outside. There are many physically stunning areas. I personally like the climate between Sydney and Brisbane, but some like Melbourne better. I dont know about Perth. Depends on your priorities. I find it a healthy place to live.


Negatives - The cost of living is high, especially as a transition from TX which has cheaper houing than the rest of the US. Housing food and vehicles are definitely more expensive, but if you enjoy being outside, entertainment is cheap!
Moving is a real pain and getting things set up takes time.

In the end, I am very grateful to be here. It was the right choice for us.

Does that help?