We're heading out in September on student visas so money will be tight for the next couple of years. I had an idea to stock up on toiletries and laundry stuff whenever I see the brands we use on BOGOF or 3 for 2 in Boots, ASDA, Tesco etc. Thought this might be a good idea while we're earning full wages.

Can these sort of things go in the container in bulk ok? Any reason why customs would say no?

No reason not to put them in your container other than you may have a problem finding storage space for it all when you get here. You can get deals on all that sort of stuff here, too. I buy laundry powder from AusVac - $14.99 for a tub that lasts me nearly 4 months. And I have 2 teenagers and a husband to do laundry for! The stuff is super concentrated, so you only use 1/2 scoop. You can also buy bum-wad on sale here. We buy extra when it's on sale. Shampoo is always on sale, and soap/toothpaste are cheap.

Thanks Dorothy. I might just get a few bits. I didn't see anything on sale if you like when we were on holiday but then again, I didn't exactly go looking for those goods when getting food for the BBQ!

Is there anything that is much cheaper in the UK than in Australia?

I tend to be cautious of the BOGOF deals. Very often the price is inflated such that the deal is not so good after all.

What or where is AusVac?

I did loads of BOGOF offers in Boots before I came out, brought a plastic crate full of bubble bath and stuff, cos I loved the Natural Collection stuff. I'm just using the end of it 5 years on.
Same with a lot of stuff like Flu Plus and Beechams Powders - if there's something that really suits you then bring plenty of it. You may eventally find something here thats just as good, but its great having the familiar brands to use while you get used to shopping here.

Thanks Pollyanna.

It's a vacuum shop but I think they have changed their name to Godfrey's. There's one here in Clarkson at Ocean Keys and a bunch spread out around the state. Link here: http://www.godfreys.com.au/store_loc...p?state=WA#res

Thank you Dorothy

Any time. The laundry powder isn't on the website, but it comes in a tub in a small size, which lasts us months or a large size which would last us a year. It smells of lavendar, which isn't my favourite but is very concentrated and gets whites really nice and white.

Great - just what I need. We use loads of washing powder.

Also fancy a look in the store as we are looking to buy a decent steam cleaner.

Thanks for the link - I now know where to look for their superstores with more choice.

I agree with Polly, if there is something that you particularly like to use, bring plenty with you.