Originally Posted by chris and tracy

Agree that furnished rentals are extremely hard to find

We've been here for about 10 weeks and our stuff has just arrived. The main thing we're finding is how much stuff we now have 2 of as we had to buy items to keep us going until the container arrived (e.g. ironing board, small hifi for music, frying pan, measuring jugs etc etc etc)

It makes sense to bring stuff as so much of it is expensive here (due to dreadful exchange rates which affect everything until you're earning dollars) but be aware that you may end up with duplicates.

Maybe we could set up some kind of 'for sale' board of second hand items for new arrivals - anyone for an ironing board in mint condition that's only been used about 4 times????

Originally Posted by Mazza12

Thanks Chris and Tracy - Would your advice still be to bring as much stuff as possible given how expensive it is there even though you may end up with duplicates of essential items? Where in Oz are you? I might need to take you up on that ironing board offer

Originally Posted by Mazza12

Thanks Chris and Tracy - Would your advice still be to bring as much stuff as possible given how expensive it is there even though you may end up with duplicates of essential items? Where in Oz are you? I might need to take you up on that ironing board offer

Originally Posted by chris and tracy

I'd use the rule that everyone recommends on here - if you haven't used it for 12 months then don't bring it.

There's a gumtree site for each city (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane etc) and they're good for second hand household stuff including furniture and electricals.

We're in Melbourne if you need an ironing board (or a cup of coffee!)

Originally Posted by Seabird

Yep, all washing gear works fine except when it comes to regional DVD players. A good idea to bring UK multi-adapters then you have less plugs to change. Personally I HATE Australian plugs... real pain in the posterior to change.. There are two different size plugs in the shops, make sure you get the right one though.

What you do need to investigate is what you are going to use whilst you're waiting for your stuff to arrive. A few people have suggested that you can get short-term rental. Also worth costing up secondhand machines with a 3-month warranty that you then sell back to the shop, or privately through something like Trading Post...

Just a couple of thoughts

Seabird.

Originally Posted by chris and tracy

Agree that furnished rentals are extremely hard to find

We've been here for about 10 weeks and our stuff has just arrived. The main thing we're finding is how much stuff we now have 2 of as we had to buy items to keep us going until the container arrived (e.g. ironing board, small hifi for music, frying pan, measuring jugs etc etc etc)

It makes sense to bring stuff as so much of it is expensive here (due to dreadful exchange rates which affect everything until you're earning dollars) but be aware that you may end up with duplicates.

Maybe we could set up some kind of 'for sale' board of second hand items for new arrivals - anyone for an ironing board in mint condition that's only been used about 4 times????

Originally Posted by Mazza12

Thanks Seabird - that's really helpful info. I was also holding off replacing my ancient TV but might just go ahead and replace it. I hadn't realised that furnished rentals are less common so your idea about possibly using secondhand whilst waiting for my stuff could be the solution.
Cheers