Hi guys

OK, we are now in the process of self-packing our stuff (only taking personal items and not much bulky household furniture) and could use a little advice from those "in the know" about:-

1. How detailed does my inventory have to be (ie: box 1 - 10 pairs of black socks, 12 pairs of white knickers etc, 2 photo albums from 1989 etc).
2. Do I need to use a specific inventory form or can I type one up myself.
3. Do I need to put an inventory form inside every box or just provide a list to the removals company.
4. We will probably be outside of the country where our belongings will be collected from at the time (currently live in Italy, but will be in the UK when loading is done - goods will be in storage at a friend's house) - will this cause a problem.
5. Have a set of 3 samurai swords - is it best to get rid or can I take them over with me (cost me an arm and a leg and would not like to have to get rid of them - also very good for controlling the kids!!!!! )

Any advice would be gratefully appreciated - I thought moving to Italy from the UK was a nightmare, but now moving from Italy back to the UK and then on to Aus is causing me a massive headache!!!! But hey, will be worth it in the end

Thanks

Fiona

Start here'
http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis
Any thing they might want to check put in, a couple of boxes, and mark with a large "Q" this will help your processing.................mm

We went with Sevenseas and they provided us with the inventory forms. We didn't have to do it too detailed, just generally listed 'photos, clothes, shoes' not specific quantities of each item.
Sevenseas did say to us that any shoes shipped must be clean (no mud) and placed upside down at the very top of each container so if customs want to check them they will be the first things they see when they open the boxes Think some customs bloke has a shoe fetish?