Family of 3

I'm living in Singapore, moving to Perth at the end of the year.

I'm going back to the UK on holiday next week and have been buying stuff on ebay. I've been researching cost of sending boxes to Singapore, and Seven Seas charges GBP85 for the first box then GBP35 for any extra boxes.

So since each extra box is only GBP35, what is it worth buying there?

I think I'll be buying lamps and rugs (as the ones I like are cheaper in the UK). What else should I put in? I think I saw that all-seasons duvets are more expensive there, so would they be GBP35 more expensive (assuming each one fills a box). I'm thinking primarily of homewares but other suggestions too. It's sea freight, so each box can hold up to 30kg.

Not bothered about stocking up with bisto as can buy that in Singapore!

Pollyana

Get duvets - and covers - as they are not just cheaper, but you can get better quality, heavier duvets, and you do need those for the winter

Beedubya

Light fittings are way cheaper in the UK than here. I bought a few of those trendy chandelier types from Argos and they are at least 4 times the price here. All kinds of homeware I found to be cheaper over there, inc. electrical appliances like kettles and toasters etc.

I would go online to find a big Australian department store catalogue and compare prices. Try Myer or Domayne.

Unfortunately you can't bring in most food or I would say get a month's worth of groceries!

Beedubya

Oh yes Pollyanna and WAY more variety with the duvet covers........I am so sorry now I didn't buy more bedding or Manchester as they say here.

JenniGee

I've seen lots of people mention that books are really expensive, so if you are a reader, or like to give books as presents, hit the charity shops for books coz I'm pretty sure someone will welcome them in Oz

Amazulu

Tools, power tools, hardware, fixings etc - all necessary for most homes and a lot cheaper in the UK - especially if bought online on sites like Screwfix.

moneypenny20

Surely it depends on how big the box is.

Beedubya

They'll be ordering more boxes now.

PamE

Marmite! I can only find the very smallest jar here and it costs $8 from a specialist food shop. Have had to force myself to eat Vegemite instead! But I guess your need depends on if you love it or hate it

Beedubya

I saw Marmite at Coles last night but have no idea of how much it is. Have a good scout around your local Coles and there should be a little UK section. Marmite, Ambrosia Creamed Rice, Colmans Mint Sauce, Mushy Peas in tins, Tunnocks wafers, Homepride Cook in sauces..............

PamE

Oh! Can this be true?!! When we got here I was assured that the speciality shop was the only source. I do make a special trip to Coles every month or so for Hellmans, I will have a good look for marmite next time I go, and if I can't find it I'll ask. Cheers!

Beedubya

Every Coles I have ever been in has a little UK section, not always easy to find so go up the aisles SLOWLY! I have heard where the Brit population is bigger the section is bigger also as would befit the profits, etc. I imagine that Bondi Coles if they even have one would be ginormous LOL!!

At Corrimal Coles (NSW) the Brit population would not be that big but all the above foods are there, just a few more I thought of Colmans English Mustard, Picallilli, Heinz Beetroot and Red Cabbage in jars, Yorkshire pudding mix, tinned Ambrosia custard..........

Sushimania

Didn't realized I can pack Marmite to Australia. I thought the custom is extremely strict.

PamE

I do feel daft pining after my marmite when it may well have been there waiting for me all along and I didn't know about it I don't think there is a much of a British expat community here so I'm not holding out for an extra extra special dedicated Coles section, however, I will report back!

I think you would need to declare it but so long as it's sealed it would be ok.

verystormy

As someone who arrived with almost nothing other than personal effects shipped in boxes i would say bring as much as possible. Everything is more expensive and the quality not great. I am not into fashion at all, but my wife would say bring cloths as she finds cloths shopping here dull.