GunnersCandy

Some of our furniture is ready to be replaced for example sofa, dining table etc with everyone saying how expensive things are to buy in Perth, do you think it's worth buying new here as you can get great deals on furniture over here and shipping over or just buy new when we get there?

Thanks

lesleys

IMHO wait until you get here and assess what you really want. Houses have different proportions. Beds and bedding sizes are different. I don't think it's all more expensive than the UK if you look around and use the sales - just never pay full price. You can buy outdoor furniture to use indoors to start then get proper indoor stuff when you know what is available and where to get it.

dave99

I would say throw it, unless theres anything antique or very expensive.

As for the prices here, its all about what you want really. I bought a sofa a couple of months ago from ikea for $130. Sure its not fantastic but it does the job and with a nice throw and cushions it looks good.
You can spend a fortune on furniture here if you wanted to or you could do it incredibly cheaply from ikea, good sammy, or gumtree.

So really unless you have something truely special, I would recomend giving it away to family

kirstyp

Hi!
There is definately pro's and con's on either side, check out this thread http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=786660 discussing both sides of teh coin.

However, one thing to consider if you're buying new here regarding the implications for duty free import - strictly speaking household goods are allowed duty free entry if they have been owned and used for over 12 months.

GunnersCandy

Ok thanks will have a look.

I would take the original packaging off so they wouldn't know how old furniture is but thanks for pointing it out.

GunnersCandy

Ok will definitely want brand new, is there much choice in furniture stores?

carolinephillips

Be prepared for weird tastes- I like to go to Nick Scali and laugh at the vile lime green/purple furniture!

GunnersCandy

i guess i should count my self lucky then as they don't have a store in WA

lesleys

Let Google be your friend.
Most major chains are in Perth. They each have their own character and price range. Apart from IKEA don't pay the full price. Either wait for sales or be prepared to bargain. Discount for cash, discount for buying more than one item, discount for floor stock or anything else you can think of. We're old enough to ask for seniors' discount and it usually means 10-12% off. Same with large electrical items. And then there is price matching - do your homework and know competitor's prices.

brits1

If it were me and I was taking a container anyway then I would buy in the UK, we found there is more choice, better quality and a better price then we could buy in Perth. If you need new beds though I would buy them in Aus just for the convenience etc. Good luck with the move.

Alfresco

Weigh up the cost of shipping (and keeping the old stuff) as apposed to buying new stuff that will probably fit in better in your new accommodation.

I personally (unless shipping everything) would ditch or sell it there and buy new over here.

carolinephillips

Mattresses are horrendously expensive out here - I brought our beds with us, and got extra sheets. The sizes here are different- a Queen bed here is a king size in the UK, and a king here means the bed is so wide you can't touch your partner! Also bring white goods - if yours are nearly new. Ditch them if they are over 5 years old.

If your sofa is old, then get rid of it, but don't buy a new one in the UK. Our furniture filled the rooms in the UK, but here, it looks far too small. However it is Multiyork and Ducal- too good to discard, and we don't have the cash to replace it.

GunnersCandy

ok so pretty much the same as over here with regards to shopping around and internet etc good to know that you can haggle! I'm very good at that lol

GunnersCandy

That's what I was thinking,you can get really nice and very good quality sofas these days for a good price in the UK.

GunnersCandy

Yes good idea I'm going to see what we are definitely taking then see if a container is required and if so how much space we would have left.
I definitely don't fancy the idea of sharing a container.