Originally Posted by Oz-bound

We used PSS Removals and shipped 6 boxes (after a bad estimate of 4)!!! Ask for plenty of boxes to be delivered as providing you give any unrequired ones back unmade you only pay for what you ship.

PSS were great and our stuff arrived in perfect condition, clean, fresh and no mould - clothes didn't even need washing or ironing which was a total shock as was in storage for 2 months before shipping!

Everything arrived 1.5 weeks after ship docked and quarantine/customes fee was $28.

Best tips I can give is;

* Keep the inventory simple (just list i.e. ladies clothes, books, CDs - not war an peace!)
* Wash all shoes and state that they're washed clearly on the inventory
* Don't pack anything in plastic bags as it encourages mould

We also didn't bother with insurance as basically when you look into it, it doesn't cover you for much at all!

Originally Posted by wiltsgurl

Wow, we havent even got the house on the market yet (planning to end of Feb) and I am already thinking about packing a few bits up.

My plan of action is, empty the garage, start boxing, labelling and storing it all in the garage, live with the bare minimum, so when the time DOES come to ship over, I've got no worries about last minute packing and deciding what I want and dont want as I am the sort of person to totally stress over the littlest of things.

ONe or two other questions, we are planning to take some electrical items with us ie tv, pc. laptop etc, and also I want to take my leather sofa with us. The problem is on the list of prohibited items into Australia I notice "skins" is on there. TEchnically, a leather sofa is skin sooooooo does this mean I cant take it? or any advice on where to look to ask if I CAN?

one more question - suggestions on a good shipping company would be most grateful

Originally Posted by Professional Princess

Did you wrap your shoes in anything or just clean them and put them in the box/tea chest?

We are cleaning our shoes this week although I am looking to stuff loads in my case.

Originally Posted by Oz-bound

Just put them in the boxes! In fact had a whole box and a half dedicated to shoes

Good luck with the packing, brings back memories

Originally Posted by fin

you know, I was supposed to be packing yesterday and I didn't do a thing!! So today I desperately have to get some things done!!

With the shoes, do you have to wash them if they look clean? My husband has some suede type adidas trainers that are marked on the edges, not dirt or anything. Should I try and get the marks off of the edges then? I'm in a panic now about the shoes!!

I don't even know who we're going to use for shipping yet!!

Oz-bound - do you mind if I ask how much your 6 boxes were to ship??

Originally Posted by fin

Hi!


I have a question to those of you who only shipped a few boxes over and packed them yourselves..

Did you have to write an inventry of everything that goes into each box? Anything else we should be doing?

Thanks in advance!

Originally Posted by Wheeler-Jones

Hey Fin
You don't have to be too specific for customs - could be something like, clothes, DVD's, linen, as opposed to 12 pairs socks, 12 shirts, 10 DVD's etc, (but that might be good for you at the other end if you are looking for something.)

Identify shoes - AQIS likes to check these. Anything that could have come in contact with dirt.

Make sure you don't pack your passport - it has been known to have happened

Originally Posted by Professional Princess

You have to sellotape a clear head and shoulders photograph of yourself on each box, stating your vital stats and weight etc.

You must do this or your boxes will be returned to the address of sender in the UK.

Customs need to know your height, weight, measurements and a clear colour photo - it is vital.























Only joking!

Originally Posted by fin

When I read the first bit I was like, a picture!! They want a picture!? and then when I continued to read I realised it was a wind up Nice one!

but ermm anyone have any serious answers for me?

Originally Posted by fin

Thanks!

Are there special forms you have to fill in, or is all that supplied by the removalists??

How did you all mark your boxes? (as in name/address etc)

Originally Posted by Oz-bound

The shipping company give you all the forms. The boxes we got had a space on for all your details and they give you a shipping reference number which you put on boxes and paperwork (keep it safe as you use this for tracking purposes too).

Originally Posted by Wheeler-Jones

Not sure if this link works - http://uk911sharepoint/Allied%20Pick...stoms_Form.pdf

But you will be advised by your removal company when to complete. I usually suggest to wait until you are in Oz, unless you are going to have someone else receive the stuff while you are not there (you can nominate someone to clear on your behalf - ie to accept delivery/answer questions/pay AQSI charges).

The removal company will label the boxes (usually fluro labels) but nothing to stop you marking them too - boxes do go missing on occasion so the more info the better I say.

Originally Posted by Professional Princess

Well my silica gel packs arrived yesterday and I only ordered them on Monday, Ive got 50 sachets for a few quid, now I can suck the air out of my clothes and get them vacuum packed.