Originally Posted by chris955

Those people that actually know us will know that we plan on moving back to the UK sometime in the first half of this year, originally it was going to be just before Christmas but things being the way they are everything always takes twice or 3 times as long as it was going to originally but everything is still more or less on track.
The dog has had his rabies shot and passed the antibodies test, a couple of dogs done at the same time failed so had to go through it again.
The house is painted inside and out which is amazing as I hate painting.
All our animals have been sold which was probably the hardest thing I have ever done but needs must.
Just about everything that isnt nailed down is packed and ready to go, the shippers have been lined up and now we just wait for the house to sell, it goes on the market finally early next week.
I have recreated the dimensions of a 20 foot shipping container in one half of our garage so we know roughly what we are able to take and what will need to be left behind, luckily at this stage it looks like just a few pieces of tired old furniture will need to be sacrificed.
There are lots of things we will miss about Australia as there are many things we love but I suppose it has changed here in ways that affect us directly in a negative manner. That's not to say it wouldnt and doesn't suit others of course.
I have included a shot of our worldly goods packed away ready for the off, bloody awful camera phone shot I'm afraid but you get the idea.
http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/a...acon/stuff.jpg

Originally Posted by spartacus

All very good, but how can we be sure that that's not an old photo of all your stuff upon arrival in Australia last time, and that indeed, you have no intention of returning to the UK any time soon?










I am of course pulling your plonker . . . Best of luck to you and yours with the move.

Originally Posted by quoll

Good luck with it! I am so glad that I skipped that part of moving back - the DH did it all! Mind you he has only shipped 3 boxes - like you he was very organized but the packers were even more efficient than he was. I cant think of anything left in our Aus house that I cant live without - I would be sad to lose all my stash (stitching stuff!!!!) but not devastated.

You must be measuring your departure time in weeks now! that the house sells quickly!

Originally Posted by chris955

Thanks, it has been just over a year in the making but it's been worth it. The ONLY possible fly in the ointment is totally out of our control, selling the house

Originally Posted by westwind

We wish you a very happy life back in England. We are in the teetering stage at the moment but the exchange rate is certainly helping our decision. My OH and myself summed up what we like - beautiful countryside, old pubs with beer gardens, history - especially NT places, community feeling, same sense of humour and a feeling of belonging. So what are we doing here?? The ONLY thing that worries me a bit is the weather. I don't like hot weathe rand we were back in England last year for 8 weeks and only had 1 week of good weather. BUT there was so much to see and do so maybe it's a good trade off. We are retired with a goodish amount of money so don't need to look for jobs thank goodness. We are in our 60's and have ping pommed three times before - this would have to be the very last and final decision. Not easy! I'm not unhappy here but just feel there is more awaiting us 'back home'. Hope u you go well Chris - all the best to you and yours.

Originally Posted by DC10

Best of luck for the next few months.

I'm "lucky", I guess. By this time next week I'll have heard back from my last remaining job applications and, if no joy, will be packing up my 35kgs of stuff and booking the next one-way flight back. Only complication will be finding an airline which will take a 30kg case without punitive excess baggage charges.

Originally Posted by Dreamy

Moving anywhere is a bleeding nightmare.. good luck with it all!

Originally Posted by DC10

Best of luck for the next few months.

I'm "lucky", I guess. By this time next week I'll have heard back from my last remaining job applications and, if no joy, will be packing up my 35kgs of stuff and booking the next one-way flight back. Only complication will be finding an airline which will take a 30kg case without punitive excess baggage charges.

Originally Posted by bcworld

Emirates standard allowance is 30kg.

Or fly from Sydney - BA will give you 46kg if you pay an extra 34 quid.

Originally Posted by DC10

Thinking about taking Jetstar or Air Asia to Malaysia or Thailand for a few nights (leave the beastly bags at left luggage for a few quid) and then Air Asia or Saudi from there.