Same power so no problem. All our stuff came out with us so Aus stuff can go back. Our washing machine was fine but you do need the locking bolts and having it packed properly but if you don't like it then it's an ideal opportunity to get shot

Is it that simple... just change plugs on lamps?

Between the UK and Aus, yes. You can't from the US and Canada.

Yes, we just changed plugs on smaller things like the PC & lamps/slow cooker etc. I thought things like fridges ran to a different spec, friend's English fridge only lasted a few months here - couldn't cope with the heat, also our fridge would probably be too wide for UK kitchens. I also thought TVs were different - something to do with the channels you can get? I'm sure I know people who brought English TVs over and can't get the free channels?

Depends on the age of the appliances. Fridges/freezers should be fine, many people bring them out and have no problems, I've got a friend who brought her fridge over about 7 years ago, still going strong as a bar fridge outside so the heat's not bothered it. Again with the TVs, if they're digital less than about 4 or years old, there should be no problems. We brought our tv from the UK and it wasn't a new model but by adding a set top box worked fine. It would be no different going the other way. Spec is the same. So if you have newish stuff and you like it, take it back, otherwise flog it here.

That's useful to know, perhaps we'll take the newer TV and dvd/bluray players.

Hubby and myself have decided that we are going to move to the UK, I am from Cornwall and have been living in Australia since 2002, I didn't mind the first few years but now I can't wait to go home. We have so much to sort out though, we don't own our home so we will be renting when we get there. We have to find jobs and Steve has to get a visa! There are so many options though. I am excited about going back and seeing all my family, ( I have visited every year sine I have been here) its going to be great seeing them and not having the awful goodbyes at the airport. Any tips or advice would be appreciated............
Maggie

I would. Bluray are region free anyway and if you have region 4 dvds you would have to get a region free player if the one you've got isn't.

I am in the USA but when I go back to the UK I will indeed take a genuine Tiffany lamp with me. It HAS to be possible to have it completely rewired and it shouldn't be too difficult.

Still wondering about my beloved sewing machines and if they will work over there.

I'm sure a lamp can be rewired. What I meant was that between the UK and Aus, it's just a matter of changing plugs. Your sewing machine would be made for US voltage and would go bang if you just changed plugs.

Ha ha ha! That would be disastrous experience

I believe it would work on a transformer, though, but I am wondering now if I could have the sewing machines rewired. I wonder . . .

I have about $6,000 in good electrical sewing equipment. I really hate to leave them behind.

To be honest, if there is one thing I would want to take with me, it would be these sewing machines.

PS: Doing some research on Google - there is such a thing as a step-up/down transformer which will allow it to be used safely and without degredation of power in the UK. Also, it seems most sewing machines these days have a flip switch inside them to switch voltage. Nice!!! I hope mine does.

Make sure you unplug it before you go looking for the switch Oh sorry, you're not my husband, you probably don't need telling stuff like that.

Ha ha ha!!!!!!

I've been wondering about this myself. I have an old Pfaff 1222E, all metal, a real workhorse and hard to find. I did bring my English sewing machine to the US and even through a transformer it never really worked well but I would be interested to hear what you find out.

Re. your last para. I have read on this forum that even using a voltage converter it can be a risky experience and if in the event a fire is caused through such use your insurance company could refuse to cover you. Let's hope there's a flip switch, as you say.

I want to take my Kitchenaid food processor and Kitchenaid, the manufacturer, is absolutely against using it with a voltage converter.