[kellys]

Originally Posted by Lunarz123

Hi Pixie,

We are in the same boat - OH suddenly got offered a job in Melbourne a couple of weeks back - we think we will be out there in about 8 weeks. It is a lot to take in and an awful lot to sort out. I feel the same as you - too good an opportunity to miss, but scary at the same time. Everytime I see my Mum at the moment, she cries

This forum is really hepful. For what it's worth, here's a few tips I have picked up in the last few weeks (I am sure there are many more).... Sort out your pets if you have any - they need vaccinations, microchipping, two weeks to their import licence and up to 10 weeks wait for quarrantine in Australia (which is 30 days if they are up to date on vacs)... Sort out your Aus bank account online prior to moving out to Aus to make things easier over there... Find out as much as possible about the area you are moving to - there are lots of people on here who are willing to give you advice, and lots of really good relocation experts you can get in touch with who can help... if you are having to rent your UK house out, there is a good chance that you can claim any shortfall between renting and mortgage back against your tax bill in Aus... If you are on any medication, make sure you get a letter from your doctor to be able to carry it through customs. Apparently it is not hard to find a doctor over in Aus, but it will cost you for prescriptions etc. Medicines have different names in Aus, so you might need to find them out... Cars and bikes etc. are about the same price, and probably not worth shipping... Electrics in Aus are the same, only the plugs are different, so taking some 4 way gangs is a good idea as you only need to change the one plug..... What a mine of information it is on here! I'm sure there's more...

Like you, I have been a bit freaked out by reading the threads from the poor people who have relocated and are really unhappy, but the general consensus seems to be that it is what you make it, and if you see it as an adventure and keep the doors open for going back to the UK, it can be wonderful - here's hoping!

Good luck.

Sue x

Sue
Your Mum is just the same as mine. For the first few weeks she wouldn't talk about it and kept just offering to make cups of tea!! Now every time she sees us she cries but I reassure her that we will still be able to see her (although she doesn't really like flying and she's in her 70's) and then after I've told her it's all going to be OK I go home and cry buckets!!