Where to live - who to move with and rental costs???

[redjo]

Should be moving to Melbourne in a few weeks after what seems to be an eternity. Thinking about going to the Brighton area on Bayside as we are looking for somwhere close to the coast and not too far from the city -wondering if anyone has moved there or knows anything about the area?

Also wondering which is the best removal company to use - have got quotes from PSS and Whites and there dosen't seem to be anything in it when it comes to cost - has anyone had any experience of their service?

Have been looking at places to rent and they price on a weekly basis - does anyone know if this is negotiable when you are renting for six months or more???

We would really appreciate any comments, we are a family of five, aged 10, 8, 1 and 30 somethings!!!

[Nelson]

We'll be joining you, it seems.. Should be outta here in the next 20 days max. From the research that I've done, I would love to live in Brighton but, for the size of property I| would need, we would have to spend $3-4million so, Im afraid, we won't be living in Brighton!

If by some miracle - and I'm getting quite good at them - I could afford to live in Brighton, I definitely would..

Good luck to you and all your people - keep in touch down under, too!

With regard to shipping, we are using John Mason, but bitterly regret it. We are too far down the road to change now though, I think, but I also know that other peple have been perfectly satisfied withthe deal they've ha with them.

On another posting, someone made a very valid point about renting, in that the landlord chooses you - you don't choose the house necessarily! I think each situation needs to be taken on it's own merits really. Personally, I think it is reasonable to negotiate on EVERYTHING! The worst case scenario is that they say 'no' and I think there will be a fair bit of rejection for all of us, in many areas - housing, work, schools, mortgages and so on.

I am arming myself with an extra layer of skin and a re-inforced sense of humour before arrive, just in case!

[scott&lisa]

Hi Redjo,

We are a family of four, 30, 30, 2 1/2 and 11 months!!! We moved to Melbourne on 22nd of this month and have just signed a 12 month lease on a property in Point Cook. I can't help you about the Brighton area but with regard to renting - it is always worth trying to negotiate on the price.

We are using Crown Relocations to ship our things out and so far their service has been first class.

If we can be of help in any other way - just ask!!

Good luck on the move :D

Scott & Lisa [/b]

[redjo]

Thanks for your replies - I will start building that extra layer of skin ready for any disappointments and I will have a look at Point Cook on the internet. I would also welcome any advice you have on toddler groups etc when you arrive in Melbourne and my husband wants to know anything at all about getting a boat in Australia!