Ecosse

We used Pickfords and I thought they were great in Scotland. Our 40ft container arrived here last week with just two guys to unpack. They worked non stop bringing everything into the house (no banter- very serious guys) but didn't have time to unwrap everything and take away all packaging as they were supposed to. Also, as we weren't sure of which area we were going to settle, we had a quote for delivery outside The CBD. Thankfully we had the quote in writing as the price we were told at the Australian end was more than double. Eventually they did honour the original quote and all was well. We had a couple of minor breakages and a couple of things were binned at customs. We also had to pay to have our bikes, and a pair of sports shoes cleaned. They had already been cleaned but obviously not well enough. I would neither recommend Pickfords or warn against them. I would however advise that whoever you use, have everything in writing and know exactly what service you're supposed to be getting.

I clearly need to pay more attention to detail! Would love to blame it on the stress of moving over here but so far it has all been fantastic. Next stage might be more of a headache seeking out Brisbane suburbs that we like and can afford!

LIQ?

I would also be interested in meeting up. We plan to move to Brisbane mid July so timing is perfect for me!

Pickfords have now packed up our house contents. Fantastic team at the Scottish end. Very professional. I had thought I was getting a head start by packing books in small boxes etc but they were all unpacked and re packed by them. Apparently that way they are all put in the same size cartons and the packers can verify what was in the boxes. It will probably be August before our container arrives in Oz so I am hoping the service will be equally good at this end. Huge thanks to those that gave the heads up about how fast they go through the house. I was able to put aside everything I didn't want packed before they arrived. Basically, if its in front of them, it will be wrapped and packed before you can blink!

I sent them by post to London and received confirmation by email. Sorry for late reply. I hope you have managed to get yours sorted by now.

I filled in form 929 (enclosing copy of old & new passports) last week and had an email back within 5 days confirming details had been updated electronically. Very straight forward and efficient.

Really interested to see these comments. We were going to go with White & Co too but they couldn't manage our dates. Pickfords matched Whites quote and are due to come and pack up our house next week. We've gone for sole use of a 40ft container and that's after having a big clear out!

I would like to sell our house before we go but my husband would like to rent it out in the hope that the market will eventually pick up. We have reached a compromise is so much as the house is for sale but if we haven't had any serious interest by the time we leave, we will rent it.

No one comes to Scotland for the weather, so after leaving the Gold coast you could be forgiven for feeling a bit fed up! My advice would be to take advantage of everything Edinburgh has to offer. It's a great city (even if the roads are a nightmare just now) and when spring and summer do eventually grace us with their presence, take every opportunity to explore beautiful Scotland. That way if the climate does prove to be a bit too much to take and you do end up back in Oz, you will have made the most of your time back here. How lucky are we to have been able to experience life in these two fantastic countries?

My son (24) arrived in Canberra a few weeks ago and has been looking for work for a week. Although he hasn't found a job yet, the general feeling is that there is unskilled work to be had if you want it and are prepared to knock on a few doors. My sister, who is almost 19 spent a day taking her cv around an industrial estate and was offered a trial week with a company and has now been offered a permanent, full time job, 20K. It would be wise to be prepared though, as setting yourself up and supporting yourself until you do get a job (and your first pay cheque) can be costly! Good luck.

Thank you this conversation makes a lot more sense now!

Sorry guys but what is FIFO?