Lynne78

We are moving back to the UK in December and was wondering if anyone who has recently moved back/in process of moving has any suggestions for companies that do one way emigration insurance? Having trouble finding anything relevant online...Thanks

Were Letton Percival happy to cover self packed things (other than fragile stuff)?

Thanks Lady R. Friends have offered us their spare room for a while before we go so that will save us money on a holiday rental. We found that our things took a while to ship last time as Christmas and New Year delayed it, so wondering if the same thing will happen this time. Not a problem if it does this time a we'll be staying with my parents.

Oh, just wanted to add: Will be staying with my parents when we get back until we get jobs sorted. I kept my UK bank Account and a credit card which I have used during the time we've been here So hopefully that will make things a little easier we we arrive.

We initially decided to go home in April next year, but for a few different reasons we have decided to bring the move forward to November. Very excited, but also have moments when I think "Oh God, that's not very far away - I'll never get organised in time!". So, I'm after a bit of assistance to ensure all goes smoothly! I got quotes for sending the cats home at the beginning of the year, so just need to make a decision on that and book it. We had a part container coming here and likely to have the same going, but this time I'm going to do as much packing as I can myself (partly to save money but mainly a it'll be easier to get organised). I've already started packing/purging. I've got a few days off coming up so will book to get quotes from movers - any tips on who to go with/avoid? Also, any recommendations re insurance for our contents? I'm really after any tips from those of you who have already moved back or are in the process. Anything you're glad you did/wish you had done/almost forgot to do etc! What do I need to cancel, who do I need to contact (here and at home). I'm pretty sure I know most of it already, but am worried that with a greatly reduced time frame I'll get myself in a flap and forget something important!! Any ideas would be most welcome!

So glad to hear this! Our boy is a big ol' wimp, so am a bit concerned about how he'll cope - when we first got him home from the shelter he spent 3 days under the spare bed. Hopefully won't be the same when he gets to my parents house!

I had similar feelings about the heat when we moved to Australia, which was one of the reasons I decided to leave the cats behind, and I also wasn't sure about letting them outside when we got here. Being outside cats that wouldn't be fair either. Going the opposite way I'm not as concerned about our new cats, think the cold will be easier for them than vice versa.

We have two cats that we are planning on taking back but from time to time we have the (very brief) are we being selfish conversation. I re-homed 3 cats when we moved here (one very successfully two not, which still makes me sad to think about it) and I don't want to do that again as we would have to end up leaving them with strangers. I'm hoping that the trauma of the journey will be short lived and they'll be happy in their new home!

We are planning on moving back soon and I (very, very occasionally) have similar feelings, but I pretty much agree with Quoll. Whatever the topic it is always difficult to know what is really true, and what is just another persons take on it. Personally, I am going on what my family and friends say - and that's not much. They don't moan/worry about anything in particular, so I am assuming it's not that bad after all. I don't have kids yet so can't comment on the schooling. I personally think the Australian healthcare system isn't that great. Having to pay for an ambulance (unless you have insurance), forced private healthcover unless you want to be made to pay increased tax (and a lot of the time you find that insurance doesn't cover for what your need or the gap payments are huge), a lot of things not covered by medicare or private health. For example, I got 3 wisdom teeth out last year under sedation, in a hospital. $500 excess. In a provider preferred hospital, so no fees there. Anesthetist was $475 - Medicare gave me about $100 and Medibank covered only $50. Cost of extractions was about $1500 (but fortunately cos I'm in the biz the surgeon only charged me the rebate), but maximum yearly benefit for wisdom teeth on the policy was $500, so Medibank only paid $495. Very easy to see why a lot of people would struggle to afford this (especially as it's common to get 4 out at once). Not long before that my husband had a surgery. $500 excess. no hospital fees as chose provider preferred hospital, oddly medicare covered all anaesthetic costs (which the lady in Medicare said was very unusual!) but the 'technique' that the surgeon used was not covered by either medicare or private health funds so had to pay $500 for the surgery. Made us wonder why we bother paying the premiums! I work in a government dental clinic, so all my patients are on a low income. I see a lot of pensioners. I have had people tell me about the long waits they have for tests and surgery. Lots of people still have to pay hundreds of dollars for specialist appointments. I had one lady who couldn't afford her new heart medication so the specialist gave it to her from his stash from the reps. Doesn't make the NHS look all that bad! I think it's natural to worry about making the move as none of us want to end up regretting it. There will probably always be something you'll think is done better in Australia, but I do believe that the UK isn't as bad as some people make out!

It's good that you've decided to give it a go - only so you can tell yourself that you gave it your best shot, not so others will think you didn't fail from the get go. I agree with everyone else about you not being a failure if you decide to return. Unless they've tried it they have no idea what it's like. You mentioned them thinking that you didn't do your homework before you moved - I've read similar comments on here a lot. Many people seem to think that if you research absolutely everything then the move will be perfect - complete nonsense! You can do all the research you can but you will never be able to predict how you will feel when you are here or what your experience will be. Emigrating is like most things in life - you'll never know what it's like until you do it! At least, for most people, it is reversible. If it's not for you then go home, and if anyone says you're a failure then just tell them you'll consider their opinion once they've given it a go!

Hi, we haven't moved back yet so have no experience, but I would imagine that if you are a citizen you should be able to access NHS care. I agree with you about benefits - that would have some kind of time limit - but I don't imagine that same would be true for health care. I wouldn't necessarily believe a lot of the stuff you see on here - people do like to be negative! Maybe get a friend or family member to ask their GP or the local hospital/health board? May be more likely to get a proper answer... If you're a citizen and you can prove that you had made a permanent move back I don't think it will be a problem

Ditto. Decided in January to move back and I'd said I'd give it up to 18 months, then I got miserable and wanted to do it sooner, hoping to be home for Christmas. I then put my sensible hat on and we decided on April next year - more time to save and it will mean less likely to have no break lease issue. I wasn't that bothered either, it is true that onece you have a date it is easier, even if it's later than initially planned.

I agree that there is a lot of contradiction. Fuel has always been more expensive in the UK and I think gas/electricity is similar, but I think a lot is more expensive. I make a lot more here but am not really any better off as I find a lot more expensive. My parents were over last year and found everything really expensive. They were really shocked by a lot of things (possibly as they are also fans of Weatherspoons!). When we went back in 2012 we found clothes shopping much cheaper and eating out very cheap in comparison. We went to see Jersey Boys in Perth last year and it was well over $100, just bought my folks tickets to go in Edinburgh and the most expensive were £53. Big cities are always going to be more expensive, but I'd agree that Uk is cheaper.

Hi, I agree with Karen. I suffered from depression about 5 years ago and my first few counseling sessions were the same - lots of tears and a bit overwhelming - but it gets easier and I found it helpful. At least if gives you an opportunity to express how you feel without it turning into a fight, or have someone tell you to stop banging on about going home and be happy! It's normal to have ups and downs. I get that your friend may be trying to justify her move here, but her comments were insensitive. However, I found that unless you are speaking to someone who has had depression, it can be very difficult to find the understanding you need. You get a lot of "I don't know what she's so unhappy about. She just needs to cheer up". I know your OH doesn't want to go back, but is he getting any further in accepting how unhappy you are and that you are not going to change your mind? Also, as an aside, what do you do with Olivia that your friend thinks you'll not be able to do in the UK? Not that I have any kids yet, but it bugs the hell out of me when people go on about how it is so much better for kids over here, they can do so much more and had better childhoods - like we all had incredibly dull childhoods in the UK!!

HI, just having a look at the moving budget. Those who have moved recently-ish, do you reckon we will get a shared container load for less than $6000 or should I budget for up to $7000?

No need to expand on what others have said about how insensitive this comment is. What really, really annoys me is the comment (which I have seen others make on other posts) about needing to make an effort and get out there and make friends. You'll fail if you don't integrate. It is not as simple as you make it sound, and saying things like that does not help people who are unhappy and feeling isolated. We have been here for 3 years and have pretty much no social life as we have really only one couple that we are friends with (and he was my husband's apprentice back in the 90's who happened to move to Perth from Sydney 2 years ago!). It's not like the first week of school or university, where everyone is new and seeking friends. The majority of grown ups have their social circle established and are not in any desperate need to expand it, only actively looking in certain situations (eg first time mum, moved to a new town). We have met a few couples through online ads (couples recently moved to Australia) but due to having little in common have become acquaintances at best . I have joined the gym, done yoga classes, a salsa class... I have found it quite difficult as I work full time and we don't have kids - so have not been eligible to apply to the numerous ads for people looking for play dates or families with kids the same age as theirs. I work with some really nice people, but there is rarely any socialising outside of work. To be honest, I've given up trying - it's like online dating (anyone who's done that will know exactly where I'm coming from!). It shouldn't be this much work. Greta, I absolutely agree with those who have said a weight is lifted once you make a decision to return, regardless of the time frame. My husband and I bicker a lot less since we decided to return home - two miserable people without a common goal is not a good match!

I did find it quite an insensitive comment actually. As newjez said it does seem to imply that there is something wrong with my oh and we have nothing to complain about since your friends are so busy...

We don't know. He has over 20 years experience is a variety of fields, in gas & oil industry when we moved. His work was initially going to give him a transfer but then they backed out. He worked as a boilermaker when we first got here until he did his grade A Licence course. He had a few different jobs but were all temp contract. He got a job with Cat which they said would become permanent after 3 months, which never happened. Then it got to the point where he'd arrive in the morning but be sent away as there was no work. That department has since closed after making others redundant. He has applied for scores of jobs in different fields but hasn't gotten anywhere. He decided to do his EC course to start his own business. It has certainly made him feel like a failure. It's just one of the many reasons that we are leaving...

Absolutely, the husband of a woman at my work gets up in the wee small hours to watch football on Foxtel and he's lived here for about 40 years

At Christmas, after just over 3 years in Perth, we decided to move home. We are unhappy here for multiple reasons (some big some small). My husband is an electrician and has struggled to find work since we got here, which has been a big issue:"things will get better once he has a job" became something of a personal mantra. Everyone has reasons that make them want to leave and others have just as many to make them stay. I would agree with those that have said it's too early to decide. It's very difficult making such a big move. So many things to adjust to, and struggling to find work makes it so much harder. I would give it a bit longer (not necessarily 2 years though...) One thing I will say, and I want you to listen very closely: you followed a dream which is something a lot of people never have the guts to do. So what if it doesn't work out? You gave it your best shot, and if you do decide it's not for you and go back home don't let anyone make you feel like a failure.

It is a lot easier to find a compromise in other situations. Unfortunately deciding which side of the world to live on doesn't leave a huge amount of room for compromise.

Clearly I am not as savvy as you when it comes to the world of recruitment. I assumed that that an ad for a job is for a job that actually exists, or as in my workplace, if there is no current job applicants are requested to apply to a pool from which names will be taken when a job does become available. To advertise for the reasons that Lady R mentions I find incredibly misleading and unfair. It's fine not to hear any response from a job application when you are wanting a change, but when you have been unemployed for 6 months and have already applied for countless jobs (not knowing that they don't exist), it is soul destroying to not even get the courteous "sorry you have been unsuccessful" letter.

The rain isn't as bad as in Scotland, but in the winter I have never been so cold indoors as this before in my life!! The temperature gets no where as cold as in Scotland, but can get chilly at night and it feels like you may as well be sitting outside. The quality of houses is really poor. No insulation, no double glazing (every rental we've been in has gaps in window frames so they may as well be left open), open plan areas that are really difficult to heat. Once you do manage to get it warm the heat vanishes the instant you switch the heater off. I am really not looking forward to our first winter in this rental as when I lie in bed and look at the corner of the room where the wall reaches the ceiling I can see sunlight! Can't decide which is worse - this or the fact that it gets like an oven in here during the summer!

One of the reasons we are moving back is that my husband (an electrician, although he also has welding qualifications) has really struggled to find work. We believed the hype that Australia was crying out for tradies and good money was to be made. Thank goodness I had a job to come to, that became permanent, otherwise we would have been stuffed. He has had a few different jobs, both as welder and electrician, but all were casual that ended as soon as each company ran out of work. He initially had to do a course to get his Grade A Licence, then last year after getting sick of applying for countless jobs, he did a course to allow him to start his own business. Started in October, got pretty busy in January, but now very slow, which is making saving up to go home a chore. Anyway, he got a phone call the other day from a woman from some government department (he can't remember which) asking if he was in a position to hire any electricians. No. Was he busy with work? No. Seems that was the same response from everyone else she had contacted. He asked how many electricians she was looking to find jobs for. About 250. He then told her (one of his favourite rant topics) that a big problem is that a large proportion of the jobs advertised don't actually exist. Companies advertise ghost jobs,( perhaps to gain cv's for when they actually have jobs?) He was very upset last year when he was offered a job that he had applied for about 3 months previously - by this time he was halfway through the course that we had paid $3000 for. She hadn't realised this and said it explained a lot. The guys he keeps in touch with from his course are having similar difficulties. It makes me wonder how many other people have found themselves in the same position. Have others expected it to be easy to find work only to be faced with this harsh reality? It is very disheartening to be applying for countless jobs , often with absolutely no response, then to find out half of them don't exist anyway (he had quite a heated discussion on that topic when offered that job!).

We couldn't see an option to enter any amount...will have another look next time I fill up