JustJulia

We had a few tools that had some rust to were advised just to spray them with some metal spray (hammerite type stuff) and then give it a good clean. All got through fine.

Not sure about the schooling issue but we gave ourselves four weeks to find a rental in feb of this year. We managed it but we cut it quite fine and it was quite stressful. There wasn't a huge amount of choice and we got lucky on the one we wanted but a few more weeks would have made it easier. You wil probably find even less choice near the coast. Saying that our fully furnished holiday let was quite grim and depressing and moving into out own place with our own stuff made so much difference to settling in and home sickness. good luck

We too just went to a local solocitor and paid £15 for about 15 signatures, they also did all the photocopying. Really helpful and happy to help, phone a few though to get the best price.

We flew with Singapore three months ago, booked through trailfinders and got double baggage allowance on our 175 visa. There are issues though if you are not flying direct, we stopped in Singapore for two days and had issues getting the double baggage allowance on our second flight. We I'd in the end with a bit of fuss so just make sure you have the deal in writing so you don't get unstuck.

Marks and Spencer's and Next do free international delivery several times a year so you can aways order as and when you need them

We bought our used four man tent, wasn't really grubby but gave the ground sheet a good clean with Milton sterilising fluid ( don't use jeyes fluid as it smells strong and you will be smelling it for the next ten years!). We didn't bring the pegs as they were rusty and they don't like rust. As long as it looks clean and has no visible mud or bugs you will be fine. Can't comment on your other query as we haven't been camping over here yet!

We were never told about duck feather and the packing company never asked what our duvet is made of. I ordered some sheets from m&s today as they currently have free delivery to oz with mo minimum order, hooray. X

Our house was professionally packed with paper but had quite a few bags of baby clothes in vacuum bags, they were all fine and I was never told I shouldn't use them. I think if the items are 100% dry when you wrap them you will be alright. I had a few traces of moisture and dried food on some kitchen items which grew mold even though they were in paper so be careful as the container does get very hot.

We have been in Melbourne for 2 months, we don't know anyone and are having to start from scratch. We have a 2 year old and have had to make a real effort to go to any relevant mums groups we can find, it's daunting and hard work, but it just takes time to build new friends and relationships. Mines still a work in progress but I think having a child will connect you with more friends and like minded people quicker and hopefully make you feel settled in no time. There is also great groups on meetup.com.

Remove batteries from clocks, remotes etc as we had a few that leaked due I the heat in the container. We were told to use Milton fluid for cleaning shoes and other internal stuff as you can never get rid of the smell of jeyes fluid. We used jeyes on all the garden tools and furniture. They do move quickly, they even packed an old toilet seat in the shed! They are fussy about wicker and most recommend u don't take it. We took loads of outside stuff, tools, bikes, tent, wooden furniture, children's toys, some got inspected but all got though inspection and didn't cost us extra (we did scrub and sterilise it all though). Was also told they won't take anything with rust on it but we just bought a spray can and spayed any tools that had a bit of rust. Make sure your fridge and freezer are dry inside as ours went a bit mouldy Bring as much as you can as the cost to replace things is expensive and adds up really quickly. good luck with your move

Oooh we fly to Melbourne on the 4th too....we will be the ones looking stressed with a 2.5 year old

The shipping container arrives tomorrow!! And we fly to Melbourne 4th Feb....woohoo

Hi All We are going in Feb too and in the same position of trying to find somewhere to stay for a few weeks, really daunting finding the right area. Would be great to hear how you get on. We are thinking of the Yarra Valley area. Julia

Don't really know why I am getting so hung up over a small issue but wondering whether to take my rotary washing line (am planning to be more chilled out in OZ! ) Do rentals usually have these already? Jules x

Visa has arrived, all planning to go to Melbourne when a relative, that is now in Brisbane said they originally tried Melbourne but all it did was rain. I don't know what time of year they where there but wanted some info from those how have sampled all four seasons (in a year, not in a day!!!) Thanks x

Hi, My Visa got granted yesterday and I applied on 30th May, it took 25 days to get a CO allocated and then 3 days from uploading medicals and PCC to getting the Visa granted (175 software engineer, UK). Did you notify the CO by email when you had uploaded all the requested documents as I have read from other posts that their system sometimes doesn't notify them that it is all complete and can be over looked and as soon as they realised their Visa was granted in days Hope your wait is almost over.

Just remembered she also took a reflex test (hammer on the knee and elbow), and had a feel of my boobs & abdomen

Hi They take your weight & height, eye test (a numbers chart like at the opticians). Chest x-ray for TB, Urine test and Blood test for HIV. If you have piercing or tattoos you may have to have a Hep B test (costs extra!), they also check your arms for needle marks. I have heard some get quizzed about general heath and lifestyle but we didn't. It took us about an hour each, really simple, but we have no health problems so may be more in depth if you have declared any conditions or medication. Hope this helps, good luck

Hi We have just used Handsworth too, Think we paid £285 PP, I found the London clinic about £15 cheaper but they didn't do saturday appointments. I didn't have a Hep B test although I do have pierced ears and a few small tattoos. Ran really smoothly and took about an hour each.

We went for our medicals this weekend and all our details were not on the e-health system even thought they had requested them. The clinic told us this was really common and they would contact our Case Officer on Monday and get them to update our details on the system. They did all the paperwork manually so at least we could have our medicals done. Just contact your case officer (or get the clinic to do it) so they can update the system as I thought all family members needed medicals on some scale. x

I know things are moving fast but Medicals and Police checks this soon is mind blowing. Not complaining just in a bit of shock that we could be there by the summer!! Good luck to you all....things are moving fast, hold onto you pants