The Hughes Family

Didn't really think about it to be honest, I suppose we assumed the movers would be specialists in this sort of cover. As we haven't signed anything yet, what rate would you be prepared to offer then? :biggrin:

Thought we'd share the costs we were quoted this week for a 20ft container to Sydney (then on to Canberra) from Glasgow. With just three weeks to go we chose three companies that we liked the look of (PSS, John Mason and Doree Bonner) and opted for the door to door with packing service. I have to say at this point that two of the companies took our volume estimate from an online interactive process, where you can 'click' on pictures to select the contents from simulated rooms in your home. We were a bit wary of how accurate this would be, but it turned out to be just as accurate an assessment of that of the human being who came to visit us. Anyway, all our worldly possessions came to a grand total of 680 cubic feet which, by all accounts is not a lot. A 20ft container apparently can accommodate the contents of the typical 3 bedroom house, so the 'minimalist' contents of our 2 bedroom flat left half of the container empty, which is why we decided to share one. The 3 quotes came in around the same price of £3400 with insurance cover set at 3% of the value of your stuff (your own value, not theirs). The only haggling we managed was a reduction to 2.5% for the insurance cover with Doree Bonner so we went with them. They were all very helpful in discussing the quote with us in detail though. Hope it helps.

Great post Sully, can't wait to get there! We were issued our visas back in July but still had our property to sell to complete the last piece of the jig-saw. Didn't think there would be any buyers until next year and guess what? Got an offer last week! Accepted, of course!! It's been a crazy week with short term rental, flights and shipping container all booked! Should be there by early December all going well. We know it's not the best time of year for job hunting but thought we'd enjoy the Christmas break along with all you other Canberrans and start in earnest come January. Thanks to all of you for all the helpful advice and info to date.

We're pretty much in the same situation, just the medicals to go (this month!) and we should be on our way to Canberra! Although we have never been to Aus before but are certain it's what we want. We have the added dilemma of not having sold the house yet and are deciding either to wait for as long as it takes to sell or rent out, may have to give it until the end of the year to see how it pans out. You (like us) are doing what you think is right for your family and I'm sure your own family will be very supportive and understanding. I think our generation are very fortunate to have much more communication options with the likes of Skype, facebook and e-mail to keep in touch with those back home than those who went before us. How did they ever manage with snail mail! A hand written letter still carries a lot of value though. Good luck with everything. Hope to be joining you soon!

That's interesting, I might look into the Canberra police recruitment, although being in I'm in my mid 40's I'm wondering if there's an upper age limit to join?

My wife and I are in good steady employment here in the UK. When we checked whose skills were in demand it was her IT talents that were on the occupation list (clever girl!) so the plan is for the rest of the family to hopefully come out on her visa (subclass 190). My background is mainly Naval (15 yrs with Royal Fleet Auxiliary) in Explosive Maintenance followed by the last seven years in Radiation Protection. I fully understand jobs in either of these fields won’t be in abundance in the state that will be sponsoring us (ACT) and I do expect to be doing something completely different, although no idea what that might be. There must be many who have found themselves in a similar position. What did you end up doing?

That seems like a better deal Hot Welder although I do have to adjust my figures as OH has just informed me that the price at Edinburgh is £319 each adult and £105 each child (in line with OP). I suppose different areas charge different prices for some reason? Didn't realise doctor/dentist/nurses were charged more, but we're not in those professions. Don't mind though, a price worth paying for such a fantastic opportunity. I see you'll be traveling with a 6 month old (if you're leaving anytime soon (congratulations by the way!)). Our visa application was put on hold until our 5 week old was born in April (had to get him a passport!) so he'll be about the same age whenever we get the green light. Should be a fun flight!!

Well done on getting through the medicals! Being signed off in 5 days seems very good, I hope ours are just as quick (been booked for middle of June). Out of interest, would you mind comparing prices as we've been quoted Adult £350 (x2) Child £100ish (x1) and infant £100 ish (x1). So probably looking at £1000 in total, and that's booked at Edinburgh. ​Thanks

Thanks Naja, it doesn't seem real just yet, maybe when I see the visa I'll give in to the excitement!! ​Good luck to you too, it looks like this could be a big year for you.

Thanks ABL275 will keep that in mind. I'm sure we'll be asking a lot of questions in the coming weeks and months! We should have mentioned that the stage we're at is just having been invited for our medicals and police checks. Definitely feels like progress! ​

Fascinating BBC2 series on Australia started last night, for those thinking of heading out that way (3 weekly episodes) with a great insight into the Australia we think we know... http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01y0fx9/Australia_with_Simon_Reeve_Episode_1/ I, for one, didn't realise there were about a milion camels out there!!

Give us a chance, haven't even got there yet! :wink: ​

At least you have the consolation of your winter not lasting 8 months. It seems like our autumn and spring have merged into one long winter in recent years (with summer just raining all the time, albeit a warmer kind of rain!). We had considered moving down to Devon and Cornwall but decided on a bit further South!

I'm comfortable around 19, my wife likes 21, although we need central heating, a gas fire, double glazing, curtains and insulated curtain liners to achieve either! Roll on the medicals & police checks!!