Removalists or Self Pack - Melb to UK

[crypticat]

Hey PomsInOzzers, 

After two years, we are calling time on our Melbourne adventure and are looking to head back to the UK.

We are looking at the usual removals companies here in Melb but wondered in anyone has attempted a self-pack shipment.

We are skint given the amount of money shelled out to get here and the fact we've gone backwards financially given the exorbitant cost of living (or more accurately housing). Looking to save some coin if possible.

Any advice or experiences would be very much appreciated.

Thanks all,

Rush

[paulswin]

WE'RE IN SAME BOAT BUT GOING FROM PERTH! ALSO SKINT AND TRYING TO SAVE MONEY!!!!  

[blondie]

We did it all ourselves ....  shopped around with shipping companies, luckily found a removal man who would help pack up the container (he worked for another firm but also did a bit on the side) and he was able to provide an invoice with his tax number thing.  You will need it 'professionally' packed for any insurer to cover.  Arranged with council for it to stay on the grass strip outside the house.  Packed it over a couple of days, company came to pick it up and deliver to UK.  Arrived with no problems at all in Southampton and arranged for it to be delivered to a local storage facility until we moved into our own house.  It was a lot of stress and organisation and, to be honest, we saved a few thousand, but if doing it again I would completely ditch everything except the most precious and personal items.  Look at the cost of packing and moving items and compare to cost of replacing (and not everything replaced has to be brand new)

[crypticat]

Thanks Blondie for taking the time to share your experiences. We've taken your advice and started a massive cull of our possessions. We moved to Oz with a 40ft container thinking it was a once in a lifetime move  little did we know we would ping-pong. Will do some maths once I get removals quotes in to work out whether to ditch all our gear in Oz and start afresh when we are in the UK.