Shipping costs or buying new

[Slaydbyme]

Hi,

We're taking advantage of our July move to clear ourselves of old tat that we can replace with new tat haha.

In doing so, we are considering taking only about 10 - 15 boxes, dining table and chairs, double bed, 2 side boards and a few other bits. 

Our conundrum is that when we've had quotes, they range from £1200 - £2000 and we could sell what we've got in the UK and get £2000 for them. And not have the hassle of shipping. 

Do we bother, or buy everything new/ second hand? Are there any hidden costs? It was surprising how expensive it was to ship out our car once import tax and GST was included

We're also planning on renting, so our stuff may go into storage.

Any views? Are beds and dining tables expensive in Oz?

[AliQ]

Hi, we’ve done this “big move” twice now, and about to do it again so can speak from experience.

It depends on where / how you plan to spend your first few months whilst waiting for your own goods to arrive.

If you are lucky enough to be able to stay with relatives, stay in a fully self contained apartment, or move into a furnished property before finding your own place,  then yes ship your big items (note that bed / linen are different sizes here though)

If not, then don’t ship any big items at all. Because as soon as you find a rental ( and majority are un furnished) you will need to buy beds and a couch and all that other day to day stuff as soon as you move in. It’s like setting up a home from scratch, think kettle, cutlery, pots and pans, towels, crockery..... and the list goes on.

Those who have relatives to stay with for those first few months are very lucky indeed

I wish you well with your move.

 

 

[SWMOY04]

1 hour ago, AliQ said:

 

If not, then don’t ship any big items at all. Because as soon as you find a rental ( and majority are un furnished) you will need to buy beds and a couch and all that other day to day stuff as soon as you move in. It’s like setting up a home from scratch, think kettle, cutlery, pots and pans, towels, crockery..... and the list goes on.

Those who have relatives to stay with for those first few months are very lucky indeed

I wish you well with your move.

 

 

Id say leave all big stuff and ship small items in a cheap box like Movecube... 

Even with big stuff...their large box will suffice...and possibly be cheaper than £2000

[Slaydbyme]

2 hours ago, AliQ said:

Hi, we’ve done this “big move” twice now, and about to do it again so can speak from experience.

It depends on where / how you plan to spend your first few months whilst waiting for your own goods to arrive.

If you are lucky enough to be able to stay with relatives, stay in a fully self contained apartment, or move into a furnished property before finding your own place,  then yes ship your big items (note that bed / linen are different sizes here though)

If not, then don’t ship any big items at all. Because as soon as you find a rental ( and majority are un furnished) you will need to buy beds and a couch and all that other day to day stuff as soon as you move in. It’s like setting up a home from scratch, think kettle, cutlery, pots and pans, towels, crockery..... and the list goes on.

Those who have relatives to stay with for those first few months are very lucky indeed

I wish you well with your move.

 

 

I’ve not heard of Movecube but have spent the last 30 minutes reading up and getting a quote. Thanks seems a decent option 

[Marisawright]

7 hours ago, Slaydbyme said:

Our conundrum is that when we've had quotes, they range from £1200 - £2000 and we could sell what we've got in the UK and get £2000 for them. And not have the hassle of shipping. 

That's not the question to answer.  You can sell your stuff and get back the cost of shipping. so you're at break-even.  But now you have to buy all your stuff when you get to Australia.  I'm pretty sure that would cost more than two thousand.

The best way to check is to do a trial shop.  Get online, visit Australian shops and "add to cart"  everything that you'll need, then when you're finished, check your cart. There's no danger you'll accidentally buy anything as it won't go through without your credit card.

If you're happy with Ikea, then check ikea.com.au.   Ikea is the cheapest furniture you'll find in Australia, so that gives you a baseline.  If you want more traditional furniture, then check harveynorman.com.au.    

Then get on thegoodguys.com.au and check what it will cost to buy your white goods, hoover, blender, TV etc.   Petersofkensington.com.au is good for quality cutlery, crockery, linen, etc.  If you are happy with the cheap stuff, then target.com.au.

We all furnish and equip our homes gradually over time and usually have no idea how much it would cost to replace it all.  And if you think shipping is a hassle, just wait till you have to buy everything for your home in the space of a few weeks!     

It's true that waiting for your stuff to arrive is a hassle, but there are some things you can do to make it easier.  For instance, it's often easier to "camp" in your own home than in your new Australian place, particularly if you can borrow stuff from relatives or friends.  So you can send the Movecube off a few weeks before you leave.   It's sensible to book a holiday flat for a month when you arrive, so there's another four weeks eaten up.

Edited April 28, 2019 by Marisawright

[Slaydbyme]

7 hours ago, Marisawright said:

That's not the question to answer.  You can sell your stuff and get back the cost of shipping. so you're at break-even.  But now you have to buy all your stuff when you get to Australia.  I'm pretty sure that would cost more than two thousand.

The best way to check is to do a trial shop.  Get online, visit Australian shops and "add to cart"  everything that you'll need, then when you're finished, check your cart. There's no danger you'll accidentally buy anything as it won't go through without your credit card.

If you're happy with Ikea, then check ikea.com.au.   Ikea is the cheapest furniture you'll find in Australia, so that gives you a baseline.  If you want more traditional furniture, then check harveynorman.com.au.    

Then get on thegoodguys.com.au and check what it will cost to buy your white goods, hoover, blender, TV etc.   Petersofkensington.com.au is good for quality cutlery, crockery, linen, etc.  If you are happy with the cheap stuff, then target.com.au.

We all furnish and equip our homes gradually over time and usually have no idea how much it would cost to replace it all.  And if you think shipping is a hassle, just wait till you have to buy everything for your home in the space of a few weeks!     

It's true that waiting for your stuff to arrive is a hassle, but there are some things you can do to make it easier.  For instance, it's often easier to "camp" in your own home than in your new Australian place, particularly if you can borrow stuff from relatives or friends.  So you can send the Movecube off a few weeks before you leave.   It's sensible to book a holiday flat for a month when you arrive, so there's another four weeks eaten up.

Thanks again Marisa. Sending our belongings earlier than moving out is a good idea and I’m sure we could made do for 6 weeks here