This whole moving thing is starting to get me down

[MathewA]

For those who don't know I will be coming to Aus permanently some time before Sept. I now have the task of going through all the stuff I've collected and been doing for the past 20 years. It's the wierdest feeling, I feel like I am preparing to die and I'm getting my affairs in order. I have projects that are started but now will never be finished. I must have a hundred roughed out bowl blanks that I'll never get to ever again. I've sold off the toys I had since I was 7 years old. It brings back memories of when I had to bury my parents and having to go though all the things they collected and were doing.

SOMEONE PLEASE! send me some pictures of Australia - give me something to look forward to.

[bitingmidge]

Mat,

You don't need pictures, you just need to log on to the camera from the public toilets in Mooloolaba.

This time I am deadly serious - look at my face>> :cool:

It's known as the loo with a view, and here's the webcam:
http://www.maroochytourism.com/ausnet_looview.htm

The lens is a bit dirty, but you'll see a balmy autumn afternoon about 27°c.

We LOVE it UP HERE!!!!

:D :D :D
P (trying to take your mind of packing!)

[Rocker]

Matthew,

Cheer up - you'll soon be dead, as my father used to tell me, when I was downcast at the prospect of another term at school.

Here are some pictures of Queensland; four of them were taken in my yard, and one is of the beach at Maroochydore, where you are headed, I believe:

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/dldundas1/album?.dir=219a&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/dldundas1/my_photos

Rocker

[bitingmidge]

Bet you had to wait for EVER to get a cloudless day to take that finial shot Rocker.


AS IF !!!!

:D :D :D :D :D

Cheers,

P (Half way through another shocking day in Paradise!!!)

[gatiep]

Matthew,

I migrated to Perth from South Africa at age 51, after spending 24 years in the same house.....................bring everything with you, that way you don't have to throw anything away. I brought 2 x 40 foot containers. Just couldn't bear parting with my treasures.

Once in Oz you'll wonder why you waited so long!

:)

[gatiep]

P.S. the craziest stuff I brought with me must be 2.5 tonne of lead in ingots, didn't take up much space and I was charged for container volume not weight. The guys offloading my stuff here in Perth weren't amuzed!

:)

[craigb]

P.S. the craziest stuff I brought with me must be 2.5 tonne of lead in ingots
:)

O.K. I'll bite. Why Joe?

[Barry_White]

He wanted to try the fishing here and make his own sinkers.

[Groggy]

Matthew,

I migrated to Perth from South Africa at age 51, after spending 24 years in the same house.....................One of the few places I'd want to live outside Oz is SA. Did a trip there and toured around - a beautiful place spoiled by political problems. A real shame.

[echnidna]

One of the few places I'd want to live outside Oz is SA. Did a trip there and toured around - a beautiful place spoiled by political problems. A real shame.

South Australian's are a bit odd but I wouln't go so far as to say SA is outside Oz. .........or is it. :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Groggy]

Those comments *are* interchangeable I guess!

[ptc]

Don't forget the little island.
if you dont like flying get the Spirit.

[ozwinner]

Dont loose sight of the big picture Mat.
Once your been here for a while, youll wonder why you didnt do it sooner, I know.
I came here from England in 1770. :D

I wouldnt go back for quids ( dollars ), no way no how.
Al :)

[ozwinner]

Also, if it makes moving any easier, I shall make you a "Junior Foily" on your arrival.

I shall get Midge to induct you, seeing as how he will be the closest.

Al :D

[gatiep]

Craig

Wasn't meant to be a trick statement but seeing that you asked. I used to teach diving over there amongst other things like a professional career. Used to buy scrap lead off scrap dealers and had a local indigenous guy melt the lead down and into ingots, if there was an oversupply. This meant one more person was employed and not begging on the streets like millions of others. I could have sold the lead for next to nothing over there and probably would have had to leave the proceeds behind. So instead, as it wasn't going to cost me more in transport, I brought it to Oz as part of my "personal effects". Getting $s for it seemed much more attractive......real money and in my pocket here seemed too good not to pursue, but after all these years it is still in my shed, I still havn't got a round tuit! Hope the price of round tuits and lead increases which will make it realy viable! When you have to leave so much hard earned behind and also sell gear and business for next to nothing, because those that had the cash, all had the same idea.............getting out, then one thinks of some strange ways of getting things out of the country to somewhere where it is more valuable.

Fortunately the above will not apply to MatthewA

:)

[bsrlee]

Quote:SOMEONE PLEASE! send me some pictures of Australia - give me something to look forward to.

Well for starters:

You'll have about 264 million less Yanks for neighbours :D

Your Canadian Dollars will be worth MORE than the local dollar.

You'll have New Zealanders to mock for their funny ucsunt. Fush n Chups!

You have to go looking for snow rather than the other way round.

The wildlife may be the most venomous, but its not really trying to eat you. So no malice/hard feelings OK? Just hit it with a long handled shovel a few times & it'll be all right.

[ozwinner]

So thats where the saying " get the lead out" comes from?


Al :confused:

[Wayne Davy]

So thats where the saying " get the lead out" comes from?


Al :confused::D

[BobR]

Mathew, if you get to travel a bit you can find some images here of what you can expect in parts of Oz. Site home page is out of date but the images are still valid. www.greataustralianimages.com (http://www.greataustralianimages.com) .

And bring it all. I have also had the task of disposing of things from parents who are now gone, and later you think of things you should have kept. If you are going to get rid of STUFF, then do it over here without any unwanted pressure.

Bob

[Rusty]

The Sunshine Coast is awesome. Don't forget Fraser island is (sorta) nearby. It will change your life, if you haven't already been there.

I'm way overdue for a recharge visit up north.

A smart bloke once told me that to make change in your life you have to give up something you've always depended on. You'll be right.

Rus.

[Pete J]

Do not listen to these guys.

Throw it all away, or sell it, or be kind to the people you are going to return to in due course and bludge some lodging off.

Just bring your toothbrush and a clean pair of undies (just in case).

Learn from Gatiep - he brought all that lead out and he still has it! :eek: Do you really want a house full of stuff that you didn't use before and you won't use again.

Make a clean break and leave all that stuff behind, together with all your worries. Just imagine getting on that plane knowing you have a clutter-free life ahead. Not many people get this chance - grab it with both hands ;)

[craigb]

So there you have it. The responses range from keep it all to chuck it all. :D

You can't say we don't give balanced advice around here. :D

For my $0.02; keep the stuff that you can't replace which probably only means stuff that has sentimental value.

Sell, give away, chuck the rest.

[Tankstand]

What type of woods are in those roughed out bowl blanks?

I'd ship them over, they will just need to sit in quarrantine for a while. (Is that correct?)

P.S. South Australia is worth the visit! (Once at least!) :D

[Daddles]

So there you have it. The responses range from keep it all to chuck it all. :D

You can't say we don't give balanced advice around here. :D



Then there is the time honoured technique of packing it all into two containers ... and then losing one on the way. :D

Richard
I've moved house too often to give rational responses to this thread - though there is a manic simplicity to bringing only a chance of clothes and a bank card.

[barnsey]

I've moved so many times it's embarassing. How ever, when it comes to workshop it's a case of "That'll come in handy if I ever have a use for it".:rolleyes:

That comes from the earlier years where you would throw things out only to find that a week later you are cursing yourself. :mad:

For example those bowl blanks and other timber will not be common here and if it is available will be worth an arm and 2 legs. :eek:

For example I still have a few bits and pieces - hand me downs that came back to Oz in 1959 ( I was 8 at the time). Some are 110V and still run on the transformers that came back with them. My brother (born on Long Island) still has the 110V Westinghouse Fridge in his workshop too! :rolleyes:

My Dad brought back a MK5 Shopsmith, which he had the foresight to buy with 240V motor, and now sits in my workshop. ;)

Two PennMaster 500 reels that are still hauling in fish - did I say the fishing is great up here? In those days there were no containers - freight was shipped in big wooden crates. They were made of American Oak :eek: Still have some of the furniture that was made from it. :D

And quarantine is not a problem now - it can be fumigated on arrival and it will be through in 24 hours. :D

So my 2c worth is bring whatever you can afford with that knowledge on board. You'll be excited about all the things you can make with the new timbers you will come across, and have the advantage of having things you know and appreciate as well. oh and the weather - its autumn here - 20min to 29 max sunny - paradise. Forget those southern climes - gets too bloody cold. :D :D :D

FWIW

Jamie

[MathewA]

Can I get a foily loin cloth also? Should look real good down on the beach - don't ya think. And maybe some foily rabbet ears for the foily hat - should allow better reception when talking to the mother ship:D




Also, if it makes moving any easier, I shall make you a "Junior Foily" on your arrival.

I shall get Midge to induct you, seeing as how he will be the closest.

Al :D

[MathewA]

I've saved the link as my desktop so very minute or so it changes - very nice.

You guys are too good to me. A smile for everyone :) :) :) :) :) :)


Mat,

You don't need pictures, you just need to log on to the camera from the public toilets in Mooloolaba.

This time I am deadly serious - look at my face>> :cool:

It's known as the loo with a view, and here's the webcam:
http://www.maroochytourism.com/ausnet_looview.htm

The lens is a bit dirty, but you'll see a balmy autumn afternoon about 27°c.

We LOVE it UP HERE!!!!

:D :D :D
P (trying to take your mind of packing!)

[MathewA]

Well most of my power tools have bee spoken for or sold off, I've decided to travel as light as possible. But! I woke up this morning knowing that 3 people were coming to see my oneway. I decided before I got out of bed that that bl00dy thing is coming with me. SO I basically talked them all out of buying it. At this time I have no idea where I will be living or in what so I might need someone to baby sit the monstrosity for me. So if anyone has a space against a wall that I can store it for awhile I'd be very greatful.


Here's a picture of the beast

[bitingmidge]

Mat,
There are a number of "Mini" warehouse or self storage facilities where you can rent a shed from a cupboard size up. Last time I hired one in Maroochydore, it was about $10.00 per week for a 2m x 3m.

They are very secure, the good ones have security cameras, dogs, fences, alarms AND live-in caretakers, and they usually have deals with insurance companies as well so you can get a very good rate while your stuff is there.

No power unfortunately, but you'll be too busy for a while anyway!

Cheers,

P

[bitingmidge]

OH and for good measure, here's a link to the camera on the next beach to the north of Moolooba, Alexandra Headlands!

http://www.surf-club.com/content/webcam/

Happy packing !!

P

[bitingmidge]

and the most distant one in the Maroochy Shire, Coolum:

http://www.maroochytourism.com/ausnet_coolum.htm

:D

P

[bitingmidge]

awwww... what the heck! If you haven't already done so, log onto http://www.maroochytourism.com

That ought to take your mind off packing for a few days!
Cheers,

P :D

[ozwinner]

Sooooo, Midge, how come your hanging around all these toilets???????

Al :confused: :eek:

[bitingmidge]

Purely for research you understand!
;)

P
:D :D :D

[jackiew]

I don't envy you your packing task. I had to go through the process twice.

First time my employer paid for 1 container and I left everything else behind ( the day before departure I was to be observed desperately throwing things into the loft - I'm surprised that the ceilings didn't collapse on my tenants.

Second time was the genuine clear out with garage sales, car boot sales, giving stuff away and at the end of it a big skip. And I still made mistakes in keeping/getting rid of stuff even with several years of being out here under my belt - so theoretically I knew what stuff cost.

You won't regret taking the things that you care about, books, records, pictures etc and pieces of furniture that have sentimental associations. You won't regret bringing tools (DIY and workshop). Don't discount taking things which don't cost much and don't take up much room - it can be incredibly annoying to have to go and buy that 50p little screwdriver to fix your glasses. Having moved into a 4 bedroom house ( rented ) with 3 suitcases ( waiting for first container to arrive ) you have to buy stuff while you wait for your container. You have a choice of buying cheap and nasty or secondhand on arrival and get rid of it when your good stuff arrives or just leave the items behind and buy decent new first off. The op (charity) shops can be a good deal. I got 3 chairs for $6 for instance - nothing flash but it did me for something to sit on for 12 weeks.

Go with your gut feeling over the transport company you use and don't go on price.

First time I used Pickfords - have nothing but praise for their service and the couple of bits that did get damaged they paid up for no worries.

Second time I got another "international" company. They measured everything and took copious notes. Their price was lower than Pickfords and very reluctantly I went with them. They collected everything and then rang me up and said there was more stuff than they quoted for and I would have to pay extra.

When my belongings arrived here in Aus it was "we are delivering on this day take it or pay extra". My belongings were and I kid you not, dumped in the house so I couldn't get in or out. Pickfords take away the wrappings and allow you to check for damage there and then. It took me several days to unwrap ( having to clamber over boxes ) and weeks to get rid of the packing in my wheely bin.

The standard of packing was extremely poor. One large box had a teapot in it and lots of packing and nothing else ( of course I paid for that unused volume). Other boxes they'd emptied separate containers into one. Several irreplaceable pieces of furniture were damaged having been wrapped in a single layer of bubble wrap while other pieces which could easily have been unwrapped and survived had 3 or 4 layers of wrapping. I finally gave up trying to claim on the insurance for the damage and for missing items ( I suspect they thought I wouldn't notice what was missing as their inventory was crap ) as they were totally not interested in my claim. I won't name names here in print but lets just say that I've probably got back my insurance claim in losing them business when anyone asks for recommendations.

[simon c]

Get rid of it all.

When I came out I got rid of a lot but still shipped some stuff out. I still think I brought out too much stuff.

One of the problems is the time it takes for it to get here - could be up to 3 months. If you REALLY need the stuff, then you'll end up buying it in the interim (eg toaster, kettle, etc).

You're setting up a new life, don't bring the old one with you.

[TassieKiwi]

I know just how you feel. I came from NZ, and I now look at some of the stuff i did bring and wonder why, but also often go looking for say the small sheet of stainless/ply/phenolic/whatever, and think 'bugger, should've bought that along'. I'd go with keeping hold of useful or sentimantal stuff, especially workshop stuff. There's no rules son. Good luck with everything.


D