But first a bit about me, up until now.... I grew up in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and when I was just 19 I married my husband (young right? but when you know, you know). Since marrying; my husband and I have moved many times within Australia for his career and we have become somewhat minimalist as we have packed up our lives so many times in the past 4 years. 2007 saw us moving to Hervey Bay, where we spent 1 year until moving to Townsville in 2008 until the end of 2009.
In 2010 we had saved enough to travel and set off on some amazing adventures. We started off in a small van and traveled from Queensland to Western Australia over 3 months. We found jobs in Perth for 3 months, saved some more and then jetsetted over to Asia for some more adventures. We backpacked around Vietnam, Northern Thailand, Laos and Cambodia and met so many AMAZING people, who became great friends in a matter of days!
Two months to go til we move and there is a lot to organise. Although, in saying that after reading other blogs we probably have it a bit easier, we are used to living from a bag and do not have too many belongings and we have no kids (how I admire those who move with children!).
Until next time....
Good luck with your move Bec! It all sounds very exciting :)
ReplyDeletetehe even though I know the story I enjoyed reading it! :)
ReplyDeleteYour writing isn't dull haha very much enjoyed it! Can't wait to read more :-)
ReplyDeletecan I add some things to your packing list??
ReplyDeleteHave no idea what you like or 'can't live without" but each time I return to Australia I bring back a swimsuit, cotton underwear for both of us, lavender oil, tea tree oil, VITAMINS .... BIG CONTAINERS of them ... expensive here as everything needs to be imported.
I also bring back shirts for hubby, nice easy care short sleeved shirts ..... they have them here of course, but always with too much polyester in them.
Same as slacks for him, they have too much nylon / polyyester in them here for comfort.
If you ride bikes, bring riding gear ....
If you pack wine to bring over in your shipment, be prepared to pay the extra tax on them. On average $7.00 per bottle.
If you are on any medication, go to the Dr and get a prescription and 6 mths supply of the medication ... also a letter to carry with you saying that your Dr agree's with you being on this.
If you are bringing bed linen be aware that the beds are of a different size ... take measurements when shopping!
Everything is available here .... but sometimes you have to hunt for it ... sometimes you may need to pay a little more .. but overall the cost of living (for us) is the same as in Australia.
It evens out .... accommodation is higher as are cars... but the public transport system beats Australia hands down any day.
I just wished I did not bring so much 'stuff' .... like books etc ... a pain to repack or throw away. :-)
so pack lightly.
No need for shoes... you will be in Flip Flops all day every day .... make sure you have comfortable ones though as the tiled floors get tiring.
No one dresses up for anything ... nice smart casual to eat out at some restaurants, but otherwise casual is the way to go. Meeting up for lunch, most wear loose tops/ shorts or long pants.
maybe log into Tanya's blog - recent arrival from Brisbane .... she would be far more up to date on what to bring than I am ... I have been here over 4 years and have forgotten what I "wished I had brought with me"
this is her blog:
http://australianexpatfamily.blogspot.com/