MOVING home is always stressful, whether it be over over a distance just a few or thousands of miles.
One of the biggest moves any of us could make is down under to Australia.  Now visions of long sunny days beside the sea, throwing prawns on the barbie might have great appeal, but there is much to take on board and consider first if you want to stop the dream becoming a nightmare.
Before you start, get some professional advice.  There a number of International Removal Companies offering specialist overseas relocation services, so take your time, contact at least several for quotes and heed their advice before making final choices.
To avoid stress, frustration and heartache you need to consider:
* Items which may not be practical to transport.
* Information on specialised packing or transportation requirements.
* Be informed of restrictions, loading permits, etc.
* Any lifting equipment which might be needed.
You need to be sure you afford to move anything.  Discovering the shipping costs could be an instant cure for any misty eyed nostalgia for Auntie Ethel’s old sideboard which has been in the family since 1942.
It is vital to check all import restrictions and regulations.  Ignore this advice at your peril.  For those tempted to cut corners to save money, take heed of the experience of a family who moved from Wales to Australia in the 70s.  They opted for the DIY approach to pack their belongings in left over used wooden crates from a local factory.  Upon arrival in Sydney, their chosen packing crates were found to have a rare form of woodworm and were promptly destroyed on the spot by Australian Customs officials, leaving the family to watch helplessly as all their possessions and luggage were reduced to smoke and ash.
Items made wholly or partly from animal products – i.e. fur, leathers, treated skins, hides, feathers, etc – must be declared upon arrival.
Some items could even be banned under international wildlife legislation and could require special import permits, which must be obtained before entering Australia or you run the risk of having your goods seized and/or destroyed.  The same goes for anything containing plant material or food.
One option, when planning any sort of international move, is to use storage services to hold your possessions until you are ready to deal with  them.  This will allow you to either travel ahead and stay in temporary accommodation until you are ready to.
Finally, when it comes to our furry friends, you need to follow regulations.  Cats and dogs from the can be taken Australia, provided they meet all relevant import regulations and spend 30 days in quarantine centres found in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
Take note that no other pets can be taken into Australia from the UK.  Which means no fish, ferrets, guinea pigs, mice, hamsters, turtles, snakes, lizards or spiders.  Sorry.
In all cases, declare or beware is the warning.