Progress!

I have some progress to report. My 457 visa was granted last night, so we are now legally allowed to enter and work in Australia. I think I was confident that would be the case, but as we get closer, it definitely starts to hit home a lot more how big a deal this is. Not that we haven't been busy mind you......

Firstly, I've been arranging quotes for shipping companies. It's a bit of a pain really, as I have had to get 3 quotes. It appears there is a general consensus that the contents of our house might fit into a 20' container. There was some uncertainty over whether it will all fit in so I've been having a purge of some of the stuff we don't use! The loft it appears was full of empty boxes, and a few other bits and bobs that don't need to travel. Thanks to mum and dad for their loft space!

The house is now on the rental market. A shameless plug - follow the link to have a look, you might know someone who's on the lookout!

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-22719768.html?utm_source=rmrssfeed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=renting

We can honestly say that the house has never been tidier, certainly since Stanley has been mobile! We had a couple of viewings on Saturday (a day after the advert went live) so fingers crossed someone will meet our valuation soon enough! The plan is to move to mum and dads just before the shipment goes, which may be in the next few weeks (hopefully), so it's not too much of a stressful occasion for all of us, and Stanley isn't too disturbed. We've been stocking up on toys to soften the blow! The Fireman Sam Venus will be a winner I'm sure!

We've also been buying a few other things to take out. A trampoline has just arrived! Plus we couldn't take our wicker dining chairs, so if you want a bargain get yourself on eBay. You might also find my old sega mega drive on there!

I had a nice send off from the Hockey Club at the end of season do. We were celebrating promotion which was bittersweet for me as I won't get to play in a higher league. Eilidh, Stanley, mum and dad even showed up thanks to Alan Gough, and I got some keepsakes such as team photos! Stanley also got a brand new hockey stick and Eilidh got some flowers! It was a good night (from what I remember)!

Still feels like we have loads to do, but I think we're getting there! Once the shipping goes, and we let the house, I'll feel as though we're over the hump! Then it's just leaving do's, final packing and cleaning and were on our way. Planning wise, I want to start work on 2nd July in Brisbane, so we will be flying out on around 23rd June. I'm assuming England will be out of Euro 2012 by then!

All the best,
Chris

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Foxglove Rd,Swindon,United Kingdom