we are now getting excited and scared all at the same time just checked our online visa application and the only thing now to be sent off is the medical which should go off at the start of next week all James's extra tests came back clear, we have put the house on the market put it on about 3 weeks ago not had any viewers but with the craziness of the general election thats not surprising, ok now is where i need advice i need advice on the best places to live where has the best schools, James's job is in IT and he does not want a really long commute to work, how is the IT job situation at the moment, if anyone knows can they let me know, also I need advice on relocation companies who is good who is bad do they provide storage facilities before we go and anymore advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Lorna

 

I dont think there is a best place to live. Every suburb here is different what one loves you may hate, where to settle all depends on what suits you and where you can secure work and its nearly impossible to tell until you are here and can see the areas in person(pretty piccies on the WWW can be very deceiving).

What would you like out of an area? Are you tied to a budget?
Coastal, Acreage, city? Prices can vary massively area to area

Will you both have cars and drive?
if not you may need an area with good public transport or train links and shops close by

What are your trades? Have you had any feedback on jobs?
There would be no point settling at the top of the sunny coast if work opportunities were in Ipswich.

Its good to research and make up a possible short list but do not commit yourself to one area until you have vistied and tested the job front.Be prepared to be flexible with your plans.

Schools again vary greatly, Ipswich is home to some great schools, but not everyone likes Ipswich to live in, Brisbane city has some good schools but not everyone wants to live inner city, it is again down to what suits your family's needs.
Most suburbs have a school or a school bus to take your children to the local school, lots of areas also give a choice of public and private education.
The government did make some sort of league chart last year although there was up roar in QLD about it as comparisons and stats were not always fair or accurate.
The best way to find if a school will suit your children is to visit, most schools i have come across are happy to give newly arrived migrants a tour and have a chat about the curriculum.Its also good ifyou can catch other mums at 3pm and ask what their opinions on the school are as teachers do to an extent tell you what you want to hear,lol.

There are a few different relocation agents around that cover Brisbane, (yes including me,lol) most offer help with every aspect of your move picking up from where your visa agent finishes but services and prices do vary company to company so check carefully what you are actually getting for your money before committing to anyone.

Hope this helps a little and answers some of your questions
Cal x

 

thanks for all the information i meant to ask advice on removal companies in the uk who is good and who is bad, i'm now getting scared i think it's finally hitting me that this could all be happening in the next few months

 

There are lots of removal companies out there, most people get 3 or 4 different companies in to quote and chat with.The ones i recall you hear very few negatives about are,,
Crown Relocations (i personally used these twice and they were fab)
Doree Bonner
Pickfords
Whites & Co

Just remember when someone is in charge of your worldly possessions, cheap isn't necessarily best, but this doesn't mean you can't play them off for price,lol.
Also look at company's who don't use sub-contractors here, this way if something did go wrong its harder for them to pass the book.

Cal x

 

Cal, you really should just do a word doc and cut and paste it everytime these questions are asked.... we all asked them when we came out
Even better still, start a new section for first time movers info?

 

LOL
i did think of sticking the threads at one point, but it breaks the ice for newbies to ask a question and over time i read and hear of other peoples experiences that sometimes change my opinion on companys/things,lol.

Cal x

 

My hubby is in IT. He has not found it hard finding work in Brisbane. I guess it depends exactly what your hubby does as to what work there is available. Once you know when you are coming, it might be worth contacting some recruitment agencies. They like to talk to people face to face usually, but it's worth contacting them and sending his CV off ahead.

Love

Rudi
x

 

The compay you ship with often can hold the container for a month or two on one dude of the world or both. Ask them what options they offer.