Hi Lee, we had the exact same thoughts before we moved so took the decision just to bring personal effects, washing machine, dishwasher and tumble dryer(as these were quite new), shipped out on three pallets.
A lot of our furniture we had for 10+ years and was a bit tired and for some reason Mrs B was more than happy to buy all new furniture when we arrived in Perth??
Something else I put in the equation is you are going to be paying around £120 per square metre for a 20ft container, so was looking at the furniture and thinking "is it worth it"?
I think Gazza is spot on and we would have saved a pretty dollar by shipping our old stuff out but, we moved here for a fresh start and that was part if it. All depends on how attached you are and finances.
Hope this helps and good luck:)