Zebradeb

Hey Deb, school wise, I had the same concerns from UK when emailing, I was hearing nothing back and got slightly panicked to be honest. However, when I was there, I walked into the schools and asked for a tour and in the large part, they were accommodating. The school and area I thought I would go for was lovely, but the kids picked a different school in a different area so ultimately that decided it for us. I agree that they have to feel happy in their schooling, and I think as parents, it takes pressure of us as they have an element of control over their choices which makes them happier people, and us as a result. I have to say that the public schools I visited, were fine. Better than some of the schools here, and certainly in terms of the offer and provision imo. Mine chose a private option, this did mean that we were not limited by catchment. In fact the best performing state school, achieved higher rental prices and we were shocked to discover that we paid out the same by living in a coastal suburb and the kids going private. So I would say, don't worry, when you are there the schools are really welcoming. They told me that they have countless enquiries from overseas and therefore concentrate on the 'real people' who actually arrive and want to look. The information was very forthcoming. I hope that everything goes well with you guys. We leave 2 weeks today. School sorted and even have an appointment to meet the school bursar when we arrive. They are opening up the uniform shop especially so the children can start their first day looking the part. Oh, I do like a nice bit of customer service!

welcome! lots will depend on the job you are looking for, the area you wish to locate, where you are prepared to travel to etc. No one can fully answer your question as its different for everyone depending on certain factors and ciircumstances. Preparation is the key. Start thinking ahead and get your CV ready, also some job availability will depend on your visa type. Being on the SOL does not guarantee that jobs are available. Its not all straight sailing, but with luck, determination, preparation and good fortune, something should come your way. All the best with your journey.

We went with John mason and have to say they were fab. Spent the entire weekend sorting cleaning painting and wishing I had started it all sooner. I cannot believe how much tat has gathered particularly in the loft.....does it breed in secret!!!! Handed over house keys today, very emotional. Remaining tat to eBay remains in garage so still lots to do. Feels very bizarre! Hate the good byes

Hi there we leave in a couple of weeks & heading to mullaloo initially too, our son is 2, look out for my posts on the area etc , all mentioned are lovely. Coastal rental subs more expensive, but there is no substitute for driving around and getting a feel.people have different wants and needs. All the best ! May catch you on the flip side

Updates needed! I've got 2 weeks to go and feeling very emotional! These updates keep me focused on a happy future, rather than what's being left behind ... so keep them coming & cheer up an emotionally overloaded lady

How are the children settling into their new schools peeps? Mine start term 3 I'm super nervous, never mind them

Singapore give you 40kg each with a valid visa when you check in. It's free.

So that's spud shed sorted- now on to second hand car dealers, broadband providers and mobile phone contracts

I know this feeling we fly in two weeks, shipping company just called to try to bring the packing date forward from Friday to Thursday this week! I'm at work Thursday so that can't happen

I agree with No1 - we have a shipping container coming this Friday. We aren't taking much so the rest has to go. Ebayers let you down, gumtree buyers didn't turn up, we have sold and resold and the pressure is on. SO the benefit of me being in this position is to share with you not to be! Have a great sort, really think about what you can get rid of and be ruthless. Its worth gold as the date gets closer! put the money into a separate savings account so it doesn't get eaten up and save, save, save. time will fly by!

always great to hear how people are doing. It seems that largely its pretty fab other than the homesickness being a killer! Don't be a stranger and keep us posted! House build sounds really exciting! Good luck with it all

Location of said Spud Shed by Travelchic please... Hope you get the job Deb... Will check in later for further developments

I cant keep up ha ha... this is fabulous news that everything went well. Over the moon! I love reading that things are coming together for everyone. Its only a coupe of weeks until I arrive and relive all of these updates and I will be constantly re-reading for strength and inspiration. Gotta love PP ! X

That sounds like bargain shopping! Are you staying in Mullaloo? Guess you have to be relatively close to Jonny's school. Happy days with the job situ, casual to build up, especially when you weren't quite feeling it sounds positive. Hope we can get jobs, we will be really happy! Its the main Arghhhh at the mo. I shall be listening in, keep us posted. Coffee catch up (though I prefer tea) when we arrive x

Wow you look amazing Jonny ! we are all waiting to hear how your day went! Good luck

we are shipping our TVs so hope to be lucky too

not there in time for 5th, looking forward to joining you all at the next one though!

Wishing you every success, on the next chapter of your journey

This is awful, so sorry to hear your news and really hope that your son is ok and they catch the scum. all the best Deb:)

I am obviously catching up on PP... looking around the house at so very much there is still to clean, sell, sort and ship on Friday EEK! we are moving out then and I cannot believe that in a few short weeks we will be in Perth. It seems all very surreal, all these years and finally its happening and there do not seem enough hours in the day to get everything sorted... gulp

OMG Deb, you're actually there, I've blinked and missed it. How are you both settling in? Is it all you imagined? x

Hey Bridges, how's things going a little bit further into your adventures? x:)

I would suggest 4 weeks. Its costly but will give you chance to get yourself in order, to recover a bit from arrival and to sort out your 100 point identify check in readinesss for a long term let

to be honest... Its not hardship to live off savings... its life.

People will be along to share their thoughts Claire, in the meantime have a read through the threads on here and on what people's thoughts are. There is something about Perth IMO that makes you want to stay! - Check the job situation carefully, not all people with visas gain delivery of the promises made with regard to jobs. The more money you can save, the easier it will be to get yourself sorted. Consider a budget and aim for that suburb. If you have children, consider your schools, job consider location for commute etc. Its a big decision, but one only you can make. If you do get a visa you have a year to validate it, so if you're not ready to move out at that point, nothing can replace a visit. You will read that once you get there, you will be drawn to an area that feels right for you. Good luck with your adventure!