Lifestyle and Leisure
What should I take with me?
One of the most important questions to ask before relocating is ‘what should I take?’ Jo-ann Hodgson finds out
Faced with the daunting prospect of relocating your whole life, moving strapped to the kitchen sink doesn't seem unreasonable, but as the price and availability of everyday items differs between countries you'd be better off stepping away from the sink and reading on. Although white goods aren't expensive in New Zealand if yours work and have a good lifespan, it may be worth shipping them over when you emigrate as voltage matches. However, as temperatures are higher in New Zealand, British fridges may not fair as well in your new home.
Countless make the mistake that temperatures will be so high that it's sensible to leave the good old British tumble dryer home alone, this is not often so. "We didn't think we'd need a tumble dryer but we did," says Julie Mitchell, who emigrated from Scotland to Napier in July 2004. "I also regret not bringing my front washing machine. I bought a top-loader and don't think it washes anywhere near as good. "Electrical goods are generally quite expensive here so I would say if there's room for them in the container bring it," she continues. "Dyson vacuum cleaners are also very expensive. Our TV worked okay as it was fairly new but some of the older ones won't work so you must check with your manufacturer." It may be worth selling your DVD player at the local car-boot sale to raise cash for your move, as their format doesn't support all New Zealand-made DVDs.
Of bedroom furniture you'll find beds expensive in your new home country so if yours are still in good shape it's worth taking them. If not, well, it's a good excuse to go
shopping and make your New Zealand house the pad you've always dreamed of. You may be pleased to know that most houses have fitted wardrobes so this particularly cumbersome essential won't cause any problems during the moving process. Most properties are also sold with dishwashers, so this will be another item for the free ads. And what about cars and mobiles, the business-person's essentials? "Cars are a nightmare," says Jeff Royle, a mortgage broker who emigrated to New Zealand in July 2006. "Unless yours is very special don't bring them. Run-of-the-mill Japanese cars are really cheap here. "Mobile phones are really expensive, though. Bring what you have and you may need to have a software upgrade, I did on a Sony Ericsson," he adds.
Good removal companies and new friends and neighbours can take away much of the stress of the relocation. "The removal company did all the packing for us and also helped to set up beds etcetera at the other end so moving the furniture was actually quite stress free," says Julie. "A lot of people worry about what they are going to do until their container arrives but there are always neighbours, friends, workmates who will lend you stuff or there are places where you can hire furniture. "Kiwis are very friendly and if they can help they will."
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