For the last year, we've been living in Germany and, as our lease ran out only a few months before we move to New Zealand, we are currently in a fully-furnished flat for the last 10 weeks in Germany. So we've been slowly sending most of our stuff back to the UK over the last few months in preparation for moving into this flat and our family members have very kindly been storing these boxes and items of furniture under beds, in cupboards, and in garages.
THANK YOU FAMALAM.
So when it came to shipping our stuff to New Zealand, the logistics were a little complex. I had to do several trips back to the UK to move all our stuff into one place (my dad's house/garage - thanks Dad!) and then arrange for the shipping company to come and pack our stuff there.
And Moving Day finally came round yesterday.
Just before 9am, a John Mason van rocked up outside my dad's house, full of boxes, bubble wrap and packing paper, and the mission to empty my dad's garage and closets of our items began! I'd been so nervous about the move that I got quite emotional seeing all our stuff be packed up. The guys from John Mason were so great and friendly though, and had everything on the van within four hours (we only had a one-bedroom flat's worth of stuff).
After so many months of planning, going through the visa application process, and a visit to Christchurch to visit our new hometown, the actual move has started. So I waved off the van, containing everything we own, and crossed my fingers for a smooth journey. All being well, we'll see our stuff in around 10-12 weeks in New Zealand.
Once the container is on the ship (hopefully 22nd July) we will be able to track it as it makes the eight-week journey across the world to Lyttelton Harbour, where it will have to pass through customs before we can finally move our stuff in.
It suddenly feels very real. We're moving to New Zealand.
And now the goodbyes start...
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