Our next step was to get our cats organised. We used Donquest on Jessons Road in Christchurch http://www.donquest.co.nz/ and they were fantastic! They have a great boarding facility which was crucial for us as we didn't know when we would have a place and where. They kept the cats and we were to email when we were ready for them. Then they popped them on a flight and we just picked them up. For New Zealand cats there is no quarantine when coming into Australia, just all the normal shots and vaccinations that are required when putting them into boarding. It was also important that the cats weren't at home when it was being packed. They are helpful little monkeys who LOVE boxes! Can you just imagine if 1 got stuck in a box? Too terrible to even think! But, I digress. I cried like a baby when I said goodbye to them, and was overjoyed when my troublemakers finally landed in Melbourne. When it comes to moving pets, be aware that it is not a cheap exercise, and you have to be prepared to keep them inside for a couple of weeks - cats mainly, dogs probably can't climb the way they do! They need to adjust, and if they were like ours who had been in boarding for ages, they needed to get back to everyday life with us.
The rest of our preparations involved a lot of Trademe hours, lots of sorting out of what we were or weren't taking, and finally a major wardrobe cull with my besties. On top of that, we tried to fit in as many catch ups with friends as possible, but also decided that a big barbecue the weekend we were leaving would actually be the easiest to ensure we got to see as many people as possible.
After our house was packed we cleaned like demons, then had The Kick-ass Garage Sale. Whatever was left needed to be sold, donated or thrown out. We could have sold a hundred fridges, but Trademe got those, probably about 50 washing machines, but that was a loaner. We did sell a kettle for $20 and then 3 hours later our old tumble dryer for about $10! Bags of clothes were heading out the door for $5, boxes of magazines likewise. There were the professional bargain hunters out there also, a few that tested one's patience. My favourite was the young couple (reminds me of us when we first moved in together 8 years ago) who came with his parents and a trailer. They got old cupboards, brooms, crockery, all kinds of things for just $25. Good day I say! Considering much of what we were selling was $1, and at most a bag full of things for $5, we made almost $200. That paid for a little duty free, our departure taxes and eventually a SIM card when we arrived. Everything that wasn't sold was taken straight to the recycling station at the dumb. We packed a big Subaru station wagon from top to bottom, back to front with everything left over.
After that was the fabulous BBQ with our friends to say goodbye. With all the prep, work and excitement don't forget to get everyone together to say goodbye, relax and have a drink! We couldn't take any opened spirits with us and there were some bottles of wine there too - perfect excuse to get through everything. Lots of laughs were had and plenty of teary goodbyes, but it was well worth it.
And the next day? A hangover, an early dinner and a good night's sleep before we were off in the morning on our biggest step yet.
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