Diary & Deliberations of the Dinkies

[Mara]

Congratulations and jubilations!

[SDTCPT]

Hi Em,

That is great news! I am so happy for you. I know this was a very stressful time for you, but that part is over now. Now the real fun stuff begins...

Have a great day.

[OnYellowBrickRd]

[EmNew]

So now that the elation of landing a positive visa grant is wearing off ( will it ever really? ) , phase 2 is in progress - getting house listed for sale!

Decided as it's a busy period workwise , that we would use an agent - we just can't face doing research about doing a private sale, and seeing as the bulk of our cash to take over is tied up in the house, we cannot afford any legal woes or scam artists to take us for a ride!

So tomorrow we will find out from various agents what their valuation figures and marketing plans are, and then we will decide on who to appoint over the coming weekend after evaluating them.

It feels like a weird phase. Phase 1 was definite - get visa, Phase 3 also definite - land in Australia to activate visa and start new life. Phase 2 seems as if it holds a lot of ???????

[monsta]

Yes, taking a big breath is a good idea. There has been lots of good advice shared on this forum about what to do next.but here are some gems.

Contact someone who is a professional with financial immigration. Make your financial plans well in advance, so you can think clearly. I used my dad, but I have heard names here like CashKows and ozforex. I am sure others here can recommend a company they used.

Start packing! This always takes longer than you think. Set yourself targets. For example, "this weekend we will sort through the stuff on the left side of the garage.". Also, make a list of what you have. It helps with deciding to take a container or not. It also helps you decide what you can sell or give away.

Then finally, as I am trying to keep this short. Every time you think, " oh yes, we need to do that before we go!" Just write it down and tick it of when you are done. I suggest a spreadsheet as you may need to remove things or reprioritise them when time runs short just before you fly!

Good luck!

[EmNew]

Thanks monsta.

Yes, lists.....those seem to grow at a faster rate than things get ticked off as completed The garage.....ugh.....I think I should make that Hubby's pet project!

Fortunately we're moving over light, so it's more a case of sorting into sell/donate piles, but yes, the process needs to start .

So back my to Evernote and spread sheets for more lists

[EmNew]

So, yesterday the house went on the market around midday ......it made me so nervous - having my private space uploaded on the web for all to see.

There has been lots of interest, thankfully. 2 sets of people been already, and 5 more sets lined up for tonight. Just praying that there is genuine interest and that valid offers to purchase are made!!

Strangely enough, I was not emotional getting the house ready. I think that mentally I have already 'checked out' of it as it were. My husband admitted that he is looking forwards to a change in lifestyle - the scaling down to a smaller place that is easier to maintain. When he said that, I realized that I too am excited about the change that will come when head over to Australia.

We have literally left blood , sweat and tears in this house and garden, but I don't feel regretful or resentful leaving it behind. Yet........

Now while we wait for a sale, it's time to really tackle the contents of cupboards. I foresee many evenings sitting with a glass of Port ( or whatever it must be called now ) in one hand, and an item in another, as I make the keep/sell/donate decision!

[EmNew]

Wow, in shock.

6 hours after listing our house for sale, a very "beindruk' mom and 2 kids came round and fell in love with it. The kids picked out their future bedrooms, played in the garden, and mom chatted to me over our mutual love of "The Singing Butler" print that we both have.

Tuesday evening, after having 8 other families traipse through the house the dad came with mom and kids for second viewing, and wham bang - offer to purchase at full asking price!

This was closely followed by another couple expressing interest, and if first offer falls through for some inexplicable reason, they will sign an offer too!

I really was not prepared for such a quick sale. It really has stirred things up. SO many questions to ask / decisions to make. I thought we would have a breather before making the next step while we waited for interest in the house.

Today was also the first negativity experienced from my family side. I was waiting for it, as I had expected it to appear, but the timing of it was perfect, so now feel as if I have no answers for any questions.

So I will follow the advice of a dear friend - Celebrate tonight, panic tomorrow!

[Soon2BOz]

Wow...that was quick!

Congrats!

Good advice....might have to follow it myself!

[Neels]

So I will follow the advice of a dear friend - Celebrate tonight, panic tomorrow!

Okay... So that's what we're doing wrong?..

Congrats on the house and the offers you got. Step by step as they say..

[Mara]

Congratulations.. and good luck with the packing and sorting that now has to be done!

[EmNew]

So, the "Sold" sign is now on the pavement - deposit paid by buyer to lawyers, his bond agreement signed.

When the agent phoned on Friday to say the deal was now officially 100% done, I had a few seconds of feeling tearful, and then, as I was at a client, gathered myself and carried on with the day. By the time I arrived back home, I was feeling buoyant , positive and excited.Today I feel relief - another hurdle in this journey overcome. Now I feel completely free to move on to the next phase of the process.

We certainly were Blessed to get an offer on the first day the house was on the market, and have the buyer's finances all in order, and best of all, they can accommodate our needs as they are in a corporate relocation rental, and don't have to move out until November.

So, we will rent from the new owners for Aug / Sept, and will book our flights soon for late Sept / early October....gulp................

Sitting today with hubby's family, it suddenly dawned on me that that is only 4 months to sort out / sell up contents, pack up necessities, arrange shipment of items we are taking, hand over my clients, sort out admin such as bank accounts, policy surrenders, debit orders, sell cars, cancel TV licences etc etc

The situation that I know I am not acknowledging / confronting at the moment is the fact that our kitties can't come with us...........It is something we knew from the start, due to their age and existing health issues, but it was always something that we would have to deal with in the future......which is now fast approaching........

It feels like a betrayal - 15 years of companionship and we're going to leave them behind. My head tells me their vet is right - the cruelest thing would be to put them on the plane, if they even passed the pre-health checks and shots etc, but my heart says leaving them is the ultimate act of cruelty and selfishness............

This is going to be the toughest part of the entire process - facing this consequence of our decision to take this path to Aus.....

[SDTCPT]

Hi Em,

Sad to hear about your cats. Good luck with all the final arrangements before you get on your flights in a couple of months, I hope all goes well.

[qwerty]

We left our 2 Golden Retrievers with grandpa and grandma on their farm in the garden route. I still feel guilty, but it was the right thing for them (not just us). I instinctively knew the older one would not survive the flight (although I didn't want to acknowledge that). Luka passed away on 9 April at 10 1/2 years - she was well looked after by my in-laws until the end. Cady who hated being separated from Luka is coping, because there are other dogs around. I don't think she would've coped without Luka if they were still with us.

The point I'm trying to make is that they adapted very quickly and absolutely loved the freedom of being on the farm. I think we miss them more, rather than the other way around.

Edited May 25, 2015 by qwerty

[EmNew]

I just hope we can find a second home for ours. They are all on some special diet or other, have kidney, arthritis and over active thyroid health issues. There are not many people who would take on elderly animals, let alone ones with special needs

No family members can take them , as they have existing dogs, and our kitties are petrified of dogs.

I am sure something will be worked out , to avoid the awful last resort choice...... Just have to have faith that what is best for them ,will happen

Edited May 26, 2015 by EmNew

[EmNew]

So today has been a day of action and progress again.

1) Received my letter confirming NAB bank account details after doing their super easy online application for an account

2) Have flights on hold for September 27th whilst Flight Centre confirms with Qantas that we can get the additional immigrant luggage allowance and if it will be fully complimentary, which apparently Singapore airline's is

We're making good progress each evening after work going through each room, cupboard by cupboard, sorting items into their various piles.

So far, things that I thought would be very emotional going through ( old letters, some of my late sister's belongings etc ) have actually been uplifting and brought back some really great memories that were locked away.

The giveaway pile is growing, and so is the to sell pile. Sadly haven't started the process of selling items yet - just don't have enough time in a day to work, sort things out and get things advertised for sale. Need more hours in a day, days in a week etc!!

[Neels]

Need more hours in a day, days in a week etc!!

Eish... I'm with you on that one. We only started 2 weeks ago and they are loading our container on the 17th already. You take a break and 2 days are gone.....

[EmNew]

Eish... I'm with you on that one. We only started 2 weeks ago and they are loading our container on the 17th already. You take a break and 2 days are gone.....

Min Dae, Neels!

All the best for the final days - hope you manage to get all the necessary done, as well as get some time to breath!

I booked and paid for our one-way tickets today........exit date is 27 September ( I can recommend sitting with Flight Centre for this vs going through IOM - prices much of a muchness, but the service is better in that you have eye contact and immediate feedback, vs emails going backwards and forwards )

Now to just book a shipping company etc...... At least there is a deadline set now to get everything else in order!

[EmNew]

So, we're almost at the 100 day count down to our exit, and the first of the emotional bubbles hit...

Today was my mom's 82nd birthday, and I was very aware the entire time that I was there that this could be the last time I am there with her to celebrate it. I know that we can't take anything in life for granted, and that even if we were not heading to Aus, so many things could be the last time we do x y z etc, but the reality hit home today that due to the upcoming physical distance, there will be many 'possibly the last time we will.....' in the next 3 months.

Still looking forwards to the future, and all it holds, but the little 'gulp' moments are rearing their head.

On the one hand, I am glad that I will be working for most of the upcoming 3 months is it will provide some focus and distraction, but on the other hand, I feel that I should be taking more time out to enjoy Cape Town, friends and family.....

[Magenta]

I don't know which was worse, knowing that this could be the last birthday I spent with my mom and dad for a long long time OR actually being here and hearing about the birthday celebrations from across the sea and not being able to be a part of it. All I can say is hooray for SKYPE .... Be prepared for 1.5 hour skype sessions! We also have a special deal with our internet provider that gives us free land line calls to SA, so whenever I am missing my mom, I can call her. I know it means a lot to her that I phone.

I hope that the excitement of your new adventure will soon overshadow those sad, emotional 'last times'.

[EmNew]

So, today marks one year since we decided to immigrate to Oz and started seriously investigating the process ( contacting agents etc , doing online visa assessment to gauge our eligibility.

So, where are we one year down the line?

1) We have the golden ticket ( aka 189 visa )

2) We have sold our house - transfer takes place next Friday and we will be officially tenants in our old home for 2 months

3) The moving company is booked for 1 September to pack up and uplift our few belongings ( going the groupage route which is not ideal, but we have too much for a movecube and not enough for a full container load )

4) The one way ticket has been booked - exit date 27 September

5) Emotions - the overwhelming one is excitement - we really cannot wait to start our new life in Melbourne, but the fear/stress does get a little overwhelming at times. There are so many loose ends to tie up this side, and so little time to do it. The sorting out of belongings is time consuming, as we have to be 100% if it's in the take / leave pile as those decisions can't be undone at a later stage, and there is the fear of the unknown, and the job hunting process.......

Overall I will say we have been Blessed to have a fairly smooth journey to this point. Things fell into place quite quickly once the ball got rolling. We feel that we have made the right decision - no doubts have ever crept in. The closer we get to the arrival date, the more excited we get.

Yes, it is going to be hard to leave loved ones here, and we will have regrets about that, but we have been lucky that in so far, most have been incredibly ( and amazingly ) supportive and understanding of our decision. A few can't understand our decision & choice of destination and we honestly haven't tried to make them understand. I don't see the point. The decision is such a personal one and we can't force someone to see something from our perspective.

So, now it's back to work for the day, with an evening of more sorting and cleaning to look forwards to. Need to tackle the tools now - toolbox is spotless, now need to make sure everything that is put back into it is also shiny and dirt free.........at least it will keep us moving and warm in this rather chilly winter weather that has hit Cape Town!

[EmNew]

Honestly, nothing prepared me for how hard the last few weeks would be before exiting. Yes, I was warned it would be emotional, but it has been difficult in other ways.

There is just SO much to wrap up before boarding that plane next month......

Hindsight is 20/20 and I now know that we were both really really naive and stupid to think it would a good idea to be working full time until 31/08/2015. One of us ( pick me, pick me ) should have stopped work 31/07/2015 already. Both of us are finding work exceptionally demanding at the moment - seem to be stuck with clients reluctant to let go of the apron strings. In 13 years of running my own business, my phone has NEVER rung so many times in a day as it does currently.

The admin is time consuming . Just trying to organise with our respective banks to increase daily payment limits to get money to Exchange4free's clearing account took an hour and a half this morning. Making sure our digital life is backed up and secure takes time in the evenings, as well as scanning in important older legal documents and policy contracts to have a digital copy thereof in case originals lost in transit. ( planning on taking everything super important in the carry-on luggage, such as external backup drives and original NB docs ) You think it's just a simple task when something's on a list and you feel great when you tick it off, but when you realise how much time that took to do, and how much else there is still to do,with a finite deadline in which to do it by, that feeling of being overwhelmed just takes over.

The balancing act between the final house sorting, the socialising with loved ones, wrapping up our RSA working life, getting things in order for our new life in Aus is precarious to say the least. Feels as if a ball is about to be dropped and when it is, it will be a hard fall.......

Still haven't replacement home for our kitties, and I think this is the worst thing to deal with of all at the moment. It hit me over the long weekend, that whether we find a home for them, or have to do the unthinkable, either way , in +-6 weeks, we won't have our furry purries anymore......

Ok , whinge session over....back to that tax return......

[EmNew]

This time next month, we will be on a Qantas flight somewhere over the Indian Ocean, enroute to Australia !!!!

It feels surreal to be in the final month of the RSA part of our lives. I am viewing my life as a book series at the moment.It could be a Tolkien trilogy, with Melbourne being the third city in which I would have lived, having moved from Johannesburg to Cape Town some decades ago, or it could be a George RR Martin epic series, with Melbourne somewhere in the middle of an unfinished tale of unknown duration.

Which ever length of series it ends up being I know it will be thrilling. As with any good book, I dread approaching the end of the current tale, as I know some "characters" won't appear in the next in the series, but I also am eagerly awaiting to see how the story turns out, and can't wait to move on to the sequal.

[RedPanda]

Wow, I want to like your post, but apparently there is a daily quota of 'Likes' and I've reached it.
Maybe it will be like one of those books that just gets passed on from one author to the next, and it's continuously written on.

Good luck, and good journey.

[EmNew]

Today has been totally surreal......

I 'officially' closed my business's doors yesterday, but of course there are loose ends to tie up, last minute clients to appease , SARS verifications to attend to for tax returns already submitted, so am sitting working on my laptop.

Around me a cheerful, friendly team from Econo Trans are busy packing up our belongings that we're taking, and loading all for shipment via groupage to Melbourne. They are so efficient and hard working and careful with all that they do, that I feel totally at ease with this step of the process.

Weird being in a virtually empty house now though - just a few items remain unsold. Going to have to get used to 'camping' in it for the next few weeks.

I finally feel as if we can focus on the Aussie side of things though, even though there are a few things to wrap up here. Time to start applying for jobs online ( you never know, nothing venture, nothing gain ), spend lots of time on realestate.com.au, and looking up things to explore and do for fun once we've landed.

We still need do decide once and for all when we leave the house, as the new owners are very flexible and accommodating. Seriously thinking of a B&B with-in walking distance of the sea for the last few nights just to get a bridge between here and there.....