I've read helpful posts by others here, who have used this forum to record their experience of making the move to NZ. I'd like to do the same as it will help me see my progress. At times, I feel like I'm spinning my wheels.
First, I have it a lot easier than most of you as I was born and raised in NZ but have lived in the U.S. for many years. As a NZ citizen, I can go home with no worries with PR, etc. I also don't have to worry about finding employment as I'm self-employed and will continue to earn my living the same way as now. I made the decision about four months ago with the idea that it would be a two-year plan, but it may well end up a one-year plan.
I joined the emigratenz forum for advice on shipping companies, what I can or can't ship, prices of goods in NZ (television, etc) and to make sure that I'm doing the right thing. I make an annual pilgrimage to NZ and have kept in close touch with a large extended NZ family and friends but will be leaving my son and three grandchildren here. (though he's a NZ citizen - so fingers crossed that one day, they might join me). After the move, I'll be spending 3 or 4 months of the year in the U.S.
Plan:
Spruce up house working on curb appeal.
Put the house on the market in May?
Sell house for much more money than I even dared hope.
Send money to NZ when exchange rate is two for one. (yeah, right.)
Buy a house somewhere between Warkworth (hometown) and Mangonui in the Far North with sea view out the front, bush view out the back, walking distance to the Four Square, a yoga class and a beach. * sigh *
So far I have:
*Painting/polishing/fixing (BIL, a retired contractor, is here for a week doing the dirty work)
*Front door has been sent off to have a new frame made.
*Bought new front hardware and locks.
*Cleaning out cupboards, getting rid of clutter.
*Packing away stuff that I don't need now and will take to NZ.
*Getting quotes from shipping companies - leaning towards Rainier.
*I've got someone interested in seeing the house in a few months pending their own property sale.
*I have a realtor lined up. She'll visit the house and give me an idea of
market value.
Phew. That's it for now! Back to work.