What to pack when have babies and will live indefinetely out of suitcases?

[SueZ]

We're not sending a shipment of our stuff from the US to NZ because we only have a work visa, still waiting on residency. So we will be living out of what we can check and carry on the plane for some indefinite amount of time. We have a 2.5 year old and a 2 month old.

Any suggestions on what we should pack in the suitcases besides cloths, toys and a few personal items?

THANKS!

SUE and FAM

[JandM]

Don't forget you could also post or courier a package to yourselves, or send something excess baggage (there are old threads on all these topics).

I remember someone saying it was a great comfort to have a couple of their own familiar favourite kitchen knives.

CDs/DVDs of your little ones favourite music/TV programmes.

[Kea]

You might find a portacot useful. We have a Phil and Teds one which is small and light enough to take on a plane. It was useful when we were 'between homes' as DD had somewhere familiar to sleep and not all hotels etc have them. The ones that do were often a bit ropey.

[Georgebulldog]

I think now that you can buy most things at the same price as the UK (know your not from there) as long as you wait for the sales. As your talking small items to check in I think just what you think you will need for the imediate first month or 2 but remember to wait for the next sale here as they always have them. We bought quite a bit of stuff at full price & kick myself now but I've learnt to buy in bulk when the next sale pops up. You can also rent things from Plunkett like highchairs, carseats & other stuff

[Sun777]

You may want to check these threads while others answer:

http://www.enz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=31887
http://www.enz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=31888
http://www.enz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20613


Oh! one tip is to vaccum pack clothes/wollies, that will save lots of space in suitcases and using excess baggage (like http://www.excess-baggage.com) which collect your stuff from airport and deliver to NZ (may be 1 week to 10 days after check-in).

All the best with your planning !!