3 weeks to go...

So just 3 weeks to go - 21 days - and still so much to do!

In terms of the cats, they are now all jabbed up and ready to depart on 2 January in their double crate. They'll be able to see each other but not touch each other through the dividing panel. They'll have another set of jabs/tablets in London before they are boarded on the flight. They are going Qantas to Melbourne, where they'll stay in quarantine for 10 days. If they are fit and well and free of any bugs, I can get them at lunchtime on Monday 14 January.

The removal firm also come on 2 January to begin the packing of the sea container. That will continue into 3 January. Fingers crossed my stuff will all fit into one 20ft unit - that alone costs over £5k with insurance. So I really need it to fit! Otherwise I have to pay for additional carriage as a part-filled container - "groupage" they call it. They've said that my belongings will arrive in Brisbane port on Saturday 23 February. I don't know how long it will take to clear customs and quarantine, but this gives me a good start point for having a flat/house to rent by that weekend.

I spent part of one evening this week cancelling direct debits - I was surprised at how many I still had on my bank account for things that are no longer needed. What was interesting was the response from a couple of them, almost immediately, saying "keep it open, we might need another payment".  I haven't re-started those - I think they can send an invoice and I can pay online/by cheque if I need to. One of those was the TV licensing team - they were the ones who wouldn't take my information over the phone?! Obviously the bank gets in touch with companies where you cancel the direct debit.

I've not heard anything back from Leeds City Council re: the council tax - I wonder if they've got a backlog of items to deal with?

Some of these were lottery tickets - I'm never going to check what the numbers are again in case they are mine! I've also cancelled postcode lottery, because technically, though I own the address, I don't live at it.

I've organised a cleaning company to come in and do a "deep clean", whatever that is, I just care about the oven and the skirting boards, on the day after the removal team leave. I had planned to do it myself but actually, I'm mindful of the stress of everything else and need to take care of myself a bit more - I cancelled a weekend away in Birmingham this weekend, just feel quite fragile and not 100% myself.

I created new spreadsheets last week, to monitor and predict my expenditure in the UK even when I'm in Australia, and to monitor Australian expenditure from Australia. It's hard to predict but I'm using what I spend now in the UK as a starting point.  People tell me that the cost of living in Australia is higher than in the UK, and I've seen some of those TV programmes who say that too. 

I heard back from one of my sister's school-friends who has links with rental agencies and he's given me another contact to follow up. I'm wondering if not having a permanent job will be a hindrance to me renting somewhere? Maybe I'll need an Australian guarantor?  

I've also withdrawn my ISAs because I'll need capital in Australia, particularly if I don't get work. I was intending to use my ISAs to buy a house, but that might have to be delayed until my pension kicks in, in Feb 2024, when I get the lump sum from the old scheme.

I've had some post this week at home from Sky for the new tenants - another thing that makes it real!

I've had more contact with old friends via the Christmas cards and from the blog - how lovely that anyone is reading it!

I'm feeling quite nostalgic this weekend - I've got a handful of decorations up for Xmas but without the dresser, sofa and corner unit, the house looks very empty. For Xmas and New Year, I'll be here alone with the cats, which is a lovely way to say goodbye to my house.

My last week ahead as a headteacher - probably ever, if my experience in getting a job in Oz continues! We had the Xmas lunch on Friday which the students and staff really enjoyed - lovely to be a part of it, though as an interim, you're never really there, particularly once the substantive is appointed and visiting.