Help...what to pack???

OK, bit of background. In 10 days we're moving from the middle of NSW to the NT.
We are going to end up in Alice Springs in June, but will be in Darwin for 3months.
The issue is, we can only take luggage to Darwin as all of our stuff will go into storage in Alice.
We looked at posting a packing crate up with all our 'extras' (toys, books, nappies etc) that might possibly be too heavy or bulky, however on looking into that, the postage alone was going to be over $400 :o!!!
So now everything we need for 3months needs to go into our suitcases.
For those who don't 'know' me, we have 2 kids aged nearly 4 and 1, we use cloth nappies.

So what 'extras' couldn't you live without for an extended holiday? (bearing in mind that it all has to go into our luggage)

I have thought about
the baby's cutlery/plates/bowls/cups
kids medicines
a pared down nappy stash

I have no idea what toys to take as Nate's faves are his lego and his broom which are both pretty bulky, and Darcy chops and changes like no tomorrow.

Help!

Postage through Aus Post is expensive, but there are other options so that you can pack up some of the bigger items, you can also get insurance, we had to send a huge painting interstate and with Aus Post it was going to cost a small fortune, but through a courier company it was a lot cheaper and they picked up from home and delivered to the address, you can also go through other transport companies even buses (thought you may have to drop off and pick up with these) but it can be a lot cheaper the normal postage :D

How are you getting up there? Driving, plane? So would weight be an issue?

Beema we are flying.
We did check out a few courier companies but none of them would transport 'personal items'. We were thinking that too, but every single one of them said, no you'll have to go through APost as that is the only way you will get it transported.
For $400 I can buy a heap of new toys and just donate them to the Sallies when we're done :dunno:

Hi Kim

We are also moving to Alice Springs - in May. We have a 2 yr old and a 4 yr old - gosh they come with a lot of luggage don't they!!

Pens, paper and stickers go down really well with our kids and are very easy to take in your hand luggage.

How are you getting your stuff up there? I have found a couple of courier companies who'll transport our gear from Sydney to Alice but are charging a fortune! If you've found a good one it would be great to hear from you.

Good luck with the move

Wendy

Hi Wendy, ooh that's very exciting that you'll be moving there too! That will make 3 of us on here...we'll get to have a meetup :D

We're lucky enough that DH's work is paying for our stuff to be moved, so we've been allocated Allied Pickfords to move and store our furniture. I'd hate to think how much it is costing. I don't think we could do it on our own. A car company from Sydney is moving our car.

Good luck with your move too :D

Personally speaking from experiance with 3 kids on the move, carry on.... let kids pack as many toys as possible in that bag, take copies of all legal id documents Take cothes not lots but enough to wash dry and wear. Nappies yes, can u pack in kids suitcase as there clothes dont take up so much room and small toiletries. any other things buy second hand or new over there to see ya through. thats what we did. Take light weight stroller and sling.

with a 1 year old thats baby weight right?????? well with virgin it is and free

good luck