Getting ready to move abroad, any tips?

[NaturalBaby]

We're only going to Switzerland but I'm thinking about starting to stock up on things to take with us. Would you bother buying big quantities of particular items that your family use like toiletries? Or that particular brand of cereal that only ds2 will eat?

I'm also wondering how we're physically going to manage to move into our new house with 3 young dc's and no idea what to do with them when the removal men arrive with all our stuff. Last time we moved 2 dc's were in school and dh took ds3 to my mum's while I supervised the removal men and unpacked - not an option this time and I don't want to spend a fortune on a hotel for 5 of us when we arrive.

Tea bags. At least until you can find a place that sells something other than Lipton.

Most packaging is very similar. Spent last summer in Greece so was worried about the different alphabet but brand are brands and look the same anywhere.

Take an extra suitcase or two on the plane with toys for the kids. I assume you'll be able to expense some additional luggage as you're moving for work.

Thanks for all the tips!
Yes Wally, we'll be near the German border.
We're not too fussy about particular English foods but I thought we should make the most of the opportunity to stock up if certain things are better value here.
I'm still worried about how we're going to manage to unpack but are meeting the removals men first thing in the morning armed with supplies to keep our dc's entertained for hopefully long enough to get the men to unpack most stuff. We're also planning on driving so will have essentials in the car.

Almost everything will be better value in the UK!

Be careful not to exceed the duty free limit on purchases in the car though! I packed all of my stock as kitchen utensils into the container.

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We got spot checked and fined for milk smuggling last week! 6 chf! Completely forgot the limit and bought loads of Bio milk on offer for the freezer.

We're doing the food shop this week for the removals men to take. DH has just informed me he's signed a customs form to say there will be no alcohol in our shipment!! I have a cupboard full of gin and it's coming with us! It's alright for DH, he has a beer brewing kit.

If you like to bake, then I'd suggest stocking up on self raising flour as it's easier than messing about with baking powder. Other things I tend to buy when I drive back to England include golden syrup, black treacle and blackcurrant squash. It's also difficult to get back bacon and English Cheddar. Black tea is widely available, but if you like a specific brand, that would also be worth bringing over. Oh yes, and Cadbury chocolate!

I keep reading about squash - I'm guessing you can buy squash like Robinson's in Swiss shops? We're not very fussy about brands but I prefer to buy High juice.

No you can't really buy equivalent squash to Robinsons. Those syrups are popular - the French style ones in tin cans? Achingly sweet.

I don't really look for them anymore though tbh, DS seems to just want to drink water at the mo, so i'm going with that!

If you are driving in, don't forget to purchase your Motorway Vignette. You can either purchase at a service station approaching from France, or have 40chf ready for the border crossing at Basel.

But be aware that when you stop at the border if they see your car packed to the hilt they may expect to review the contents and check for receipts and paperwork which could delay you a little.

If they see one clearly on your windscreen you usually get waved through.