Intro plus some basic questions: buying, sell or donate stuff, areas to live

Hi all-
Just found this board as it appears husband and I are going to move over this summer.  Here's a tiny bit of background to introduce myself plus a few questions.  I work in business and am a dual US/UK citizen who's never lived in the UK (until this coming summer!).  Husband will be a professor at LBS beginning this fall and is a US citizen.   I'll try my hand at being a stay-at-home mom for at least the first year, but my re-enter the work force after that.  We plan to stay for about five years.  We currently live in Minneapolis, and have an almost-3-year-old son and I'm expecting #2 in early March. 

I've read as many topics as I could in the Forum, but am afraid I still have to ask a few VERY basic ones here.  Thanks in advance for your patience.

1.  In terms of getting rid of our stuff here, should we donate to charity or sell (via garage sale or E-Bay)?

2.  Should we plan to let initially and then buy once we've had a chance to live there for awhile (6 months or so), or should we just buy outright?  The university will give us a set amount for moving expenses.  The pro to letting is that we can get a first-hand sense of the various neighborhoods and get used to the change in culture/housing and reset our expectations, plus we won't have to try to buy a house within a week-long house hunting trip.  The pro to buying outright is that we move our things once from here to there, without the dual move first into a temporary place and then into permanent.  Any thoughts/experience as to which is the better option?

3.  Any great resources for figuring out which neighborhoods are best for a young family with two small children?  Husband's future co-workers have recommended Pinner as one good option.  We like the idea of him commuting in on mass transit (either tube or rail), but are flexible.   With our growing family, I would value a bit more house and some garden for our money, which I think puts us somewhere in the London equivalent of "suburbia".  But again, I'm open.  The only fixed landmark is husband commuting in to Regent's Park area most days.

Thanks again for any insight!

-Megan

if you donate, make sure you get receipts for deductions come tax time.

I would suggest that you rent for the 6 months and then buy - partially cause it will take a LONG time for you to actually get through the process of buying - it's much more complicated over here (check out the housing board).  You'll also get a chance to check out different areas - one might work better and have all that you need. 

I personally sold some stuff and donated others.

Hi Megan.  Welcome to UKY!

When I was planning for my move, I divided all of my possessions into these categories:
Keep and send to the UK ahead of time
Keep and bring with me to the UK
Keep and leave behind with my parents (who are nicely storing some things for me in their attic)
Give to friends/family
Sell (I did all of my selling on ebay because I figured I could reach more prospective buyers that way than I could having a garage sale.)
Donate everything else (and get a receipt for tax time)

You may find it difficult to buy a home here in the UK before actually moving over.  It may be easier for you, logistically, to rent first.

Estate agents can usually give you a good idea about different neighborhoods.  There are also a few websites that can help.  One of them is www.upmystreet.com. 

Good luck with the new baby and with your move!   

Thanks for the responses!  Sounds like we should plan on letting rather than buying.

StutzGirl -- when you sent things ahead, who did you send them to?  I do have a cousin and some family friends who may oblige, but was wondering what the other options were.

Much appreciated-

-Megan

Thanks for the responses!  Sounds like we should plan on letting rather than buying.

StutzGirl -- when you sent things ahead, who did you send them to?  I do have a cousin and some family friends who may oblige, but was wondering what the other options were.

Stuzgirl probably sent them on to her British boyfriend.
Your cousin/ family friends would be your only option, really...

Also, just a quick thing here...  'letting' the house is what you do if you own it and are looking for tenants to pay you rent.
If you are the tenant, you are renting it, not letting it!    Just thought id mention that so that it doesnt cause confusion later...

Otterpop is right.  I sent some of my things to my fiancé.  So, I guess I had it easier than most.  If your family would be willing to accept the delivery of some of your things, that would be your best bet.  Remember to describe everything as "used personal items" or something to that effect, and keep the declared value low, so that your family doesn't get hit with duty and/or VAT.

(sorry for butting in!)