Anyone from the UK cargo their belongings to the USA, advice & info appreciated!

[Ilovecake 11]

Hello everyone

Who has cargoed their belongings from the UK to the USA?

Roughly how much volume did you use? (E.g 20 ft , half a container) And how much did it costs?

I have been trying to get quotes from shipping companies but they are asking me unrealistic things (sizes & weight of each item) I could not possibly know right now, so I have no idea of the costs.

General idea of what I will be shipping abroad-

55" TV

40" TV

Dismantled double bed base metal

A wardrobe with 3 drawers

Approx. 10 large / x large cardboard boxes filled with personal belongings

I definitely will not need a 20ft container, I even think a half a container would be too much. I would like to know if anyone has cargoed their stuff to the USA,their experience and approximate cost.

Also any reputable shipping companies you recommend?

Thank you in advance

[gregcrs2 1,777]

I can't give you any details of shipping but can provide some advice from my previous moves.

TVs are not worth shipping. They are relatively cheap in the USA. You would be better off selling them and purchasing new in USA. Most furniture items are also not worth shipping unless they are antiques.

I would also suggest that you donate or sell any clothes or items you have not used in the past year. Only keep books that hold great personal value to you.

My experience is that shipping costs are horrendous and have to question the value of keeping stuff vs. selling and replacing it. Something always seems to get damaged on almost every move I have ever made.

I have found that often there was not a huge price difference.

[Abbyerin 9]

I'm with the same view as Gregcrs2. I looked into shipping everything but it was absolutely ridiculous. Thousands! So, instead, I was lucky I could leave a few bits at my parents but I just donated my furniture to them too (or you could sell). I cleared out many things and it was rather therapeutic.

I'd advise maybe to get a second checked bag when you fly over. That's what I did and I packed as much as possible. I had also given different bits and bobs to my husband every time he flew over as he always had room in his suitcase.

Like Gregcrs2 said - No point shipping TVs - It would cost more to ship them than to actually buy a new one in the states (They're so cheap - especially if you can get a good deal on black Friday/the holidays). I totally understand if you've got antiques and want to bring them over but if not, I'd advise to sell and start fresh in the states.

That's my 2 cents. Hope it was helpful for you.

[Ilovecake 11]

Thank you both ! It will be hard to let my TVs go as they are both under a year old... But oh well

Thanks again

[JFH 12,189]

I wouldn't bother with the bed. Mattress and linen sizes are different in the USA than in Europe. So even if you got the bed there, you'd probably have to import the sheets and so on.

[Ilovecake 11]

I wouldn't bother with the bed. Mattress and linen sizes are different in the USA than in Europe. So even if you got the bed there, you'd probably have to import the sheets and so on.

Ok thank you, I suppose everything else is pretty much pointless

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

1st Move International http://www.shipit.co.uk Watch the video.

2.2 cubic meters. You are charged by your volume.

22 boxes of stuff and one family heirloom wall clock in a specially built foam lined crate.

Crate build was extra £80. Insurance total was £321 covering £8000 value for damage.

I think damage vs total loss of container is priced differently and costs more. (Yep, continers can be lost. See example photo http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/photo/containers-falling-rena)

Total Invoice £1145

No damage or pilfering. Watch the packing video.

(Prices for 55" TVs in $$ https://www.walmart.com/c/kp/55-led-tv )

[JFH 12,189]

I also noticed you're going to Washington too! I'm going to Seattle.

With shipping you then have the added cost of it going through the Panama Canal and back up the other side. So comparing it with shipping to New York or Miami won't help much.

[gregcrs2 1,777]

Unless electronic devices show real physical damage, repairs will not be covered by insurance. For example, TV works before being packed and does not work after being delivered, then insurance will not pay for repairs. Dealing with insurance companies when you have a claim is a headache you don't want.

As JFH stated, do not even bother with the bed and bed accessories as sizes are different.

I had over 30 relocations in my lifetime, including several international relocations. I didn't really care about costs when it was company paid but once I started paying for it myself, I learned a lot during the past several moves. Mainly, moving less is better and it's a real opportunity to get rid of stuff you don't really need. During my last move, I sold all my furniture except living room as it was quite new. Now I wish that I had sold that too as the moving costs were not worth it and it does not match the new home colors (color of floors and walls). Also, if budget is tight, you can purchase used furniture at a fraction of the new furniture price. Someone is always moving somewhere or downsizing.

[JFH 12,189]

I agree with gregcrs2 above.

I've moved around a lot and lived in 5 countries through my work and education. When we first decided that I would be moving to the USA instead of my husband coming here, I immediately started pricing up boxes, containers, looking at shipping, packing, air freight, sea freight, etc, etc. I really couldn't imagine leaving my "stuff" behind. My husband is an artist and was living in a converted shipping container on a patch of land off-grid at the time. He said "where do you think you're going to put all your stuff and what do you really need it for?" Containers are big, but not when two of you are living in one.

Throughout this process I have gradually felt that I am going through a rebirth. Or we both are. This is a fresh start for both of us. We've "upgraded" from the shipping container to a fifth wheel but space is still limited. I feel like getting rid of my stuff is shedding my skin like a snake and has made me reconsider how much I really need, vs want.

The only step I just cannot take is to replace all my books with a kindle, as a work colleague suggested. Not a chance!

Edited September 13, 2016 by JFH

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

On the extreme flip side of that JFH coin, we are two people with four bedrooms, living room, dining room, breakfast room, study, game room, theater room, and 400 sq ft of walk-in attic. (No basements in TX). I told my husband to bring whatever he wanted that made him happy. The cost of shipping didn't matter if it was important to him and made the transition easier. Everybody has to work out for themselves what is the right balance for their situation. He didn't bring any electronics or appliances that would require a converter. So far no regrets on anything he shipped eight years ago.

Edited September 13, 2016 by Nich-Nick

[Ilovecake 11]

I also noticed you're going to Washington too! I'm going to Seattle.

With shipping you then have the added cost of it going through the Panama Canal and back up the other side. So comparing it with shipping to New York or Miami won't help much.

Hi, It is actually Virginia Beach I will be staying ... I need to update that on my profile. I think my nearest port would be Norfolk, VA

[Ilovecake 11]

I wouldn't bother with the bed. Mattress and linen sizes are different in the USA than in Europe. So even if you got the bed there, you'd probably have to import the sheets and so on.

1st Move International http://www.shipit.co.uk Watch the video.

2.2 cubic meters. You are charged by your volume.

22 boxes of stuff and one family heirloom wall clock in a specially built foam lined crate.

Crate build was extra £80. Insurance total was £321 covering £8000 value for damage.

I think damage vs total loss of container is priced differently and costs more. (Yep, continers can be lost. See example photo http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/photo/containers-falling-rena)

Total Invoice £1145

No damage or pilfering. Watch the packing video.

(Prices for 55" TVs in $$ https://www.walmart.com/c/kp/55-led-tv )

Unless electronic devices show real physical damage, repairs will not be covered by insurance. For example, TV works before being packed and does not work after being delivered, then insurance will not pay for repairs. Dealing with insurance companies when you have a claim is a headache you don't want.

As JFH stated, do not even bother with the bed and bed accessories as sizes are different.

I had over 30 relocations in my lifetime, including several international relocations. I didn't really care about costs when it was company paid but once I started paying for it myself, I learned a lot during the past several moves. Mainly, moving less is better and it's a real opportunity to get rid of stuff you don't really need. During my last move, I sold all my furniture except living room as it was quite new. Now I wish that I had sold that too as the moving costs were not worth it and it does not match the new home colors (color of floors and walls). Also, if budget is tight, you can purchase used furniture at a fraction of the new furniture price. Someone is always moving somewhere or downsizing.

I agree with gregcrs2 above.

I've moved around a lot and lived in 5 countries through my work and education. When we first decided that I would be moving to the USA instead of my husband coming here, I immediately started pricing up boxes, containers, looking at shipping, packing, air freight, sea freight, etc, etc. I really couldn't imagine leaving my "stuff" behind. My husband is an artist and was living in a converted shipping container on a patch of land off-grid at the time. He said "where do you think you're going to put all your stuff and what do you really need it for?" Containers are big, but not when two of you are living in one.

Throughout this process I have gradually felt that I am going through a rebirth. Or we both are. This is a fresh start for both of us. We've "upgraded" from the shipping container to a fifth wheel but space is still limited. I feel like getting rid of my stuff is shedding my skin like a snake and has made me reconsider how much I really need, vs want.

The only step I just cannot take is to replace all my books with a kindle, as a work colleague suggested. Not a chance!

On the extreme flip side of that JFH coin, we are two people with four bedrooms, living room, dining room, breakfast room, study, game room, theater room, and 400 sq ft of walk-in attic. (No basements in TX). I told my husband to bring whatever he wanted that made him happy. The cost of shipping didn't matter if it was important to him and made the transition easier. Everybody has to work out for themselves what is the right balance for their situation. He didn't bring any electronics or appliances that would require a converter. So far no regrets on anything he shipped eight years ago.

Wow! Bless you all for taking time to reply I really appreciate it.

I have so much to consider and think about, thank you all so much..

Any more contributions are welcomed. This is such a hard decision for me.

[Ilovecake 11]

1st Move International http://www.shipit.co.uk Watch the video.

2.2 cubic meters. You are charged by your volume.

22 boxes of stuff and one family heirloom wall clock in a specially built foam lined crate.

Crate build was extra £80. Insurance total was £321 covering £8000 value for damage.

I think damage vs total loss of container is priced differently and costs more. (Yep, continers can be lost. See example photo http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/photo/containers-falling-rena)

Total Invoice £1145

No damage or pilfering. Watch the packing video.

(Prices for 55" TVs in $$ https://www.walmart.com/c/kp/55-led-tv )

Hello thanks for all the information you provided and taking you time to share.

I watched the video and I am very impressed, I will be in contact with the company

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Hello thanks for all the information you provided and taking you time to share.

I watched the video and I am very impressed, I will be in contact with the company

The difficult part is knowing how much stuff you have before you pack. Kind of impossible really.

In the end, we just picked these people and quit trying to compare. Ask them about details because the door to door quote can include a moving van bringing your things across country and not necessarily ship through the Panama Canal. Ask what their typical procedure is to the west coast. I guess they work out most efficient and quote you that.

When you start packing, make an inventory list of what you are bringing for customs and insurance purposes.

Edit: I see you aren't on the west coast so forget that comment.

Edited September 13, 2016 by Nich-Nick