[DDL]

Originally Posted by bandrui .....I have a lot of treaures... a large collection of non-fiction books that I have not had time to read. I shall seriously cull them but take lots. .

Shipping is soooo expensive (even when mailing the books via M-Bag, which is what you should do; check past posts) that our rule of thumb was that if they were easily replaceable (i.e., could be purchased in the UK - checked via Amazon.co.uk) we didn't bring them. I made a list of the ones I wanted to re-purchase (over time) once we arrived back here. But for the most part, we were ready for some new books. The ones we ended up sending over were the more unique, one-off, or first editions.

[Beedubya]

Originally Posted by DDL Shipping is soooo expensive (even when mailing the books via M-Bag, which is what you should do; check past posts) that our rule of thumb was that if they were easily replaceable (i.e., could be purchased in the UK - checked via Amazon.co.uk) we didn't bring them. I made a list of the ones I wanted to re-purchase (over time) once we arrived back here. But for the most part, we were ready for some new books. The ones we ended up sending over were the more unique, one-off, or first editions.

I find books here in the charity shops incredible bargains!!! Between 1 to 3 pounds is a steal. In Australia you wouldn't touch a book in a charity shop with a barge pole, here you can get the popular authors books in almost new condition.

OK this is obviously not for first editions, etc.

But I knew if and when I decide to take up my Family History hobby again, I will be able to buy books from here at a fraction of what the shipping costs would have been.

[Pauljarv]

Now, I'm a leave it sort of person while my wife is definitely a take it person and after moving stuff stored in one basement to another basement for 6 years in the US we've now got a garage full of stuff stored in the UK. We'll probably never use/see it until we move again.

I will warn you that a) storage in UK houses is at a premium, we don't have basements like Northern America and b) it's likely that you may be renting and possibly for 6months/a year while you find a place to live. This means you'll be moving again 6month/a year later!

I'd say be ruthless with clothes and furniture due to storage issues and your new place may, temporarily be smaller than where you live now. We sold tools and other electrical stuff and I focussed on pictures and sentimental stuff.

[sallysimmons]

Originally Posted by Pauljarv I will warn you that a) storage in UK houses is at a premium, we don't have basements like Northern America

This is one reason I like older houses - my parents' old cottage used to have a massive cellar that ran the length of the house. So much better than climbing up ladders into the loft.

We're being quite ruthless - even my husband the hoarder is finally letting things go. Mainly because I think we'd like a complete fresh start when we get home. I think it'll be fun!

[DDL]

Sally, that fresh start/new start feeling has been a real energizer for us individually, our marriage (not that it needed it but it's been a bonus), and our relationship.

It's also a great excuse for more retail therapy.

[ann m]

Originally Posted by bandrui I To tell you the truth I am really looking forward to getting rid of ALOT of stuff and simplifying my life. But first I have to decide what I am going to keep. There are 3 Queen size beds in my house and I have already sold one and a couch from downstairs. I used to have a condo in Vancouver and then moved to this large 3BR house with a suite and large 2-room studio downstairs. You know how stuff seems to fill up available space!

You might find people on this site that are emigrating out to near where you live and might need some of your stuff as they set up in their new Canadian home.

[bandrui]

Originally Posted by DDL Shipping is soooo expensive (even when mailing the books via M-Bag, which is what you should do; check past posts) that our rule of thumb was that if they were easily replaceable (i.e., could be purchased in the UK - checked via Amazon.co.uk) we didn't bring them. I made a list of the ones I wanted to re-purchase (over time) once we arrived back here. But for the most part, we were ready for some new books. The ones we ended up sending over were the more unique, one-off, or first editions.

M-bag is a USPS service so doesn't apply in Canada and I think it would cost a lot more to replace the books than to ship them. Also, I am thinking of getting 1/2 a container as opposed to shipping individual things. Most of my books are part of a non-fiction reference library so are books I use often.

[bandrui]

Originally Posted by ann m You might find people on this site that are emigrating out to near where you live and might need some of your stuff as they set up in their new Canadian home.

It's a good idea for those living in major centres but I live on an island of 10,000 people. It is highly unlikely that someone will be coming here. I am aiming to start early so that I can go through a process... try and sell locally through our list, garage sales, Craigslist Victoria and then friends, Thrift Shop, etc. I shall keep track of the money and have fun at the other end replacing my tons of stuff with a few good things.

[MagsB]

It will still be a while before we move, but I've decided to check the Argos website for every single item (obviously not for books and personal items) that we want to take. If it's cheap to replace it will stay behind. I've moved twice with a 20ft container and took everything from the microwave to the piano. This time the piano is MOST DEFINITELY the first thing that I'll leave behind, no matter how many sentimetal feelings I have towards it. Moving it from one house to another in England cost us 100pounds! This time we're also leaving behind all our furniture, maybe only our mattress, because it's new and brilliant and expensive to replace.

[sallysimmons]

Originally Posted by bandrui I shall keep track of the money and have fun at the other end replacing my tons of stuff with a few good things.

I think this will be fun too - like starting out all over again, only this time I won't have a massive student overdraft

[Lorac05]

Originally Posted by bandrui M-bag is a USPS service so doesn't apply in Canada and I think it would cost a lot more to replace the books than to ship them. Also, I am thinking of getting 1/2 a container as opposed to shipping individual things. Most of my books are part of a non-fiction reference library so are books I use often.

My books are similar - and many connected with my career - massage therapist/holistic healer - that I need. I have packed them all up and they are coming with me. That is actually the bulk of my shipment !!

[Lorac05]

Originally Posted by MagsB It will still be a while before we move, but I've decided to check the Argos website for every single item (obviously not for books and personal items) that we want to take. If it's cheap to replace it will stay behind. I've moved twice with a 20ft container and took everything from the microwave to the piano. This time the piano is MOST DEFINITELY the first thing that I'll leave behind, no matter how many sentimetal feelings I have towards it. Moving it from one house to another in England cost us 100pounds! This time we're also leaving behind all our furniture, maybe only our mattress, because it's new and brilliant and expensive to replace.

The only item of furniture I'm taking is my cast iron Queen sized bed frame as it was a gift to myself one year when I got a good bonus and I love it. It can be dismantled so doesn't take up a huge amount of room. I know the mattress sizes in the UK are different but I believe US Queen is very close to UK King - a 2 inch difference in length - so a mattress from the UK will fit into it!!

[bandrui]

Originally Posted by Beedubya I find books here in the charity shops incredible bargains!!! Between 1 to 3 pounds is a steal. In Australia you wouldn't touch a book in a charity shop with a barge pole, here you can get the popular authors books in almost new condition. OK this is obviously not for first editions, etc. But I knew if and when I decide to take up my Family History hobby again, I will be able to buy books from here at a fraction of what the shipping costs would have been.

That's good news Beedubya and was my experience too while in the UK on my last trip. There were SO many books in used book stores, thrift shops, etc. that I wanted but had to be careful. I did bring books back from that trip though. Now they are going in the other direction .

[bandrui]

Originally Posted by MagsB It will still be a while before we move, but I've decided to check the Argos website for every single item (obviously not for books and personal items) that we want to take. If it's cheap to replace it will stay behind. I've moved twice with a 20ft container and took everything from the microwave to the piano. This time the piano is MOST DEFINITELY the first thing that I'll leave behind, no matter how many sentimetal feelings I have towards it. Moving it from one house to another in England cost us 100pounds! This time we're also leaving behind all our furniture, maybe only our mattress, because it's new and brilliant and expensive to replace.

Same, Mags. I shall definitely sell my piano and hopefully find one at the other end for a good price.

[bandrui]

Originally Posted by Lorac05 My books are similar - and many connected with my career - massage therapist/holistic healer - that I need. I have packed them all up and they are coming with me. That is actually the bulk of my shipment !!

My books are herbal medicine, aromatherapy, astrology, Celtic spirituality and Textile arts. Perhaps we have something in common . I keep meaning to ask about your avatar - my place here is called the Labyrinth and I have that symbol on my house sign.

Lucky you - leaving on th 26th! Have a great journey and re-integration.