Allan_m_p

After getting everything confirmed and sorted, and with a lot of help from this site we are now moving to Atlanta on 25th August.

I was wondering if anyone had any advice about shipping things over. We are only taking a a few key things and some bits of furniture so thought a shipping container may be best and cheapest option. Thanks in advance!

ivanidea

I used 1st Move International, and was happy with their service.

They charge according to volume. I self packed (they will pack for you if required), and ended up with 2 pallets, which were shipped to Florida (via NY).

There are cheaper options, but I was restricted in my choice for wanting to pack my stuff myself.

Allan_m_p

perfect, we want to do the same and pack ourselves, I'll check them out. Thanks for your reply

ivanidea

I did read the reviews, which warned of items getting broken during the shrinkwrap phase (look on their website - don't have pics of my packages handy).

I made sure to take extra care with my breakables when packing.

Also, be warned that you will pay more than they quote, again I read this in the reviews so was prepared for the port and customs charges when my goods arrived in New York, and finally when I collected the goods from Tampa.

Since I packed the boxes myself, I just took their basic insurance policy, sine their comprehensive one would not cover breakages unless they packed the boxes.

Amazingly, US customs did not attempt to open the packages, so I was presented with 2 pallets when I went to pick up my stuff. I should've hired a pick up truck instead of a box van. We had to unpack the pallets and load them into the van, since they were too tall to fit through the van door. using the fork lift truck.

kirstyp

Hi Allan,

Congratulations!

Sounds like you've already thought about the things you do and don’t want to take with you. A big part of shipping costs is based on volume of items you’re taking and the best way to determine the right method of shipping for you (own container, shared container etc.) is to get a free removal company survey and quote to establish your volume and find out the cost of the options that work for you.

When deciding who to invite for survey and to give you a quote check out FIDI website for a list of FAIM certified international removal companies that serve your area to make sure whoever you're using is fully qualified, licensed and independently vetted for overseas moving.

There are lots more tips about choosing reputable removals companies and your different options over on our vendor forum for International Removals advice. Hope it helps!

Kirsty

JBQ

Hi Allan

Which shipping company did you go for in the end? We may be making the same move in a few months time.

Allan_m_p

Hi there!
We are still undecided we have arranged for two companies to come and see us over the next couple of weeks so will keep you updated

JBQ

Hi Allan - hope the move materialised successfully for you. We postponed ours for a year, but are now in a position to make the move this summer, so currently in the midst of arranging shipping, etc.

Harveyspecter

WHS /\

Beware as well, don't just got for the cheapest company, because some are known to low ball then hold you to ransom with fees while they have hold of your personal possessions. I went with 1st move twice, and am more than happy with them.

They quote you an estimated (in the case of the item I just had shipped out, it was 4.5 cubic metres). When packed it came to 3.8 cubic metres so I was charge that amount. As ivanidea said, that isn't the end of it in terms of fees though. When I shipped out an item last month I paid just over 1000gbp for shipping, I then paid a $465 'Customs inspection fee' once the container it was in landed in the US, then another $165 for the 'warehouse handling fee' once I collected it.

Before wrapping:



Wrapped and ready to ship:


Collected: