Hi cllb2,
I think we're in a very similar situation (intra-comp transfer). We're leaving our furniture here, but we're taking:
- loads of clothes
- lots of make-up, cosmetics, etc. (no way I'm parting with my stuff)
- some small electricals (I know they might not work properly, but I can't just leave my hairstraighteners, etc.)
- two TVs (maybe)
- PS3
- towels, duvets, pillows (we have newish goose down bedding and I can't imagine leaving it), some covers for these
- some books
- some kitchen stuff: crockery, cutlery, pans, etc. (maybe)
- one bike (maybe two if I manage to buy a used one before we go)
- 4 tennis rackets

We're going together in October and taking 2 suitcases each (will pay extra for the second piece). Then after Christmas we'll be going back to Canada again, and again with two suitcases each.

The big things I'm planning to send via excess baggage. They have some good reviews on this site. I priced 295kgs on their site and for air freight it came to around £800. I'll do another quote tonight as now I know that we'll be sending much less than that.

My first sort-of insult on this forum-I knew the day had to come

I may well be a total twit actually, only a moron would exaggerate the use of their wardrobe on this forum as a bit of banter! What was I thinking!

Plus I wish I had spent as much as you imagine on clothes - unfortunately my years as a postgrad and struggling academic had mostly consigned me to NewLook, etc

Perhaps I should steer away from clothes discussion (I'm only female, I can't help it). It's other 'stuff' which makes up the bulk of our Goods to follow/accompanying, and we can't just leave everything behind

I shall do some investigating! Thanks

I had just taken other advice to bring that kind of stuff as given, but then it's mostly aimed at permanent settlers!

Ahhh, a female, thank heavens!

We're not taking nearly so much, as iirc you guys are going for good? Though we are doing almost exactly the same, trip wise. Out in November, back for Xmas, and a return to Vancouver in january.

I believe the company always uses BA so I've been assessing their extra baggage charges. I think the kitchen stuff will have to go separately so thanks for the excess baggage recommondation.

I hadn't thought of taking my bike, we were going to leave it here but perhaps that's silly with a place like Vancouver to get around. I think I'll out it on my goods to follow list as a 'just in case' and see how cycling is when we go over. I have heard both good and bad things about it!

Not thinking of going permanently at the moment, but who knows? Things might change - we might fall in love with the place and decide to stay. My partner went to Vancouver in July and said that we should definitely bring bikes.

An ok, not sure why I thought you were definitely going for good. Neither of us have ever been so we simply don't know what to expect. I am currently relying on here and the tales of a dozen friends who all seem to have ended up over there!

I know Stanley park is great for bikes. Problem is I don't have much stamina so if it's hilly-I'm out!

I just got a VERY vague quote from excess baggage including a bike and air freight is coming out at about £465. That's infinitely better! I chucked in a few of each carton to be on the safe side. We'll be happy bunnys if we can get everything over via shipping and extra plane luggage for under £700.

We flew here on Air India. They have a bigger baggage allowance. 45kg each and 10kg hand luggage each. We (3) arrived with 6 large cases and 3 smaller hand luggage cases.

Hello cllb2
I use airfreight to bring goods in from England regularly, on a commercial basis. I can recommend a firm based in Leicester who should be able to send your goods to Canada. It shouldn`t make a lot of difference as to where you`re located. 5cartons about the same 2a few weeks ago was GBP620ish
I had one carton sent yesterday on an economy service which would depart from Heathrow. Collected from Leicestershire, 26kgs, 75x57x48 cms, that should be here by Friday (I`ve had them in 1 day economy) so the chargeable wight is 42 kgs, thats cost GBP169.50, thats delivered to my door, about 45 minutes north of Toronto. That doesn`t include HST or duty but that shouldn`t affect you.
I`ve just had a quote from a shipping company in Manchester, the same package was GBP30 more expensive. I have a FedEx account, and my courier uses them for shipping, FedEx would be at least double that price.
I`ve used this firm for about 15 years on and off, very reliable. If you want their details pm me and I`ll send them to you, I`m not sure if I`m supposed to give out company details on this forum.
I have no relationship with this firm, just in case, good luck.