It seems that most people get a 20' container, however it looks like we'll need a 40' container (too much stuff). Initial quote is £10k , and that's without insurance.
Just wondered if anyone else had used a 40' container, and how much it cost please?

From where to where?

from west of London to west of Toronto, three years ago, our 40' box cost a bit less than six thousand pounds, including packing and unpacking. That was with Allied Pickfords, who were pretty efficient both on the physical aspects of the removal and on the paperwork side.

We went from South Wales to North Vancouver and ours cost 4900 pounds with the super insurance ( I haggled the insurance rate) with Robbins and Sons

Have a search on this forum for shipping. I found through other posters had found a DIY firm which I had thought must be possible into but someone had helpfully found. I had spent ages looking into buying a container but had not come across this firm

Maritime Cargo Services

www.maritimecargo.com

Andy Booth 01449 616 100

Mention BritishExpats and you may well get a groan or a discount!

It is a freight forwarding company and you do have to pack, load and unload yourself as well as the paperwork for customs.

It may not be everyones cup of tea but we are certainly going to use it!

Most people accumulate furniture over a lifetime, and if you have antiques or quality stuff, the cost of total replacment is eyewatering. I am of course not talking about electrical appliances or large 'white goods' but the savings from self freighting could buy you top of the line, energy efficient appliances and one of those all important large screen TV's! (tongue firmly in cheek)

I am of course not talking about somewhere like IKEA. I have looked into this and as we know where we want to go ( Nova Scotia) the cost of new and very samey (as far as I am concerned) is big bucks. Also no IKEA in the Maritimes.

Do some Googling and find furniture retailers in the area you are proposing to settle, we have an all-inclusive phone package here in the UK ( unlimited International calls any time 24/7) so I just phone up and ask the prices!

As to the cost of shipping we were quoted in December 2008

from Windsor Berks to the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

£2,100.00 for a twenty footer

£2,695.00 for a forty footer

You arrange your own insurance, but they can reccommend someone I believe.

Sorry forgot to say congrats on obtaining your visas!!

Thanks jba - visa only arrived yesterday - couldn't believe how quickly as only posted our passports to CHC 2 weeks ago

June 2007 White & Company 40" container. 5877.00 pounds Standard liability cover. Brighton to McBride, Northern BC. We had to hagel but we got it shipped through Montreal and across on the train. Cuts weeks off the time rather than shipping to Vancouver.

Extra 350.00 for liability on vehicles transported.

Sorry, should have said - Essex to Nova Scotia.

Aside from wondering where in Essex (as I moved from Maldon to Newfoundland), then GBP 10k seems awfully expensive. I'm going to assume that the 10k is for a full removal service including packing rather than just the freight cost of the container. The freight cost alone is going to be in the GBP 4k range so your removal co is making a lot of money out of you. I'd try shopping around a bit!

Good tip - let us know how you get on with them.

If you are coming to Nova Scotia it might be worth contacting Premiere Van lines here in Halifax. We used them and were really happy with them. We've always tried to use a company where we are going to, rather than from. That way if there are any problems etc. it's much easier to contact them and get things sorted

http://www.premierevanlines.com/halifax.asp