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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

bandrui

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.