Originally Posted by DDL

Don't mind you asking at all. Any information we can share in this forum can be helpful for others, hopefully saving people both time and money.

Every situation is different. In our case, we are not bringing any furniture with us and in looking at what we wanted to bring with us, sending via US Mail was the most cost-effective.

Before packing, we sorted through our clothing, shoes, coats, handbags, etc., not once but twice so that we were truly only bringing what was the most appropriate and the most important to us.

Here's what we spent on the last shipment of 18"x20"x18" boxes. We bought our boxes from WalMart. We seal with good quality strapping tape and finish off with "shrink wrap". USPS Form 2976-A is the form used for customs.

55 pounds = $195.75
44 pounds = $162.20
41 pounds = $150.00

So far, everything we have sent has arrived in excellent condition. We sent the boxes to my husband's mum's house and she has been a dear to take the clothes out of the boxes and hang them up for us. The final two boxes that we ship will be filled with special "decorative" items.

In total, we will be spending about $1,000 on shipping our things back to the UK.

Hope this helps!


Denise

Originally Posted by DDL

Cheers for that, Marmalade!

I forgot to mention that we use one of those nifty digital, hand-held luggage scales to weigh our boxes so as not to exceed the maximum shipping weight limit (which I think is 66 pounds). It works really well and has been spot-on when compared to the Post Office scale.

We also line each box with an oversized bin liner, and insert a "TO" and "FROM" shipping label inside - just in case.

Originally Posted by Marmalade

You should become a professional packer

Originally Posted by Easterndawn

I have just finished having a very fustrating week of trying to light my oven, could not figure out why the darn thing would not light, until I really looked at it and found out it is electric, the top is gas though, oh well, there goes that idea of sticking my head in the oven

Originally Posted by tiamobrit1

Call'e, A big thankyou!!! for all that you have written. I am almost 60 with 5 children 15 to 3 yrs (adopted) that would be a miracle . I have no family in the UK now but I miss it so much. Even though I have a nice big house , I too will hardly have anything to go with 10,000 pound if I am lucky. I am going to look into the pet/program thing, sounds great!! All my children were born here in the US, not to me so I am waiting for a new b/cert for the youngest, I am hoping to return 2011, but I am starting the process now and clearing out. My 15 yr old does not want to go , his brother 14 does. The eldest wants to join the milatary when he is 18 so even though thats 3 yrs away , I am still getting ready. What company did you use for your furniture etc? I am going back to York, my home in there was mortgaged with Halifax 20 yrs ago, they are really good and well established. Well I am going to do some baking , once again thanks for great info. tiamobrit1.

Originally Posted by trottytrue

Well we made a decision and have put the house back up for sale. Even if we have to make a loss we cannot wait any longer. Now after taking all my stuff down from the attic I have to de-clutter again. Got one week to get it back into shape but if they are getting this place much cheaper then they can put more work into themselves. Lets hope it sells this time.

Originally Posted by DDL

Blame it on the fact that both my husband and I are Virgos!

Originally Posted by jasper123

Hello Jasper, that's exactly our term for the situation, Camping, as we sell of things from the house we are left with a mixed pair of old chairs, our old TV and a plastic table and chairs we used on the deck.
We have held a yard sale but with over 400 happening every week here in the metro area we had only 8 visitors in 4 hours. Craigs List is the place to advertise your sale, thats where all our visitors found us.

We have been advertising items for sale large and small on Criagslist, it reaches a wider audience then a yard sale can and have a steady stream of buyers. I did research on Craigslist for the going price for items and put my price accordingly.

When folks have come to collect an item, say a garden tool, or a Teapot then I have placed similar other items nearby for them to see and have sold additional impulse items that way.

As you say, steady does it, bit by bit, just chewing at the tasks an hour in each evening and most of the day on a day off, steady progress is made without focus on the enormity of the task and it soon begins to show progress when you look up.

We are selling stuff as it comes to mind or to hand, no particular order because we can't control the order that people will ask to buy something.

With safety in mind, we place items for pick up outdoors or in the garage so we don't get strangers entering the house.
I also make sure that if visits arranged through Craigslist that I have their phone number and have spoken to them.
Be careful on Craigslist, if the email has little detail, is mispelt, the signed name doesn't match the email name, it may be someone harvesting emails for spam and never click on a link in their email. Rather not get a sale than get a computor virus.

A place to get moving boxes is on a Free Cycle website, there is a Yahoo group local to me that people with anything to give away can list it, boxes go quick though, are in demand. Old suitcases are also a good substitute for shipping boxes.

It does feel better now that stuff is clearing out of the house and we can see the shrinking amount that is left. It is also rather enjoyable being busy as a temporary trader.

Cheers, June

Originally Posted by HighSpeedGrandma

Anna, I am very happy that you made the move alone. You are much braver than I. I still can't believe I am actually going to give up my job and be unemployed, and moving off to HK for a few months. Goodness knows what will happen after that. But as my husband said "we are only on this planet for a short time".
I can't believe he is being so adaptable. I have just been away for almost 2 months and here I am off again....

Originally Posted by Easterndawn

I have just finished having a very fustrating week of trying to light my oven, could not figure out why the darn thing would not light, until I really looked at it and found out it is electric, the top is gas though, oh well, there goes that idea of sticking my head in the oven

Originally Posted by callé

Sorry about spelling errors on above post. I am rushing as I need to get cleaning my house on day off work!
I did remember another thing. When you arrive here register with a local GP. You are entitled straight away. Also go to a local citizens advise. They will help you sort out any benefits or housing till you get on your feet.

Originally Posted by Beedubya

Wonderful positive post Anna. I am just catching up after no Internet for a few days and am loving your posts from Malta.

Glad you found your yellow nightgown too!

When you first used to post and you were worried about selling your house, etc. your posts were more "down" than the last few I have read. You seem sooooo excited and happy and I think it's going to help people who are a little "scared" of what they are doing.

You too Eileen, such a lovely post about the nice places you have visited in the UK. Don't forget to give us a wave from Perth.

Rodney, every day do one little thing and cross it off your list, just one small step nearer towards going home. You could easily be on the plane by July if you get a spring in your step, cross an item off your list and hop on the plane back to your mum and family with a side trip to Malta OH YES!!!!!