Moving issue

[pocheros 101]

Long story short, flying with overweight luggage is FAR more expensive than shipping it. I plan on shipping about 8 boxes that are within UPS's size and weight restrictions (the boxes are around 50-60 lbs each.) I got estimates on each box (UPS has a price estimator right on their website) and they were between $70-$120.

[Elisinha 1]

Guys, I really appreciate you all trying to help me to figure this out. So, it should be "easy" and less expensive if I send them using my K1 visa, I mean sending them a copy o my I-94. I i do this way, I won't be charged? it will be duty free? I just wanna make sure i understood, but i should go to a Ups office this week.

My fiance just got my ticket, I will be flying West Jet, they have the first bag free and charge 20$ for the second one.

Why do did I accumulate so much stuff???/

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Guys, I really appreciate you all trying to help me to figure this out. So, it should be "easy" and less expensive if I send them using my K1 visa, I mean sending them a copy o my I-94. I i do this way, I won't be charged? it will be duty free? I just wanna make sure i understood, but i should go to a Ups office this week.

My fiance just got my ticket, I will be flying West Jet, they have the first bag free and charge 20$ for the second one.

Why do did I accumulate so much stuff???/

Thanks for sharing your experience.

And they probably have weight limits per back--otherwise people would just load them right up,lol

[pocheros 101]

Yes, if you send them a photcopy of your I-94, which will be stapled into your passport when you POE, you will not be charged duty on your items. Check the weight limits for luggage on the west jet website. Then go to Canadian Tire and buy a fish scale for $5. They have a hook. Load up your luggage and periodically weigh it until it's 2 or so pounds under the limit. Fish scales are more accurate than regular scales- I used one to weigh my luggage and it was only 1 pound off compared to the scale at the airport.

[pocheros 101]

Also, the most effective way to pack clothing is by rolling it. When you roll clothes tightly it minimizes the amount of air in them, whereas folded clothes are much more bulky because they arent compact. If you own clothes that aren't delicate and don't need to be hung or folded, rolling is the most efficient way to pack a ton of clothes in a small space. I used elastics to hold the clothes in tight rolls but be careful that they don't leave weird white marks on them. I also shoved socks and small items inside shoes and boots.

Obviously, my luggage consisted of 99% clothing... And I still have more at home. also FYI immigration at Toronto Pearson opens at 5:30am (last time I checked) so don't get there before then, BUT if you're not arriving first thing in the morning make sure to leave plenty of time to POE since pearson in unpredictable and all.

[Elisinha 1]

Porcheros, I went to a Ups office today and the guys said the only need: My passport copy + visa, my ticket copy and it was enough for me not to pay duty I am not confident about this because all of you are saying I need to send copy of my I-94 that proves my entry... anyway, i should check another office to make sure my items will be safe.

Wow, thanks for hint on the scale thing, I will get one for sure. About rolling my clothes, you are so right, i have done that before and never had problem. I am leaving in Canada all my warm Winter clothes, btw, big opportunity for donation .. only my books and cds are giving me a hard time ..

Yeah, I already told my fiance not go to the airport before I get free from POE, and I don't wanna him to be there for 2h lol..

Thanks a lot!

[Smiley-one 13]

Space Saver bags are really good for packing clothes in as well. I bought a set of 7 space saver bags from Walmart and I was able to pack all my clothes in a few of them. In ther 3 years of me travelling to the US I have only ever taken my small carry on suitcase with 2 weeks worth of clothes tightly packed in space saver bags.

[pocheros 101]

Elsinha: it seems like some shipping companies say you don't need the I-94 but it's an error on their part. I'm on my phone right now but later I can link you a thread where someone was told the same thing and later they found out they needed the I-94. The visa alone is not proof you've entered the USA. You can always pay for the postage ahead of time and ask them to hold on to your boxes until you fax them a copy of your I-94. Customs will do whatever they want so I say better safe than sorry. By the way I'd keep a couple photocopies of your I-94 around anyways since it's an important document (proof of your legal status in the USA combined with your visa and marriage certificate.)

[Elisinha 1]

Thanks, Pocheros yeah I really don't feel safe sending my stuff from through that Ups office. Argh!!

I bought the fish scale today .. My small luggage has A LOT of room. I will keep tracking.

I will wait for the thread, but no rush.

Thanks

[keysjangle 145]

I have the same problem! I have a TON of books... I wish I could bring them all with me Unfortunately, it looks like I'll be selling most of them and giving others away :'( I'm only going to bring the ones I haven't read yet... still about a dozen or so, plus my must have favourites.

This thread reminded me that space bags existed. Going to Wal-Mart this weekend to grab a couple boxes! I'll also be moving my things slowly. My husband and I will be moving around the U.S., so I'll unfortunately need to bring my winter stuff. I've pretty much decided to just pay the extra baggage fees. I usually fly first class (a perk through my mom's work, thankfully) so my first bag is free. Maybe even my second, I can't remember. So much to figure out!