Moving issue

[Elisinha 1]

Hi everyone,

I was reading the moving thread and it seems to me people are talking about ideas of how to move BIG STUFF.. and this is not my case.

I have so many books, cds etc.. and they are really heavy. I was just wondering if anyone here knows how I can ship my books and all the heavy/ small stuff from Canada to USA.

Ideas and advices are much appreciated!

Cheers,

[s88 1]

I can't vouch for this yet as my move hasn't happened (happening on May 4th) but I used Uship.com.

You can box all your stuff, put pictures on there and different shippers will bid on a price for how much to move your stuff.

Don't put a "target price" on there (you'd be surprised how cheaply you can move some stuff!).

It works on a feedback system like ebay, so you hopefully can trust the mover

I can let you know after my move if you're not in a rush how mine went

[SapphireDreams 71]

I left all of my books and heavy objects behind with my parents and have been bringing them over slowly after visits.

I think it really depends no how much you have -if it's only a a few boxes, I'd probably ship them UPS, if you have a lot of boxes, you'll probably need to look into actual movers.

[Elisinha 1]

Thanks, S88.. do you know how long they said it would take? I am moving to Florida in June. I will look for your feedback here ..

Good luck!

SapphireDreams, there is a UPS close to wear I live, i will check with them. I am not in a hurry, moving in June. I would probably have a couple of boxes .. I can't leave my books behind and I don't have relatives in Canada, so I will choose one of those options you guys suggested.

Thanks a lot!

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Hi everyone,

I was reading the moving thread and it seems to me people are talking about ideas of how to move BIG STUFF.. and this is not my case.

I have so many books, cds etc.. and they are really heavy. I was just wondering if anyone here knows how I can ship my books and all the heavy/ small stuff from Canada to USA.

Ideas and advices are much appreciated!

Cheers,

Are you yourself flying or driving? What about a small UHaul trailer hitched to your car if driving?

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I was in a similar situation. We decided to pile everything in the husbands car and drive. Is that an option? How far are you going?

[Elisinha 1]

Hi guys,

I am flying myself. From Toronto to Orlando.

I dont have that much of option.

I thought about filling out a big suitcase with my books an give to my fiance as he is attending the interview with me in two weeks. If shipping became to expensive I might do that. The other thing is, I have so much going on and can't start piling them now

Still searching..

Thanks

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I brought a lot of books as well. We used a commercial shipper. You could consider getting an estimate on how much it would cost them to ship x number of boxes and the weight, then get a cost comparison from UPS.

It may help with your estimate - I sent home two square file storage archival boxes filled with papers and photographs and some books from my Dad's estate last October using UPS from Kingston to just south of Atlanta. Each box was packed full and cost around $75. I would think books would probably be around the same in weight so the distance would be the extra factor to consider. If you allowed $100 per box that might give you an idea.. The only problem is that your property can't be shipped to the US until after you have entered the US and can provide proof that your property is allowed to enter, so with either option, you will have to arrange for them to have the boxes and then not ship them until you have faxed to them a copy of your I-94 showing entry on the K-1. I am sure UPS will 'hold' them for a few days before sending them out, and I know a commercial mover will as well.

Books are heavy so filling up a suitcase for your fiance to carry back means he will be paying the extra bag fee plus probably an overweight charge since there is a weight limit of 40 or 50 pounds depending on the airline.

You will want to start boxing them up sooner rather than later, though, so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can have them ready to go several days before you leave. UPS and commercial movers should both be able to hold on to them for a few days and ship them after you have made your own entry.

My two boxes, btw,were both opened and inspected by US Customs so be sure that the contents lists match up (eg 48 paperback books; 5 hard cover books, etc.)..

[Andy and Kayla 45]

I was in a similar situation. We decided to pile everything in the husbands car and drive. Is that an option? How far are you going?

This was us, too. We just packed as much as we could in the van and headed out. There are a few things of mine still with my parents but not much. We plan to bring them back after future visits.

[Elisinha 1]

Kathryn41, You rock!!!

I really appreciate your time typing your experience. That helps a lot!

I will search a couple of companies and than make my decision. Wow, I didn't know I would have to be in US before sending my stuff.

Thank you!

[Elisinha 1]

Guys, my fiance suggested me to send my book to him as a donation before I move.

I went through them all and they are not many, I should be able to fill up ONE small box and send them to my fiance"s address. Would that be a problem?

I am asking because Kathelr41 mentioned above: The only problem is that your property can't be shipped to the US until after you have entered the US and can provide proof that your property is allowed to enter, so with either option, you will have to arrange for them to have the boxes and then not ship them until you have faxed to them a copy of your I-94 showing entry on the K-1. ...

Please let me know your safe wise advice.

Thanks

[Kathryn41 3,205]

You may be able to do this, but you may be required to pay duty on them when you do so. To ship things to the US, US Customs requires proof of your right to ship items duty free. Entering on a K-1 visa is your proof of duty free entry - but you can't use it to ship items until you have actually entered the US and can provide that proof to customs. You can certainly ship the books to your fiance as a gift or donation, but you will still be required to provide the value of those books on the shipping documents and customs may charge either you or your fiance the duty based upon the reasonable value of those books. If you under declare the reasonable value (they are used books so they wouldn't be cover value) you may be charged additional fees. Expect to have the box opened and inspected by customs. Find what a reasonable used value is for the books and declare them as a gift. I suspect the duty wouldn't be a lot if you are required to pay.

Edited May 13, 2012 by Kathryn41

[Elisinha 1]

Kathryn41, thanks for your reply. So basically if I don't wanna pay the fees I have to wait till I get into the states to proof my right to send my stuff out, right? any other mean I use to send them before being in the states physically I will pay the fee or my fiance.

I was just thinking maybe to pay an extra luggage and take them with me. I will have to pay for checking-in bags anyway.

does Air Canada charge for each bag you check-in or just for extra luggage? I thought the price for your flight was included the bags. I've never paid for regular check in during all this time I travel

Well....

[Flames9_RN 358]

Kathryn41, thanks for your reply. So basically if I don't wanna pay the fees I have to wait till I get into the states to proof my right to send my stuff out, right? any other mean I use to send them before being in the states physically I will pay the fee or my fiance.

I was just thinking maybe to pay an extra luggage and take them with me. I will have to pay for checking-in bags anyway.

does Air Canada charge for each bag you check-in or just for extra luggage? I thought the price for your flight was included the bags. I've never paid for regular check in during all this time I travel

Well....

air lines are making big $$$$ on bags!! I belive (check air canada's website) that ur only allowed 1 free checked bag!! And with that 1 bag it can only weigh so much! And they can be VERY picky! If the limit is 50lbs they mean 50 lbs!! I have been 2 lbs over and had to move stuff around. So not only is it the amount of bags, but how much each bag weighs!! But check air canada website! All airlines have similar baggage limits, but I avoid Air Canada like the plague--especially with their labor turmoil!!

[toocool 0]

air lines are making big $$ on bags!! I belive (check air canada's website) that ur only allowed 1 free checked bag!! And with that 1 bag it can only weigh so much! And they can be VERY picky! If the limit is 50lbs they mean 50 lbs!! I have been 2 lbs over and had to move stuff around. So not only is it the amount of bags, but how much each bag weighs!! But check air canada website! All airlines have similar baggage limits, but I avoid Air Canada like the plague--especially with their labor turmoil!!

Hi Elisinha,

Flames offers some good advice....however I know from travelling with AC (and have a close friend who work for them who flies me free or next to free) that first, second and so on bags are charged. The first bag is $25. second is $35. There are size/linear restrictions (and weight restrictions) that you need to keep in mind if not using 'regular' suitcases. If you are going to exceed the first 2, I'd contact the airline just to be sure they can take your extra bags....as sometimes on charters (which probably isn't the case) they don't allot extra baggage....you don't want that bag arriving after you, especially since this is your POE.

AC, along with many others, are adhering to the maximum weight restrictions and will make you shuffle things around to be within the weight restrictions.....however, remember you can pay additional for oversized and overweight bags.....and the surcharge might be worth it to avoid a 3rd bag!!!

As for AC turmoil, my friend assures all is well there and its business as usual....

Good luck!