Shipping personal belongings from UK to USA when married

[ChasUno 101]

Hello all UK VJers! As a fresh faced UK VJer about to submit the I-129F, I've been recommended to join in here by shana.mike to get involved in the more UK specific aspects of this process.

Looking far ahead, I have been wondering how/ if I can move my personal belongings over to the USA once my fiance and I marry. I used to be a professional musician and have a rather large collection of guitars and keyboards that I'd like to take over amongst other personal belongings. Nothing is of high value (one bass guitar is worth approx. £1200 at going rates, all the other instruments range from a value of £10 to £500).

Has any UK VJer shipped personal belongings to the USA? Are there any restrictions on what/ how much you can bring over? And do you have to pay import duty on these items?

It would be useful to know where I stand on this issue so that if I can bring over my personal belongings I can start getting things organised well in advance.

Many thanks!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Yes you can bring all that stuff duty free. You are supposed to own it at least a year, but don't worry about exactly how old everything is. Just take the price tag off any new stuff and don't bring a case of brand new in box iPhones. That they would find suspicious. General possessions are not a problem.

Start reading here https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/list/search/1/kw/immigration%20household%20goods/suggested/1because I need to go to bed and can't elaborate or find previous discussions now.

[-Shana- 152]

Hey! You made it! Welcome.

I personally only take my belongings in the suitcases I get (I make sure to have 2). I've become quite the pro at keeping my personal items down to a minimum. Obviously in your case it's a bit different! I heard that you can pay to get things sent over via a pallet/shipping crate? I'd be curious about what you find, since I've got a few things in storage in my parents garage I'd like to get shipped over one day.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

We used 1st Move International http://www.shipit.co.uk/1st_move_international_removals.htm

Click on the menu called "Good Packing" and watch the video. That was what impressed us.

The minimum size they ship is 1cu meter, which they described as about the size of a washing machine.

My husband shipped twenty something boxes plus a family heirloom wall clock that came in just over the minimum after wrapping and adding the pallet to the demensions. They built a custom foam lined crate for the clock because it was a fragile antique. It all arrived safely. Nothing was broken or pilfered through. It still had the security bands intact. If wasn't cheap and the insurance was extra. But if you want your stuff and have a lot of it, then I was very please with the company and their customer service. You need to make an inventory list as you pack and value things if you get it insured.

Some people pay for extra baggage allowance, or send a few items via a DHL of FedEx type company. It all depends on what you are bringing.

Air freight charges go by weight. Ship container charges are by volume of space it takes up in the container.

[ChasUno 101]

Hey! You made it! Welcome.

:dance:

I did!

[ChasUno 101]

We used 1st Move International http://www.shipit.co.uk/1st_move_international_removals.htm

Click on the menu called "Good Packing" and watch the video. That was what impressed us.

The minimum size they ship is 1cu meter, which they described as about the size of a washing machine.

My husband shipped twenty something boxes plus a family heirloom wall clock that came in just over the minimum after wrapping and adding the pallet to the demensions. They built a custom foam lined crate for the clock because it was a fragile antique. It all arrived safely. Nothing was broken or pilfered through. It still had the security bands intact. If wasn't cheap and the insurance was extra. But if you want your stuff and have a lot of it, then I was very please with the company and their customer service. You need to make an inventory list as you pack and value things if you get it insured.

Some people pay for extra baggage allowance, or send a few items via a DHL of FedEx type company. It all depends on what you are bringing.

Air freight charges go by weight. Ship container charges are by volume of space it takes up in the container.

That's really helpful to know, and thank you for the recommendation.

If you don't mind sharing, what was the cost of shipping the 20 something boxes and clock? It would help me get a ballpark figure, as I don't want to spend as much on shipping that my combined items are worth. If need be, I could sell some instruments that aren't worth much and can easily be replaced, though many in my collection are rare and oddball, or weren't available in the USA so they are in effect irreplaceable.

If I only had a few guitars, I would've simply started taking them over each time I visited my partner and left them at their place. Technically though, I would've had to declare them on the customs forms so I don't know what kind of Pandoras box that would've opened. I also know that the DHS at passport control tend to look at people traveling with guitars with suspicion (they think you're going to overstay whilst you try and 'make it' in the music business, especially if your POE is NYC or LAX - don't ask me how I know!)

It will be good to look into shipping costs and regulations well in advance, as if I do decide to ship most of my belongings over I'd like to start packing them early.

Edited February 12, 2015 by ChasUno

[RM1987 3]

Hello all UK VJers! As a fresh faced UK VJer about to submit the I-129F, I've been recommended to join in here by shana.mike to get involved in the more UK specific aspects of this process.

Looking far ahead, I have been wondering how/ if I can move my personal belongings over to the USA once my fiance and I marry. I used to be a professional musician and have a rather large collection of guitars and keyboards that I'd like to take over amongst other personal belongings. Nothing is of high value (one bass guitar is worth approx. £1200 at going rates, all the other instruments range from a value of £10 to £500).

Has any UK VJer shipped personal belongings to the USA? Are there any restrictions on what/ how much you can bring over? And do you have to pay import duty on these items?

It would be useful to know where I stand on this issue so that if I can bring over my personal belongings I can start getting things organised well in advance.

Many thanks!

I shipped about 15 boxes of belongings over and my bicycle, as Nich Nick said as long as everything is more than 1 year old you don't have to pay import taxes. I was definitely grateful for this as there was one less form to fill in.

I chose to use Pickfords and you can easily get a quote from them after filling in a form of items you are wanting to ship. http://www.pickfords.co.uk/moving-overseas#.VNzySmPUbPp. There will be insurance to pay on top of the quote, and the level of insurance was up to me :-)

I had all my belongings picked up about 2 weeks before I moved to the US, and the estimated time is 6-9 weeks. Not sure where you are moving to but if your shipment is likely to come into the west coast ports then it may take a lot longer. There are disputes between the longshoremen and unions and for this reasons my delivery of belongings took just over 5 months and I finally received them last Friday!!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

If you don't mind sharing, what was the cost of shipping the 20 something boxes and clock? It would help me get a ballpark figure, as I don't want to spend as much on shipping that my combined items are worth.

I don't mind. There is a receipt somewhere because I made my husband find it when this was discussed before. He's out working now so will have to ask him later.

I remember the crate was an extra £100 and could easily be done if you have anything really precious and no suitable box. It wasn't that fancy after we saw it. The crate was fairly thin wooden slats nailed together with spaces in between, not solid. The clock was wrapped well in black plastic. And the crate was lined in plastic. Then they used that aerosol foaming insulation that puffs up and dries quickly to fill the crate and make a custom fit 3-4 inch thick foam mold around the clock. Actually kind of clever. Don't underestimate large heavy items shifting in boxes. I bought an antique wooden wall phone on ebay. Weight around 40 lbs. The guy had put bubble wrap and some newspaper in the box, but because of it size and weight, it shifted and slammed about and had parts smashed when it arrived.

[ChasUno 101]

I don't mind. There is a receipt somewhere because I made my husband find it when this was discussed before. He's out working now so will have to ask him later.

I remember the crate was an extra £100 and could easily be done if you have anything really precious and no suitable box. It wasn't that fancy after we saw it. The crate was fairly thin wooden slats nailed together with spaces in between, not solid. The clock was wrapped well in black plastic. And the crate was lined in plastic. Then they used that aerosol foaming insulation that puffs up and dries quickly to fill the crate and make a custom fit 3-4 inch thick foam mold around the clock. Actually kind of clever. Don't underestimate large heavy items shifting in boxes. I bought an antique wooden wall phone on ebay. Weight around 40 lbs. The guy had put bubble wrap and some newspaper in the box, but because of it size and weight, it shifted and slammed about and had parts smashed when it arrived.

I would be great if you could let me know what kind of cost I would be looking at Nich-Nick. At the moment I just need a ball park figure to know whether it will be viable or not for me to move my possessions over or not. I tried one of the online shipping estimator websites. A good thing I put in a bogus phone number in my details because the next thing I know is I get numerous emails from many different companies all telling me that they've been "trying to call me" to get further information before they give me a quote. The website I used stated "1 x boxroom bedroom" size for the quote. I don't want loads of companies ringing me up when I don't even have a date for moving yet, I just want a rough quote!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I would be great if you could let me know what kind of cost I would be looking at Nich-Nick. At the moment I just need a ball park figure to know whether it will be viable or not for me to move my possessions over or not. I tried one of the online shipping estimator websites. A good thing I put in a bogus phone number in my details because the next thing I know is I get numerous emails from many different companies all telling me that they've been "trying to call me" to get further information before they give me a quote. The website I used stated "1 x boxroom bedroom" size for the quote. I don't want loads of companies ringing me up when I don't even have a date for moving yet, I just want a rough quote!

I forgot. Have it now, but it's 2008 prices.

2.45 cubic metres. 22 boxes and 1 crated clock. (I thought it was 1 cubic metre before.)

£805.65 shipment including building the custom crate,

£337.72 insurance (optional) on value £8041.00

I looked at the inventory and we didn't value every item.

The quote does not include the receiving end fees or pickup and delivery from the port. We had it sent to Houston and served as our own agent to clear customs. Then we went to the warehouse to pick up. Otherwise you would be charged for a solicitor to get your inventory cleared and a freight delivery service to bring to your home.

I believe they will estimate your US end prices which you will pay later. Every ship has a US ship agent who charges a fee to clear the entire ships load, remove from ship, x-Ray of load at port, transport and storage to a warehouse. Their charges will vary. I guess port and crane fees, etc vary as well so that is why not exact fee.

So we ended up having to pay $465 to the ship agent. (US dollar amounts now)

$0 to get our release from customs to pick up our lot. No solicitor on our behalf.Easiest part.

Then we find out the entire container was chosen to go to secondary inspection at a customs inspection warehouse where they supposedly open the container and boxes. So ship agent had to charge an additional transport fee to customs warehouse and storage. That was another $150. Geez. Nothing was actually opened of ours. The wrap was still intact. An unlucky ripoff. I believe Ist Move gave us about £99 refund because they had charged us for solicitor to go to the customs office to get the release for our lot on our behalf, and we did that ourselves.

It sounds complicated, but most people don't DIY for pickup and secondary inspection is not the norm.

It is going to be impossible to estimate until you pack. And I will say 22 medium sized boxes is a helluva lot of stuff, but he was happy having all his stuff and had no regrets for the cost. His adjustment was easy, never homesick or a feeling of giving up his former life, only one trip back in 6.5 years. Maybe having all his stuff helped.

Edited February 15, 2015 by Nich-Nick

[nobbie 105]

I used pickfords and they were very professional (at least at the UK end, but rough at this end) cost me £1500 for 300 cu ft. They came round and packed every last thing from my bed and bike to cutlery.Noting damaged at all. They will pack it and store it but can't ship until they have a copy of your visa

[ChasUno 101]

Thanks for the responses everyone. It's all useful information in deciding whether to have all my belongings shipped over, which at the moment is looking likely.

As mentioned above, I found a website that offered to give quotes from a number of companies if you submitted details via an online form. Kind of like Compare the Market .com. Unlike car insurance whereby you would get almost an instant quote, I ended up getting loads of emails from shipping companies telling me that they want to contact me to "discuss" my requirements further. They'd all apparently been trying to contact me via phone (I put down a bogus number suspecting that I would get cold calls from salespeople), but only ONE actually emailed me an online quote. This is what they sent:

"Thank you for your recent enquiry for your move from Watford, Uk to Sarasota, Usa. Having looked at your requirements I have based the quotation on the following service:

Service is based on:

ü Collection from your residence

ü Loading and consolidating in a shared 40 foot shipping container

ü Export customs documentation and freight on board charges

ü Ocean freight and destination agent handling fees

ü Presentation to customs and local authorities for clearance

ü Delivery to residence and placing into relevant rooms.

ü Vehicles will be handed out at agent’s depot.

ü Your move is fully protected by pre payment guarantee (IMMI)

N.B. If you are packing your own goods you will need to provide customs with a full inventory, please ask me for details.

Volume:

200 cubic feet

Total cost:

£1135.00 door to door service

Insurance

We can offer you insurance for your consignment, please email me a total value of your goods and I will email a quote by return.

Supply of Boxes and Packing Materials:

We can supply a range of boxes and packing materials prior to your removal. Please ask me for details.

Excludes:

ü Export wrapping and packing service unless otherwise stated

ü Collection and delivery above 1st floor, unless otherwise stated

ü Heavy lift items - Supply of external lifts, hoists or specialist lifting equipment

ü Stair carry, long carry, elevator fees and poor access/shuttle services

ü Flat pack assembly and tradesman services

ü Charges for examination/inspection, x-ray, hold, demurrage and fumigation

ü Government Taxes and Duties, cargo dues (South Africa only)

ü Quarantine/Agricultural Charges

ü Unpacking on baggage consignments

ü Formal Customs Entry if applicable

ü Storage

Quote is based on good access for a large vehicle at both collection and delivery point (Subject to availability)

*Shipping prices are due for review on 1^st March – therefore prices may vary for any shipments being loaded after this date*"

I don't think my goods will be anywhere near 200 sq/ ft (that was just a figure I took as being more than I would need - a small bedroom). Fingers crossed the quote may well be even less once the accurate volume of my goods can be established. It all sounds promising, and it looks like I will be able to keep and bring my guitar and keyboard collection when I finally immigrate to be with my partner

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

They all offer about the same services, except the the wrapping we thought was superior at 1st Move International. Get an actual quote from Ist Move and Pickfords for the same volume so you can compare. Talk to them. Better now than when you are rushed to decide.

All offer free boxes, bubble wrap, pick up, storage at their warehouse until the next ship sails, etc.

There may be unknown charges at the other end in the excluded list. Discuss them.

"Charges for examination/inspection, x-ray, hold, demurrage and fumigation"

"Storage" (on the US side where container will be taken from the port before contracted lorry can pick up)

[ChasUno 101]

They all offer about the same services, except the the wrapping we thought was superior at 1st Move International. Get an actual quote from Ist Move and Pickfords for the same volume so you can compare. Talk to them. Better now than when you are rushed to decide.

All offer free boxes, bubble wrap, pick up, storage at their warehouse until the next ship sails, etc.

There may be unknown charges at the other end in the excluded list. Discuss them.

"Charges for examination/inspection, x-ray, hold, demurrage and fumigation"

"Storage" (on the US side where container will be taken from the port before contracted lorry can pick up)

Absolutely agree Nich-Nick. That's why I wanted to get a ballpark figure now, as if it was going to cost too much, then I would start selling a lot of my belongings now rather than find out a month or two before I emigrating that it wouldn't be financially vaible to ship them over. Also, my partner and I will both be moving to another state after we marry, so I won't actually be shipping anything over until after the marriage and we then find a house. It means that I will go over, get married, we will find a house, and then I will need to arrange to have my stuff shipped. However, if I can get as much organised and at least prepare my stuff for shipping before I leave the UK, it won't be too problematic for me to pop back over and get the stuff shipped over once we find our new house in the USA. Plus I'm lucky that I have no problem with storing everything here at my mother's house until it's ready to be shipped. I guess the secret here is: "Plan ahead"!