overwhelmed: shipping companies, quotes, cubic feet?

Some of you have too much junk.  I'm not shipping anything.  I valued my belongings and the cost to ship would be way over the value of the items.  I figure this way my next place in the UK will be uncluttered. 

Good for you

Some of you have too much junk.  I'm not shipping anything.  I valued my belongings and the cost to ship would be way over the value of the items.  I figure this way my next place in the UK will be uncluttered. 

Items I shipped over included photo albums and many childhood/family heirlooms.  I wouldn't consider any of them "junk". 

Also the cost of shipping over many kitchen items was much cheaper than buying them new in the UK.  Same with jackets, shoes and clothes.

I totally agree with Jennredd. My partner will be shipping a number of items that are probably strictly not required but will give him a good sense of this being his new home. You can't put a value on that. Starting completely afresh might seem like an easy option but I wonder how quickly homesickness sets in when you've nothing to make you feel at home?

Anyway, with regard to the original thread topic, we're already in good conversation with UPakWeShip who are incredibly helpful. This is mainly based on them offering an easy part-container option. What with all the other people who have recommended them, I think you'll find them to be a good choice. We'll be doing Port (NJ) to Door (London).

I'll try to remember to post an update once we're done. The port drop-off should be sometime in the last week of Jan and we've been given approx 6 weeks for a delivery date, which I think is pretty decent. I'm glad someone else posted 8 weeks as that means I won't worry if it's longer!

Cheers all, and best of luck in the meantime

For all of you that have or are currently in the middle of shipping, how soon did you need to contact the companies before you moved?  Like if we're planning a mid-March move, should we be contacting these people now?  We are still fully living and working out of our house, so no chance on living out of suitcases, plus with the little one, that would be really tough.  But we want to make sure to get it finished before we leave the country too!

For all of you that have or are currently in the middle of shipping, how soon did you need to contact the companies before you moved?  Like if we're planning a mid-March move, should we be contacting these people now?  We are still fully living and working out of our house, so no chance on living out of suitcases, plus with the little one, that would be really tough.  But we want to make sure to get it finished before we leave the country too!

Yes!! Call them now!!! It'll take six weeks or so for your things to travel, so get on it ASAP! 

With UPakWeShip, we have already spoken to them about a move in mid-Feb and have been asked to give only 1 week's notice because at this time of year things are quiet enough. But that's a partial container, it sounds like you are moving a lot more so things might be more involved. I would agree with Chary - just get onto them now to get it moving. Apart from anything else it will take some time for you to decide on who to use. The whole thing is incredibly time consuming so keep on top of it or you'll really come unstuck.

As ever, the very best of luck!

Thanks guys!  I will try, not a huge deal if our stuff is here since my mom is buying our house and she can finish it up and on the other end we'll be staying with his parents until we can find a suitable house or flat.  But I would love to have it all handled and finished so no one has to try and do it.  Thanks a ton for the input!!

I got a quote today from UPakWeShip. I'm not sure how accurate it will be, because it seems really low!

We're looking at a mid-March move, so I'm going to call them hopefully today and get things moving.

Be very careful with estimates!  If you did not have a rep come out and look at what you are shipping, you could be low-balling your estimate and in return they are giving you a monetary estimate based on what you gave them.  It is always best to have someone come out and give you an estimate in person, even if you don't use that company.  Any reputable moving/shipping company will do these for free.  Before we moved from England, I had 7 companies come out and give estimates before selecting from them.  Just a little word of advice!  Otherwise you could be paying a whole lot more when you get to the other side!

Just for information... we are moving in may from nashville, Tennessee to southampton. I emailed out for about 10 quotes and have had 4 replies.
 Originally we were just going to use sevenseasworldwide and just ship the essentials in boxes, however once we realised we had 20 boxes alone of books, cd's and dvds that we didnt want to get rid of, we changed our mind!

 My husband also has now bought a motorbike that would cost  double in england so we are shipping that and are getting a 20 ft container, anything that doesnt fit in there is being left behind.
 Upakweship wanted $6000 for us to pack everything ourself.
 Rainer wanted $7000, they would pack, load and unload at the destination
 stevens worldwide wanted $6000, they would also pack, load and unload at the destination.
 sterling international was also $7000 for packing, loading and unloading.

 So we are going with stevens.

smart choice - heard good things about them.  FYI - for those you about to make a move check out this website.....www.movingscam.com  it's got great info from people who have already done this type of moves.....good luck

This is really good information and advice!  Thank you all that are posting!

Just an update on our experience... we used Upakweship both ways and I am happy to report that everything arrived in one piece yet again. The boxes were in better condition than in the USA to UK move and we only had one crushed box of books..(which I packed too heavy and not enough tape/blankets to fill out the edges).

I think the best advice I have is pack everything more than think you should. I used clothes old and new and duvets and lots of bubble wrap to protect everything... also pack to fill out the corners of boxes so that they won't crush/crumple. They need to be tight as you can get them.

Anyway stellar service by Chris and team in the UK and EUROUSA/Pelican movers out of Charleston, SC. The only added cost was US customs (but that is in the agreement and says they don't cover customs fees).

Another bonus with the UK to USA move is that they come and pick up the stuff from your house so no worries about taking it anywhere yourself. We had 36 boxes this time.