Freighting belongings from California to UK.. Do or Don't?

Has anyone done this before? From California or anywhere on the west coast? Did you have to be at the port once your belongings arrived or did you hire a broker? Any companies you can vouch for, that will do the hob properly? I ask this because I'm strongly considering moving my furniture instead of paying for storage fees here in the states. I do understand that some of my furniture may/may not fit due to housing being smaller in the UK, but my boyfriend and I will be looking for a flat and/or house prior to my move so we will have an idea on measurements etc.. He will also be living there before I make the move out there and he has very minimal furniture so mine would be needed. I really don't want to spend money on new furniture unless the cost of freighting is greater than purchasing. I'm not familiar with the furniture stores, prices etc. there minus IKEA. Which can be hit or miss and is greatly overpriced there than in the states. Thanks VAT :p Any and all suggestions, idea, personal experiences would be greatly appreciated

You don't have to be at the port. You hire a firm that does international moves, and they contract with a local mover on either end. So all you need to do is be there at your US home for the movers to pick up, and then again at your UK home for the movers to deliver. I even had the movers in the US pack everything for me.

If you Google international movers, you should come up with some names. I came from the east coast of the US, but used Rainier which is a west coast company. My experience was excellent, but that was back in 2003 so I have no idea if they're still good. Perhaps someone else who moved over more recently can give you a more up-to-date recommendation.

Isn't it cheaper to be at the port myself and save on hiring a firm or is that mandatory? I'll look into the freight company.. I know your move was east coast based so the number may be different for me than you but how much did it cost the move your things? If you remember..  Yes, I hope anyone from the US or CA in particular will reply to this and give me more of an insight.. Otherwise I'll have to ship little by little and that will take forever 

Have you looked at these threads yet?

Recommendation for a West Coast Shipping Company

Recent UPakWeShip Reviews

Ranier v. Other Companies

I don't believe you can pick up directly at the port, but many of these companies allow you to drop off and pick up at their terminals for a reduced rate.

UPackWeShip has estimated costs on their website, they should give you an idea what to expect cost wise.

Once they give you a quote are there any hidden costs?

Once they give you a quote are there any hidden costs?

Customs fees seem to be common.

I used Rainier back in 2003 and all fees (customs, etc.) were included. The quoted price was the price. But of course things may have changed in the past 8 years.

I guess I can ask them for quotes on container sizes and go from there? I just don't want to spend MORE than what my furniture is worth.. That would do my head in!