Packing into Suitcases

We're also considering using suitcases only but a couple of things i'm unclear on that maybe someone can help with.....

Firstly, aren't there any issues with customs doing this? I would have thought carrying through a suitcase of metal (e.g. kitchenware and such) would raise some questions.

Secondly, if you do get stopped by customs then how do you go about proving you don't have to pay customs? My understanding is everything over 6 months old you don't need to pay customs on but isn't this somewhat subjective? What if something LOOKS new? We won't have receipts for most of our items as they're wedding gifts and some of them WILL be under 6 months old so i'm worried we're going to get lumbered with a huge duty bill by doing this.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks
Emma

YOu are overestimating the amount of people who have been stopped by customs officials. 

I just know it's going to be me!

I've travelled back and forth to the US approx 5-6 times a year for 2 and half years. i ALWAYS come back with a little notice in my bags saying they've been searched.

I just know it's going to be me!

I've travelled back and forth to the US approx 5-6 times a year for 2 and half years. i ALWAYS come back with a little notice in my bags saying they've been searched.

In those instances, AFAIK, that's just the TSA doing a search for "contraband" items.  If your suitcases were inspected by US or UK Customs, I believe it has to be done in your presence.  I don't remember if they said anything to me when I entered the UK, but when I came back to the US I went through customs, then got my bags.  there was a separate guy collecting the customs forms  after I picked up my suitcases, and when I asked him a question, he told me that if the customs agent I spoke with had marked my customs form, then he has to inspect my suitcases.