[shameless]

Hi All,

I have been searching through the forum and have been getting some great information about my move next month from the US to Wellington however, it seems everyone’s situation is different, so I have a few specific questions about my move that I hope someone can help with.

First, our situation: My wife and I are moving to Wellington for a minimum of 6 months but it could go longer (indefinitely). We have decided that we will live pretty bare boned for the first six months and if we extend we can deal with shipping most of our other goods. However, there are a few things that we have to have and can’t figure out if shipping makes sense or buying when we get there is a better idea. We are looking at around US$4000 (NZ$6500) total for shipping one container that we will try to squeeze it into.

1. A queen sized bed
2. 2 Mountain Bikes (neither is super high end, but new they would probably go for around US$800 each. We have no problem buying used however)
3. Stereo (I just want to bring a receiver and a pair of small book shelf speaker that I can connect to my MP3 player. The question is, can I even use the receiver in NZ?)
4. Bare bones kitchen items (Chef’s knife, cutting board, some plates and flatware for 2 etc)
5. A set of sheets blankets and towels (again, for 6 months we can leave with the cheap stuff but we need something)
6. Camping gear (tent, sleeping bags – is down ok? – and a box of other good camping stuff)

The rest are misc items. Sure we would love to have most of it, but we can probably live out of suitcases for 6 – 8 months. Basically, if we can replace these items in NZ for the same as shipping, what is the use? However, from reading other threads could it be more, so any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[G&K]

Sounds like the exact list of stuff we brought out from London to Wellington !

Not sure if your Stereo equipment will work coming from U.S

I would DEFINATELY recommend bringing the camping gear over when you come though - as it may prove invaluable if the rest of your stuff takes 2-3 months to arrive like ours did...

It really helped us out being able to get out and see the country side around Wellington with a spot of free camping when we got here - not to mention having our sleeping bags to sleep in at the house we rented whilst the matress and duvets were somewhere at sea !

I taped my chefs knife to the chopping board and brought that over on the plane too - would not have known what to do without them !

The mountain bikes will need to be "spotless" or you'll have to pay to have them cleaned here in order to pass the MAF inspections...

Other than that - anything that make a house feel like a home always helps - pictures and posters etc...

Good luck with it all !

[jo-and-jeff]

...there are a few things that we have to have and can’t figure out if shipping makes sense or buying when we get there is a better idea. We are looking at around US$4000 (NZ$6500) total for shipping one container that we will try to squeeze it into.
Something to consider is how long it will take to receive your small shipment. It's my understanding that shipping companies combine a number of these in one container to save them money, but that it can result in extreme delays as your shipment visits various ports around the world. It seems to me that someone in this forum came in September and didn't receive their goods until March (I was quite shocked to read this!) We had a full container ourselves, so it was supposed to be 3-6 weeks. As I write this, expected delivery currently stands at 10 weeks. (Based on delivery times reported by various forum members, I recommend taking any estimate a shipping company gives you and multiplying it by 3.)

If you're not going to get really speedy delivery of your items, you may want to forget it and just buy everything here. It is possible to buy many things used from TradeMe (http://www.trademe.co.nz) and used furniture stores, if you're only interested in having something that will "make-do" until your own possessions arrive.

Hope that helps!

Jo

[clg]

With the list of items you have there and the cost I would think strongly about just buying things here. You can always sell them if/when you go and that will offset the costs quite a bit. Used items have good value here. Plus a container will take about two months to arrive. For the camping gear and bikes I would bring them if you can maybe just pay extra to the airline? Still would probably cost less to just buy then sell than to ship. Kitchen things can be purchased quite cheaply if all you care about is getting by for 6 months.

[shameless]

Thanks everyone. I did a bunch of research today on airplane baggage overages and it seems like we can get most of our list on the plane (including the bikes!) for around $1200-$1500 US. Obviously we will have to buy a bed, but we weren't very excited about 2 months of sleeping on an air mattress anyway.


Plus, no movers :clap and our stuff arives with us.


Time to start washing all the camping gear and the bikes :raebanana

[Avalon]

Just one thing - Im pretty sure you cant bring the down sleeping bags. I remember all the shippers asking us to check if we had any down bedding and that we would have to leave it.

Also - v v brave to do this. I know I could not live like that for 6 months. I was going scatty in 6 weeks! Very attched to my books!

[Oregonkiwi]

Speaking of books...we're doing the no-container thing too and have been mailing boxes of books to NZ, surface mail. They're arriving in good condition in about 6 weeks. Obviously you need an address in NZ to send them to, but it's a good option for smaller non-breakable stuff.

[shameless]

1. Not sure on the question of Down. I have heard both yes and no (on this list mainly) but we haven't been able to figure it out. It would be a bummer if we could not. They are our most expensive camping item.

2. Oregonkiwi, do you just box the stuff up and bring it to the post office? Out of curiosity, appx how much per box? I have no idea how much a box of books weighs.

[beeline]

Just one thing - Im pretty sure you cant bring the down sleeping bags. I remember all the shippers asking us to check if we had any down bedding and that we would have to leave it.

Also - v v brave to do this. I know I could not live like that for 6 months. I was going scatty in 6 weeks! Very attched to my books!

funny you should mention books, avalon. it's killing me to leave mine but there's no way we can bring them all. same goes for shameless's record collection :)

i definitely have some trepidation about it all -- especially without the bed which i think would have made it feel more like "home" -- but it is a once in a lifetime chance. seems like i can't pass it up for missing my material comforts!

beeline
(oh of shameless)

[Oregonkiwi]

Yep, just pack the books in a cardboard box, write on the address & fill out the customs declaration form. I usually pack small clothes etc around the edges for padding, and also use a big garbage bag to line the box in case of water damage. The exact postal rates are on the USPS website http://pe.usps.gov/text/imm/immicl/immiclnr_007.html. We mailed a box yesterday, $41.95 for just over 18 lb (19 books & some misc stuff). Not super cheap but still cheaper than a container. :)

[Oregonkiwi]

By the way, the post office calls surface mail "economy parcel post".

[Smiler]

I brought our kingsize duck/goose down quilt and pillows in the container. :confused:

The quilt was in its huge original box too but not wrapped in plastic.

[Avalon]

Hmmmf. Thats favoritism that is!

[hcykana]

As much as we'd like to get a container to move some of our stuff (like our super-amazing, super-expensive bed), I think it's going to be too expensive. We can't afford $4000 USD when I know for a fact that we're not going to have a full container... maybe like 1/3 of one.

I think we're going to ship down boxes of books and things, and take as much extra on the plane as we can. That way, we can also spread out the cost, as we have relative in Auckland that can receive our packages and store them for a few months until we get there.

It's going to be very, very sad to leave some of other things behind. But I'm saving the money we make from selling them to buy new things once we land. New things are always shiny, so hopefully it'll take some of the sting out.

Can you bring kitchen knives on a plane? One would think with the crazy security regulations that knives would be a big no-no.

[beeline]

As much as we'd like to get a container to move some of our stuff (like our super-amazing, super-expensive bed), I think it's going to be too expensive. We can't afford $4000 USD when I know for a fact that we're not going to have a full container... maybe like 1/3 of one.


i think i've read on this forum that it's possible to share a container so try doing a search for that if you haven't. and yes, i was also wondering how it was possible to get kitchen knives on the plane, but maybe in checked baggage it's fine?

i see that you're from madison -- i went to college there. where in nz are you heading?

[Oregonkiwi]

Knives should be fine in your checked baggage -
http://www.airnewzealand.com/travelinfo/baggageinformation/security_items.htm

It is hard giving up things. We're having our big "moving overseas, everything must go!" yard sale tomorrow...wish us luck...

[clg]

I think down is OK we brought sleeping bags and a down duvet, no problems on either side of the move.

[sillyskuld]

Hey, I'm in exactly the same boat... I'll be relocating for (*crosses fingers and toes*) a job contract, also from California to NZ. It will be short term (six months to a year, but (v. small) chance of indefinate so I was planning on just moving via suitcase for now. A bit nervewracking, trying to decide what to take. I did the same once before, to the UK, and ended up not using half of what I brought, and cursing that I left the stuff I did.

On the shallow side, anyone here successfully use US electronics (dvd player/xbox) in NZ? All the discussions I've seen on the forum about electronics seem to be for UK, which doesn't include a voltage change as well. It would be really nice not to have to buy a $$$ region free dvd player! I haven't had much luck with adaptor/converters with the more sensitive electronics....

I think as far as camping equipment, mine is pretty ratty so I'll just buy new when I get there!

[Oregonkiwi]

On the shallow side, anyone here successfully use US electronics (dvd player/xbox) in NZ? All the discussions I've seen on the forum about electronics seem to be for UK,

Welcome to the forum!
There is a really good discussion of US to NZ electronics here -
http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=591

[tigerlily]

What about leaving some items in storage with relatives when you come. Especially if it's a collection of things you love. I remember reading one person's lament that she had not brought her rare book collection down with her. Well, those things really can't be replaced. Most of the stuff you'll never even remember owning and it's not going to be something you think about. But perhaps if you ask your mom to bring a few pieces of the collection each time she visits- hey in 10 years you might have something! Or for your birthday present, she can pay to send a box of your favorite widgets that you left in her garage. Just an idea. We're taking the container. What do I know?

[beeline]

Hey, I'm in exactly the same boat... I'll be relocating for (*crosses fingers and toes*) a job contract, also from California to NZ. It will be short term (six months to a year, but (v. small) chance of indefinate so I was planning on just moving via suitcase for now. A bit nervewracking, trying to decide what to take. I did the same once before, to the UK, and ended up not using half of what I brought, and cursing that I left the stuff I did.


maybe i shouldn't ask, but any chance you work in the film industry sillyskuld? in terms of your previous move, what were the things you brought that you wished you hadn't? were there things that you found really invaluable? definitely sounds like you're going through the same thing we are, so good luck! and double good luck on getting the contract -- we'll cross fingers and toes for you, too!

another thing i've been trying to get a sense of is the availability of furnished apartments, as in nicely furnished apartments, not residential hotel type set ups. i should probably start a new post with that question but if anyone has any input that would be great.

[beeline]

that's a great idea, tigerlily. family can either bring things over piece by piece or perhaps send a bit along in a care package every now and then. hmm, i wonder how much room my mom has in her garage....

[Avalon]

I think down is OK we brought sleeping bags and a down duvet, no problems on either side of the move.
Im gonna start sulking soon ;)

[sillyskuld]

:)

Here's to hoping!! *does little hope hope hope dance*

Yeah, I'm also wondering about the furnished apartments situation. I've done the air-matress-on-the-floor-and-no-furniture thing before, and ugh. I'd prefer not to do it again, let me tell ya. I'm a minimalist, but not that much of a minimalist! However, I've been doing a lot of research on the cost of living, and it's just <i>so different</i> it's hard to compare. I live in an area in which 75K USD a year is "low income", as in struggling to make ends meet. A single family starter home STARTS at 850K (And before y'all start asking me for loans, I'm so far below that, it's not even funny.) NZ salaries are a lot lower, but so are expenses, but is the end result comparable? It's really hard to tell.

I am planning on shipping some books out book rate, reference materials and the like (plus a few silly mind candy fiction books). You can ship up to 70 pounds of books for like, $60 or something? I don't remember the specifics, but it was very reasonable.

As far as what I found out before, definately bring at least some minimal kitchenware. You can leave the cusinart at home, but the cost of even a basic setup adds up really fast, plus it won't fit in your suitcase on the way back!

Also, I learned to bring something to do! I won't really be able to afford going out much, similar to my situation in the UK, I developed a habit for needlework then. Almost free as a leisure activity, plus takes up very little room in your suitcase.

Bring a backpack! Hiked all throughout the UK on weekends, stayed in hostels and took the train everywhere. So rarely do you have an extended period to explore another place, it was really great to take advantage of it. Those were my most favorite memories of the UK, "hey, I want to go to Scotland this weekend!"

The majority of what I brought that I regretted (And this probably won't apply to you!) was nice clothing. I'm a tshirt and jeans girl, and I thought that, hey, I'll be fashionable and stylish, always put together and wear makeup, just like all the british girls. That lasted about a week. Then I ended up wearing the same three sets of clothes for the rest of the time.

[Avalon]

:)

and I thought that, hey, I'll be fashionable and stylish, always put together and wear makeup, just like all the british girls.

:laugh :laugh :laugh Thats funny!

[katandbob]

that's a great idea, tigerlily. family can either bring things over piece by piece or perhaps send a bit along in a care package every now and then. hmm, i wonder how much room my mom has in her garage....

yes but after a while your mums on msn...saying what shall i do with your stuff?

I said, as Rachel (my daughter) I gave it all to her!...but before you have a garage sale, take pics and I will see if I want you to ship any out!

As to Furniture.....I got a full bedroom suite in NZ Pine...Queen bed, Scotch chest, mirror chest, 2 bedside tables..Mattress, Coffee table and 2 sofas for $4,250 and that included...duvet, sheets, duvet cover pillows and a 14" portable TV!

I wonder how much it would cost to ship my books I forgot...I miss my harry potter books :laugh

Kat

[hcykana]

i think i've read on this forum that it's possible to share a container so try doing a search for that if you haven't. and yes, i was also wondering how it was possible to get kitchen knives on the plane, but maybe in checked baggage it's fine?

i see that you're from madison -- i went to college there. where in nz are you heading?

We might try to share... otherwise, I think it'll be far less expensive just to ship down some things (books, kitchenware, misc items) and buy a new bed. Granted, I cannot express how much I love my bed, and I'm hoping that I can get the same sort there.

We are in Madison right now, and have been for about 9 years (for me)/ 3 years (the husband). We'd like to go to Wellington, but will more likely end up in Auckland. We have more family there. My husband is a kiwi-by-decent, and has a maternal aunt and uncle in Auckland but only very extended family in Wellington.

[beeline]

Hi Sillyskuld,

I know exactly what you mean about how hard it is to compare cost of living. We were considering trying to go to Sydney for awhile and it was just impossible to get any real consistent numbers on how much it costs to live there (though the consensus was A LOT). But coming from California it seems like Wellington will be great in some respects like housing, and lousy in others so I imagine it will all balance out in the end.

Thanks for the excellent advice. We are planning to try to ship over a box of unread books (having a great time scouring used bookstores for this purpose) so we have plenty of reading material for a while. Where are you having yours sent to? Unfortunately we won't have an address until after we've been there a bit -- will they hold it for you at the post office or something similar?

We also just bought a new backpack today (yay for finding old credits for the sports basement!) and are realy looing forward to hiking around as much as possible. I may have mentioned this already but we're also trying to bring at least a basic minimum set of camping gear as that's a great low cost way to see the country as long as you don't have to shell out for expensive equipment every time.

I'm just the same way you are with clothes, so that is very good advice. I'm a notorious over-packer and yet inevitably wear the same pair of jeans and a few vintage t-shirts over and over again. Interesting thought too on bringing "something to do." Chances are I'll be working so much that it won't really be an issue, but needlework is a good idea. Friends have been trying to get me to take up knitting for years but it's actually quite expensive so I've resisted thus far.

As far as furnished apartments go, it's still a little hard to tell but I have a list of rental brokerage sites so you can at least explore a bit. I'm happy to PM you the list if you want it.

When will you know about the job? I'll keep my fingers crossed until then!

[sweetpea]

I packed my down sleeping bag and comforter in my luggage without problem. Come to think of it, I don't think I declared them on my MAF items-of-concern form - it didn't occur to me at the time. But I listed a bunch of other stuff, and they only checked the first item I listed (hiking boots).

SFO to Christchurch excess baggage cost me $75 per bag/box back in January. Over the phone, they told me it would be much more.

I just finished quickly sort-of furnishing my new (rental) house. Going the secondhand route for most stuff seemed fine, but buying a new washer and new sofas seemed to make sense, from a time and value perspective -- a new, sturdy 6.5 kg washer on sale was $679, whereas most used ones from used appliance stores were $400 -- you may be able to get a used one cheaper on TradeMe, but I was in a hurry. As for sofas, the used-but-tasteful pickings in the Manawatu were slim and I got a new 3+2 suite on clearance for less than $1000. In Wellington, you'll probably have more choice.

HTH,

Laura

[jaycee]

Laura, may I ask if you had to pay duty on any of the stuff you took? Just asking because if I remember correctly you went out on a student visa?

I won't hijack the thread by going into the detail of my question, but for anyone who has any kind of visa that's valid for less than 12 months, I think you will be liable for duty on imported goods. Some things are duty free anyway, but furniture, for example, I think would be chargeable. May still be worth doing, but it's another expense to budget for :(

[sweetpea]

Laura, may I ask if you had to pay duty on any of the stuff you took? Just asking because if I remember correctly you went out on a student visa?

I had a 6-month student visa at the time (now being extended for another 4 1/2 years). I didn't pay any duty on stuff, but I only shipped 3 boxes of things -- mostly books -- via the postal service and took 3 boxes on the plane. I made sure everything I bought recently looked used, and didn't have any high ticket items.