how do I Move my stuff to St. Croix

Most people send boxes of personnel goods through the USPS.

I haven't been able to move yet......But planning.....
And I have a little experience with shipping and packing....

Also try the other services like UPS and DHL.

DHL has excellent rates and they are really pushing for US business right now.

Explore the options of larger boxes verses several small boxes....

Or if you have to med boxes....fill them and then tape them together to make a larger box.....

Use the web sites to get qoutes on the shipping with the different size boxes and the weights.....

I think the preferred way in STT is USPS Priority Mail. It's been good for me.

Or you can put as much as you can in your car. Worked well for us!

Abbi
www.mindspring.com/~stcroixcondo

My recollection is that private shippers like UPS, DHL, FedEx, etc., regard the VI as an international shipping destination and charge accordingly.

Three moves to and from with USPS and no problems. That's the way everyone else I know (who has not hired a private shipping company for their move) has done it.

VB

UPS considers the VI an international desitination and charges as such. Fed Ex has a product for three day delivery down here, my shipper calls it Fed Ex Export but not sure if that is the correct name, which sometimes on heavy items is beating the Postal Service prices. Neither Fed Ex not UPS is open on Saturday. DHL and the other companies really do not have offices here but hire indidivuals to clear customs and deliver so the service we have had over the years has been spotty as best. That however is St. Thomas. The UIS Postal Service Priority Mail is still the best, oddly enough. And for an additional thirty five cents, I think, you can add a tracking number to the package to be able ensure delivery.

Unless you are in a hurry no need to pay extra for priority mail. Have shipped over 1,000 lbs in 40 boxes to STX. Even the boxes shipped standard parcel post have arrived in fine shape. Have lost only one wine glass to breakage.

Just take the time tp pack well. Strong boxes, tape all seams, bubble wrap and peanuts. Be sure the box is crush proof when you are done packing.

Try to keep the box weight to under 50lbs so a postal worker can easily pick up the box and doesn't drop it.

JIm

I have so many questions and I really need ya'll to help me if you can, please. I want to move to St. Croix in May of 2005. I need a job (paralegal for 17 years). I also need to ship my son's (he's 17 and will just die if I can't his baby over here lol) car. It's only worth about $3,000 so I need to go the cheapest route. I might also would like to go the roommate route if anyone is interested. I will probably leave my antiques behind but would really like to get couch, washer/dryer, etc over there. I just need some advice please. I don't even know if they have washer/dryer hookups over there. I just want to get the hell out of Mississippi and live in paradise for the rest of my days. Thanks for any feedback, Best wishes and I'm already jealous that ya'll are there without me. lol. Kathy

Hello Kathy,

You seem to be reading through a lot of the post here on the board, thats a great start. Get the book I mentioned... another great source. And then think of all the questions you have... 5, 10, 20 questions... ask away. Start a new thread and post all your questions you came up with... folks will answer or direct you to the answer. Whether its laundry hookups (some landlords won't let you put in washers, some have them already available for you, some have the hook ups and some don't), or if your favorite coffee is available.

Its a good idea to leave the antiques in a safe place back home; with a family member or something along those lines until you are sure you are staying in the USVI for good and then you can send for them. If you are only shipping a couple things you might work out whether its worth while: cost of shipping and time/effort involved vs. selling it in a yard sale and buying one on island.

Shipping your sons car: It just might run you half of what the car is worth... its about $800 from Miami... you have to get it there, there are taxes to pay, registration fees. Take a look at the story at

https://www.vimovingcenter.com/what_to_expect/movingstory11.php

for a ball park to work with in terms of shipping the car. You can figure out the taxes based on your sons car. You can use the Shipping A Car section for help with the tax amounts

Good luck with your moving plans.

--Islander

Islander: Thank you so much -- I will get some questions together tonight. I'm not afraid anymore since I've been reading all of your messages on this board. I think I've made up my mind to just sell all and head over with Adam's car and whatever I can fit inside it. Thanks so far for all of advice. Kathy