Just a passing thought

Clsbell:

One suggestion - Buy a furnished property.

Buy a used car.

Simple......you did say your suitcase was full of money, right? (lol).

Yes, there are furniture stores and new car dealers on island. On STT there are 2 K-Marts, Radio Shack, Home Depot, several super markets, etc.

F.I.

Yes, people do come with just a suitcase. Everything you need is available on the island but prices are generally higher and selection is extremely limited. The cost comparison between shipping your stateside belongings and purchasing new on island is different for everyone and depends on what you have and what you want. You only need serviceable furnishings, which are available here, but you might want the best money can buy, which you would have to order and have shipped. Remember, most people who live here were born and reared here and have purchased homes, furniture, appliances and automobiles while living here so there is nothing you need that can't be found here. It's really a matter of what you want and what you can afford.

There are quite a few new arrivals who get here with just a couple of suitcases and their carry-on luggage. They sometimes have a job set up and don't have time to arrange to ship much. Fortunately you can rent or purchase furnished lodgings and there are lots of cars for sale most of the time. Try to make sure that what is in your suitcases isn't wasting space! Don't pack a bunch of jeans and sweatshirts and tennis shoes. Bring shorts and t-shirts and tank tops and swim trunks and sandals. They take less room and you will actually wear them.

When I was a boy growing up on St. Croix I worked after school and on weekends for a guy who came here with just a suitcase...he is now the owner of Plaza Extra.

I suppose it wouldn't be so bad if you wanted used furniture and basic transportation. I have seen where people were going off island and wanting to sell every thing lock stock and barrell.

Okay everyone.... how much would a used couch be down there?
Enjoy the warm weather
Tanya

Anywhere from next to nothing on up to who knows where? Depends on how desperate the person is to get rid of it. There are lots of moving off island sales and the closer the leave date gets the cheaper the prices on the remaining goods.

Hey im doin it. I dont need much and its a good thing cus i dont have much either. So the best advice I can give is to just go for it. Whats the worst that could happen. 🙂

UUMMMM! You fall flat on your face and have to call home and beg plane fare.... worst case senerio
Tanya

We're in our early 50's and did just that. Sold our home in the states with furniture included; sold 2 high-end cars; had a HUGE garage sale; and donated tons of things to Good-Will. Then packed up small personal items and came down. (after 2 Pre-move visits).

Bought a new beach-side condo,(for less than our home), bought a used jeep (for less than our high end cars), and live almost debt-free in paradise. My husband still works, but....ahhhhh...the freedom is wonderful 🙂

Travel woman

You sound like someone I would love to talk to...
Please e-mail me at Tanya412247@wildmail.com
I have some questions I think you might be able to answer.
Thanks
Tanya

Travelwoman:

We are doing (kind of) the same thing...only we're keeping our mainland residence...roots are hard to break.

You sound a lot like us. We bought in 2004.

F.I.

Thanks everyone..... At this point I don't think I will be leaving all my worldly possesions and starting over with nothing, although I can see how some people would think of that as a kind of cleansing. You know the old saying out with the old and in with the new. New life , new stuff.

One thing I am not going to miss leaving behind.... a 15 pound winter coat! Although with just summering on island to start. I may still need it.
CIsbell

I did just that. Applied for a teaching job on December 27, heard back on the 30th and moved down on January 6th from Pennsylvania. Shirts, ties, bathing suits and a few other things. Thats the only way to travel--in your early twenties.

I came here 16 years ago, with a backpack, and 600 bucks. I now have a new back pack, and 623 bucks

I'm a fellow teacher toying with the idea of moving to one of the islands for a few years. How does the educational world work down there?
And how did you find out about the job and housing??

For ST Thomas, work at one of the private schools: All Saints, Peter and Paul, Antilles, etc... Their websites can be found on this website. Fax a resume and cover letter; consider a pmv if you plan on staying for several years. As for housing,talk to Ronnie about temporary housing, or have the school put you in touch with another teacher. Then, after month or so, find roommates or your own place.

OK, alright

For those of you who want to make the move but are hesitant, definately do it! It's a great experience, we were down there for 4 years, just moved back to NY, we miss it terribly and are trying to find our way back!! We moved down with only backpacks (and I was a city girl); it's easy to get everything you need and believe it or not, you end of acquiring lots more than you even want.

I just graduated college and currently a teacher in Pennsylvania. I was hoping to come for the summer to have a completely new experience and to also see if this would be a place I would want to relocate. Call it an extended PMV. I would not have much with me and was wondering if any of these private schools offer summer school employment or tutoring. If that is not the case, does anyone have any suggestions as to employment? I plan on staying for 2 full months. I appreciate any advice that can be given.