Kellymac & others: What to Bring?

Anybody have suggestions on what they are glad they shipped down, didn't ship but wish they had, thought why did I bring this once the item was on island...

--Islander

How much room do you have? If you like quality sheets/bedding and towels and don't like to pay a ton, bring some. Also, I wish I had stocked up on some of my favorite dry food goods: sugar free kool-aid, false alarm chili, the flavored water drop in packets and any food seasonings that come in those packets. They do have seasonings here, but in some cases they are double the price. It really depends on how "picky" you are. If you have specific things that you like (beauty products: lotion (what i wouldnt give for bath and body works!!) or anything special that you like, I would bring some extra with you. Good luck!!

Stacy

Cavender's Greek seasoning....Velveeta (astronomically priced)...LOTS more linen and all cotton clothing - the sun tends to fade it quickly - more swimsuits, more sandals. Printer supplies, ink and such, are expensive.

Are you moving with a container or just boxes? A couple of things we have been grateful for - a VERY large room air conditioner, which just is not available on STX unless you want to pay through the nose (Yes, I am a weenie and have to have AC), and our generator. WAPA jams and all. Pack your stuff in Rubbermaid tubs - they are invaluable.

If you do any sort of hobby, bring it with you unless you have a source that sends to VI. Most everyone will, it's just getting it here and the cost associated with it...regular mail takes forever, priority is expensive. I quilt and brought everything...must admit it is rather hard to work up a passion for a quilt when it is 90 degrees outside...but I have my stuff, which I now wonder why I brought. Maybe the "winter" will be better?

A GOOD cell phone - we've burned one up and the other is looking pretty iffy. I heard (but don't know to be fact) that the razor phones hold up well....I didn't want to pay stateside prices for one and got a less expensive model - now wish I had paid for one, since mine went toes up after 2 months and my husband's is on the blink, too.

Whatever you do - if you get here without something and you see it in a store and need it - buy it right then. It will NOT be there when you go back. Bear in mind that most of the stores do not do "loss leaders" like we are used to in the states where they sell things very cheaply just to get you into the store...cheap is not a word that is used at all in our household....Lots of batteries, flashlight, kerosene lamps - WAPA strikes again. These items are pretty readily available, but if you have the room to pack and ship if you are bringing a container, I'd do it. Better safe than sorry. I wish we had loaded a tub or two with stuff that is used every day that is small -Tums, over-the-counter meds, shampoo, deodorant...once again, easily obtainable and twice as expensive, even the cheap brands. I can guarantee the next time I go to the States I will have at least one empty suitcase to fill up with stuff!

Good luck - it is an adventure!

We shipped 32 Rubbermaid tubs via USPS Parcel Post. They all made it in 3-5 weeks. When we unpacked we found some things were silly to bring and they went back into the tub. We did pretty good, because we only filled one tub with those "silly" things. In it are Christmas stuff (sorry, just don't think I'll decorate in 80 degree temps) Dark dress socks of my husband's, neckties of my husband's, some old photos albums (should have never bought them into this humidity) etc.
What I was soo glad to have - toiletries (my favorite brands, i.e. Bath & Bodyworks, etc) and small home deco items. believe it or not it is very hard on STX to find tropical-themed items (small rugs, candle holders, etc) that don't cost a fortune at specialty shops. Also we shipped down 2 very nice tropical ceiling fans - $120.00 at Home Depot in Kansas City - $599.99 at Gallows Bay Hardware store on STX. (yes, thats $599.99) We are having a visiting friend bring 1 more when she comes down. I love to decorate, and our small items made it feel like home right away. We also brought down good sheets and towels,
Like Becky, I look forward to shopping in the mainland. But for the most part we live with less now and are just fine.
We don't have as much "stuff" and don't need it either.

T-woman! Is this your first Christmas here? Because Virgin Islanders do up Christmas BIG time! You will be happy to have your decorations. The paper puts Christmas light pictures in the paper, there are special foods and drink (guavaberry!!) there are special Christmas carols ("There is no reindeer in my country, he have to borrow me neighbor donkey...Ho, ho, ho. Ho, ho, ho...How will Santa get here?")

Oh, boy. I can hardly wait! 🙂

well, like the others...bath products, sheets, more towels, batteries, flashlights, silverware, kitchen essentials, pots/pans, computer printer cartridges,etc...
bring daily living necessaties...leave the other stuff behind...you won't need it!
My husband brought his license plate collection instead of shipping my silverware!!! Talk about silly things!
My picture albums could've stayed at my mom's house because a few of them are already affected by the humidity....
Bring plastic storage bags for storing sweaters airtight or any clothing you won't need till going back to the states during winter, etc...Moisture/Mold is bad here especially on the Northside...I shipped our coats to our families so when we go to visit they can bring it to the airport..Not a lot of storage space in most of the places we looked at to rent...wish I didn't get rid of my couch/slipcovers because most of the places we looked at were furnished, but the furniture is horrible/dirty and haven't found slipcovers here so far...If you rent a place that is not furnished then you have to find deals on couches, etc...island trader helped a little with "leaving island" sales, but mostly word of mouth got us the most help.
hope that helps!

With electricity from WAPA at $0.24 per kwh bring compact florecent bulbs. You can buy six bulbs at Home Depot stateside for $9.97. K-Mart an Sunny Isle sells them for $9.95 each.

The CFL bulbs only use 25% as much power for the same light.

Jim

I moved here with two duffel bags filled with clothes and bought everything else here. It was alot less hassle and I learned to live comfortably with whatever is available on island. Almost 8 years later and I have lots of stuff now...and no complaints.

Hi, We are thinking about moving and buying a home in St Croix from Key West. (If Hurricane Wilma lets us live) Could someone tell us who or what is the easiest and best way to ship your car and stuff? Is it cheaper to leave your furniture and buy down there?

Thanks

Hi Maria!

You are often better off selling most of your bulky items before you move. Nearly all homes and condos here come furnished. Even if you don't like all the furniture, it gives you something to start with until you can replace items over time. Kitchen items and linens also typically stay with a house, so many new arrivals can come with a couple bags of clothing and some personal items and be ready to move into their new home. Shipping is expensive and not without some hassle. If there are some things you don't want to be parted with, the USPS is often the best method to ship boxes to St. Croix.

My fiance and I will be flying up to Key West in a couple days in his airplane to visit Fantasy Fest for a day or two and then collect some buyers (and their dogs!) I helped find a home on St. Croix to purchase. When we return to St. Croix, they will be taking possession of their new home and settling into the island. They also decided it was time to get out of Key West and venture to the USVI. If you want to meet up in Key West and say Hello later in the week, just say the word. I haven't been to Key West before and am willing to swap a tour there for a tour here when you come down! you can reach me at stcroixhomes@hotmail.com