Now that you have moved to the USVI - what would you have done different

We love the idea of packing the old truck we want to bring to the islands with "stuff" but we have been told that you can't. I am curious as to how you were able to pack the mini-van with your stuff.

I don't think you can anymore...we were some of the last to get stuff through....we just packed stained glass pictures on their sides and prayed. You cannot have anything at all that would obstruct a driver's vision because the vehicle is removed by Customs and is gone over thoroughly at port.......and "things" packed into a vehicle will slow down your progress AND raise big flags.

On our return trip, some idiot packed our lawnmower upside down in the back of my Cherokee - yes, we had drained the gas but not the oil - who the hell turns a lawnmower upside down? Spilled oil everywhere, made a mess, and apparently held up our whole load (although not enough for anyone to wipe up the mess).

The rules have changed considerably about having anything in a vehicle - check with your shipper. Again, this is an old thread and things have changed.

BeckyR is correct, Research recent posts about shipping vehicles filled to the gills. Used to be OK but no more. Cheers!

For outdoor furniture, we have canvas folding chairs that I want to have shipped. (we'll be living high up on the Northside). Will they mold up? I'll leave them at home if they aren't going to last.

I'm definetly bringing all of my tupperware, and I've bought some 'lock-and-lock' here at good old Walmart.

Remember if you owe money on it - you have to get written permission of the lein holder to ship it here. With all the rain we had the last couple days there are roads that are totally impassable. And some that are covered 3/4 the way across with 3" of water or more.

Go ahead and bring your canvas folding chairs. They will likely get moldy high up on the northside but then most things will so whatever you end up with will probably have to be repalced regularly anyway.

Thanks for the advice on the direct deposits... *cringe* I guess I'll see what happens when I get a job! I may have to call my parents for a "bank talk"...

(yes I was RAISED on a computer lol - I know DOS and was one of the first people to be on AOL ... thanks to my computer buff of a dad)

For all those that want another chuckle at my expense- The "bank talk" will be reminiscent of the time I asked my dad how to send mail. "Dad can I buy a single stamp or do I have to buy a whole roll and where do I put the letter to be sent since I live in an apt???" - Reply - "DAMNIT you're in college!"
-Shows what good a college education is 🙂 but don't worry I've got the whole mail thing down now - and I'm sure I can handle banks...

LOL about the person at the bank saying the VI's aren't part of the US- I'm still trying to convince my mom that I don't need a work permit...!

This is definitely a great subject so I am giving it a bump to generate more information. We are in the process of our move in 18 months and when sitting and cleaning around the house trying to make mental notes on what's going and what's getting sold, given away or tossed. It is always helpful to hear form those who have done it already. Great info on this board...keep it coming.
Kim

Cameron, I had an '05 Cooper S convertible I also thought about shipping down. After being here for awhile, I sold it before bringing it. I truly loved that car, and realized between the roads (bottoming out), the parking (the inevitable dents and dings), the service (there is no warranty work available - I even considered shipping it to Puerto Rico if/when it needed something), the constant salt air and dusty conditions, and seeing what other MINIs here look like, if you really enjoy your MINI, please DON'T bring it. I have never regretted not having "Coop" here, and am glad not to have to see "him" slowly fall apart. Just my $0.02.

Giving this another bump as I still want to hear more information as to what people brought...how they brought it and what they would not bring again....it's such a hard decision as to sell it all, store it all or ship it all....
Thanks
Kim

I left my furniture, kitchen stuff, etc, in storage knowing that I'd rent for at least the first six months. I'm happy that I did it that way. Still haven't brought the rest of my stuff down because I'm remodeling a condo.

I did fill one of those pods when I first moved. Clothes and enough hobby stuff to open my own Home Depot/Michaels. I haven't utilized all of the hobby stuff (yet) but I'm still glad I brought it right away. That's my comfort level or security blanket. With that stuff it feels like home.

I do regret leaving one thing in storage: my Hoover FloorMate! Seriously! I can't believe that no one carries them down here. It's the perfect way to clean your floor. Believe me, this summer the Saharan dust will be so thick each day you'll wonder how there's any dirt left in Africa. I hate using regular mops because they just rearrange the mud, unless you change the rinse water every few passes. That's wasteful and expensive.

Counting the days until I'm reunited with my beloved FloorMate 🙂

Ironically, I'm a huge slob. However, I HATE walking barefoot in my home and having icky dirty feet. Then all of your shoes get muddy inside. Your sheets have grit and dirt on them, etc.

Oh, good idea, Jules...I didn't even think about bringing a really good mop/ cleaning system! And the new apartment is all tile, so I'm sure with a new baby a good floor cleaner will be essential. Thanks!

Becareful with the floormate if you have hand made tiles like mexican saltillo. I tried it in my palm springs house and did an awful job because each tile is different and have slight depressions and rises in each tile and the floormate did not like it. Luckily Loews took it back even though it was used once or tried to use it once.

Thanks alot for your .02, it means alot.

Cameron

Hiya Becky,

What part of Arkansas are you from? We are thinking about moving to St. John's in a couple of years.

Hi, Michael! We're in Russellville - other than our brief foray to the islands, we've been here 6 years - before that we spent about 45 years in Little Rock, up in the Heights!

Oooooo babe - unless you're going to the REAL St. Johns, don't say St. John's.....it's St. John, or STJ for short! Seems to be a pet peeve on this board!