To take a shipping container or not? This is one of the most common questions I׳m asked
these days. So, let׳s start...
Advantages:
1. Familiarity and Comfort:
When moving to a foreign country, there׳s a deep internal need to make your new place as
familiar, beloved and comforting as possible. Shipping a container is an excellent way to
achieve that, especially with children who are attached to their belongings and may
experience anxiety or difficulties during the transition and changes.
1. Familiarity and Comfort 2:
As we reach a certain age, it becomes challenging to part with our bed or, more accurately,
our mattress. Many people invest in personalized or high-quality mattresses, making it
difficult to let go. So, if I had to choose one central reason to take a shipping container, it
would be for my mattress – Home is where my bed is.
Relocation Package:
1. While the cost may be relatively high, many people receive shipping container
expenses as part of a relocation package. If you׳re already getting coverage for the
container, why not bring what you want (keeping in mind the practical considerations
mentioned at the bottom of the post)? This could save you from buying new items,
benefiting you in multiple ways.
2. Size Matters:
If before the container arrives to pick up your belongings, you already know which
house you׳re moving into and have the floor plan/room dimensions. This is an
excellent way to avoid the hassle of buying furniture, and you can send what fits your
new home.
Disadvantages:
1. Timing #1:
It׳s nearly impossible to time the container׳s arrival with your move-in day. It׳s
common for delays to happen (sometimes weeks), which can make settling in a period
very challenging. People end up buying "temporary solutions" (such as blowup
mattresses and folding tables & chairs), which can accumulate to large sums of money
they weren׳t planning on spending. Then, once the container arrives, they have
duplicated items they need to get rid of or find a place to store them.
2. Timing #2:
After the emotional turmoil of the move, landing in the UK when you׳re physically
and mentally exhausted, you last want to see an empty house. Many people
emotionally break down at the sight of an empty house, without even having basic
furniture such as a chair, a bed or a table, after the stress they endured during the
weeks leading up to the move.
3. Timing #3:
If you have children and the container is delayed, the entire process can be even more
challenging and cumbersome. Sometimes, people resort to staying in a hotel or
Airbnb until their belongings arrive – an additional cost that wasn׳t necessarily
planned, especially considering the high shipping cost.
4. Size Matters 2:
Properties in the UK are generally smaller than those in the US & Canada, and the
furniture can sometimes be too big to go through the door. It can be disheartening to
realize that you need to sell or give away items you brought from home because they
no longer fit.
What to Do Instead?
It׳s better to sell what you can before relocating and use the funds to buy new or second-hand
items. The cost of electrical appliances and furniture (even from IKEA) is often cheaper in
the UK than in other countries. This way, you only buy what you need and what fits your new
home.
The second-hand market is strong, and many people give away items for free. Amazon Prime
delivers quickly, allowing you to settle into your home faster.
Tips for Sending Items:
1. Electrical Appliances:
No need to bring a refrigerator or washing machine as most rented properties come
with them. Focus on smaller appliances like coffee machines, food processors, or
blenders.
2. Furniture:
Bring children׳s beds or cribs and your own mattress if it׳s a standard size and you׳ve
invested in quality; otherwise, buy new ones in the UK.
3. Other Items:
Bring sentimental items that are not fragile, such as books, games in your native
language (if it׳s not English), musical instruments, or anything else that holds
sentimental value and isn׳t easily breakable.
Budget-Friendly Options for Furniture and Equipment:
IKEA
Argos
Amazon
Wayfair
TK Maxx
Home Sense
Any Large Supermarkets
Second-hand Markets
Facebook Marketplace
Freecycle
Nextdoor
In conclusion, consider alternatives to a shipping container, such as a large order from IKEA
or ordering furniture and assembly services shortly before your arrival. This way, you can
begin setting up your home quickly. If you bring personal items, consider inexpensive
shipping options through regular mail. Think practically and plan wisely!
Comments