Moving Home

[trogdor]

I thought I'd seek some advice: I'll soon be moving home. It will be permanent, to a different continent, and not do-able by land travel alone.

It now dawns on me that my absurdly large collection of shirts, ties, suits and shoes might not have been such a prudent acquisition. The practicalities of moving it all seem more complex than the rest of my stuff (which basically consists of boxes of books).

Does anyone have any useful tips on the sartorial aspects of the move? Good ways to pack things? Tales of your own experiences in such matters? Things NOT to do?

 

[globetrotter]

Originally Posted by trogdor

I thought I'd seek some advice: I'll soon be moving home. It will be permanent, to a different continent, and not do-able by land travel alone.

It now dawns on me that my absurdly large collection of shirts, ties, suits and shoes might not have been such a prudent acquisition. The practicalities of moving it all seem more complex than the rest of my stuff (which basically consists of boxes of books).

Does anyone have any useful tips on the sartorial aspects of the move? Good ways to pack things? Tales of your own experiences in such matters? Things NOT to do?


I didn't find my clothing to be that complicated to move from israel to the US - I basically folded everything and packed it in large plastic bags inside large carboard boxes. I don't know if this is the best way, but it worked well. I had no damage.

the books cost me a fortune to move, though.

remind me where you are going? I am sorry, is it south east europe?

 

[trogdor]

Originally Posted by globetrotter

remind me where you are going? I am sorry, is it south east europe?

Ireland.

I was thinking that some of the clothes might make for good packing material. Don't tell Mr. Kabbaz, but in my estimation, shirts will fold nicely around things like crockery and glassware...

 

[Charley]

You can get the bags that allow you to remove all the air from the bag - squeezes things down quite a bit. And will keep the bugs and elements out. Inserting some cardboard pieces may help prevent the worst of the wrinkles - however everything should simply hang or steam out with no real problem. Anyway, it will make packing a great deal easier.

 

[Kent Wang]

Just how much does it cost to move intercontinental? Is it cost effective to move furniture or do you just not bother with that? What about heavy kitchen equipment? I am considering moving to China and am trying to decide if it's worthwhile for me to buy furniture, etc. now if I might move soon.

 

[ATM]

I've seen boxes that have a rod for hanging clothes built into them. A moving company once packed clothes for me using them.

 

[Tck13]

Originally Posted by ATM

I've seen boxes that have a rod for hanging clothes built into them. A moving company once packed clothes for me using them.

For what it's worth, we sell those at Penske and one can get them at Allboxes. Sometimes Staples and places like that have them.

Don't know if that helps with international shipping?

 

[maxnharry]

Any ideas on how one would pack suits in something like a duffle bag? Have a trip coming up that limits the kinds of luggage that I can bring.

 

[thinman]

Originally Posted by ATM

I've seen boxes that have a rod for hanging clothes built into them. A moving company once packed clothes for me using them.

They're called wardrobe boxes and they are very convenient. I use them whenever possible and I've never had problems. Every moving store carries them and every mover has them.

 

[chorse123]

Good luck with the move! I've moved intercontinentally a few times. It's a hassle, but still worth it. It's also a good opportunity to clean out the cobwebs, and consider the wardrobe. If you haven't worn something in a year or two, it's a good time to send it on it's way, either to a charity or eBay.

 

[stach]

Kent if I were you I would buy the furniture there. They make a lot of our furniture now, anyways -

 

[stach]

trog, when I moved cross country I flew with my most valuable clothing in checked baggage. Get exact details on luggage size/weight from your airline. Different planes have different size overhead storage dimensions, for example. You might be able to ship your books with the post office at their printed matter rate. I'm not sure how that works in Canada. Sweaters, scarves and socks make great packing cushions.

 

[Duveen]

Not sure about Canada, but the USPS has a specific 'student rate' for shipping printed matter and books. You get a funny little bag that you slide your boxes in and it costs you next to nothing to do it...

 

[LabelKing]

I'm sure UPS or any company can ship boxes of clothing.

 

[globetrotter]

kent, don't buy anything here.