Moving OFF island

Hi,
There are moving companies here that will take care of the whole thing for you, just like in the states. They will pack and ship. You don't have to lift a finger, except to point out what goes, and what doesn't. Your belongings will be delivered to your new address. That is pricey, but depends on your budget and your ability to do it yourself, or not.

What is much more practicle, is to box up your items and deliver them down to Tropical Shipping for shipping. They will stack everything on a pallet, shrink wrap it, take care of the "forms", etc. and even help you arrange a moving company on the other end to deliver it to your home.

Since you have furniture, you will probably need multiple pallets, but it's still very reasonable, compared to the moving companies.

I would suggest you call Tropical and ask about the service. Crowley also offers this service, and there may be others. VI Cargo does not ship OFF island, only TO the island (except for cars).

Good luck.

When are you moving? My boyfriend and I are coming on November 1 and will need anything you may be getting rid of or selling.

Jennifer

jenn, do you have any beds-full or queen? pm me if you do STX

I am not sure about St Croix, but we used a company on St Thomas - Viking corporation (340-776-1536). They are located near Airport. They ship containers, as well as individual boxes (on pallets) back to US. It was somewhat more expensive than postal service, and they accepted very large boxes (crates really, about 36 x 36 x 48 I believe), which USPS won't accept.

When I moved I used Deliver It on St. Thomas - they might have something on St. Croix. They deliver container to my home, I packed and loaded the container, then they picked up and took care of customs, shipping from St. Thomas to Minneapolis. Cost for 70 boxes and two pieces of furniture - $2500.

I know that this is a bit nosy, but I am curious to know if there were any negatives about St Croix that have caused (or aided in) your decision to return to the mainland.

Thanks for your thorough and helpful response! This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for.

I had heard there were moving companies that would handle everything (although I've yet to find out who they are..can't find any on line) but I didn't know about the pack-it-yourself shipping option or that they would help me get my stuff to the final destination.

I wonder how long it takes. When we moved here we waited about 6 weeks for our stuff to get here.

Can I ask you one more question? How do I handle the stuff I need to take with me right away? My computer and some office stuff needs to move with me otherwise I won't be able to do my job. I can't really wait for the moving van. Do people just pay the fees the airline would charge to ship boxes? Do they even let you do this?

Thanks again for your help!
Jennifer

I don't recall ever hearing or seeing a company here called Deliver it. You St Thomians have a lot more option than the Crucians I think. But it sounds like Tropical Shipping does a similar type of deal. I hope so!

How do I handle the stuff I need to take with me right away?

Take it on the plane, and pay the extra baggage fee. If you use boxes, make sure the airline allows it. Some airlines restrict boxes among checked luggage. And sometimes they'll refuse or bump excessive checked luggage.

FedEx/UPS/DHL are other options, but they can be expensive due to international rates.

When are you moving? My boyfriend and I are coming on November 1 and will need anything you may be getting rid of or selling.

Jennifer

I won't be moving until November or December. To be honest, I haven't decided what is staying and what is going yet. But here are some of the items I'm considering selling instead of moving....

* 2001 White Toyota 4Runner - 120,000 miles, Runs great and in good shape.
* Large L-Shaped metal, wood and glass Office Desk. Just bought it at Office Max 6 mos ago
* 2 Short Filing Cabinets - one dark wood, one metal
* Cannon ImageCLASS MF3110 Printer/Copier/Scanner
* Book Shelves
* TV stand - 28H x 40L x 22D Dark wood, like new
* Treadmill
* Set of Ram golf clubs and bag
* Bowling bag, ball, shoes
* Pool stick, glove & case
* Dumbbells with weights
* 2 stainless steel and black chairs - got them from Zebos before they closed
* Various other items, books, clothes, kitchen stuff, leftover supplies, ironing board, rugs, etc.

How much for the 4RunneR?

I know that this is a bit nosy, but I am curious to know if there were any negatives about St Croix that have caused (or aided in) your decision to return to the mainland.

I love St Croix but some variables have changed in my situation. When I first moved here I lived in a new Hovensa house they just built. Since then I am divorced and living off camp. I didn't realize how much I'd miss things like central air, dry sheets, musk-free smelling home, ice maker, dishwasher, etc. Things like these that come standard in the states are not common and are expensive to have here.

In my opinion, the negatives of living here is the cost of housing, food, and electricity. Some of the roads are just terrible. Good customer service is hard to find. Some of the locals seem to have pretty big chips on their shoulders. If you have to deal with any government employees, brace yourself and be patient. Keep telling yourself, "I just need to get through this" 🙂 It's hard to find medium priced restaurants. You have local chicken shacks, fast-food restaurants that are not so fast and then high-end restaurants (really great chefs and service!) but not much in between. Sometimes its hard to find even the simplest items (at least you thought it was simple) on island. Medical care is iffy, depends on the doctor, anything serious you should go to the states. And finally, brace yourself for slooooooooow everything. It's a different pace here than the states. 🙂

But on that note, there are TONS of things I love about living here. Interestingly enough, I like the slow pace! It's relaxing and peaceful if you just let go and accept it. The beauty here is outstanding. The views take your breath away. There's a view of Carambola where you'll think you're in Hawaii. Oh, and the water! Incredible! You will be forever spoiled by the water here. Next time you go to a lake you'll think "Ewww...it's dirty!" hehehe. The place is VERY small town (think Mayberry). After being here a couple of weeks you won't be able to go anywhere and not run into someone you know. I love that. I like the quaintness and old-fashion ways of this place...chickens and horses running around. One time I was in the waiting room at the Vision Center and I saw a herd of sheep walk past the glass front doors. How cool is that! I'm going to miss the beauty, simple slow ways, warm sunny days with that constant breeze and some of the people.

Probably a much longer answer than you were looking for, but there you have it.
Jennifer

How much for the 4RunneR?

$6,000 but I will need to use it until I move!

How do I handle the stuff I need to take with me right away?

Take it on the plane, and pay the extra baggage fee. If you use boxes, make sure the airline allows it. Some airlines restrict boxes among checked luggage. And sometimes they'll refuse or bump excessive checked luggage.

FedEx/UPS/DHL are other options, but they can be expensive due to international rates.

Again, thanks for your help!! I will call American and see what their policies are.

How much for the treadmill and dumbell set?

How much for the treadmill and dumbell set?

You can have both for $100.

Thank you very much for your great post in answer to my "nosy" question - good luck in your move.

If you check the yellow pages for moving companies, you will find several. Two that come to mind are Viking and Fleming.

I just noticed your first post said you are going to St. Augustine. One of my favorite places, ever. When checking with the shipping cos. ask if there is a Jacksonville option instead of south FL. Either way, you can rent a U-haul and drive it yourself from either port to St. A., but the moving companies on the stateside side aren't too expensive.

If you fly first class, you get to take 3 checked bags, and they won't get bumped. Nice way to leave island, too.

With Tropical shipping, you get your stuff to them here on STX by Tuesday, it ships over the weekend, arriving in south FL in about 5 days, so Thursday of the next week (may be off a day or two, but the Tues. drop off on STX is a must). You aren't guaranteed shipping the first week you drop it off, so it might be an additional week, but not likely. All together, 2.5 weeks, tops, plus travel time to St. Augustine.

Unfortunately, we do not have a Deliver It type service on STX. We used to have Managed Freight, which was a "pod" type service, but they went out of business.:S A much needed service, I do believe.

I think Crowley sails to/from Jacksonville. I would guess trucking from the port to whereever would be pretty reasonable, with such a short distance.

I believe CaribTrans used to be called Deliver It so you could call CaribTrans & get a quote (they are on STX).

Thanks to all who provided moving/shipping information. It was a HUGE help. thankyouthankyouthankyou! 🙂

I believe CaribTrans used to be called Deliver It so you could call CaribTrans & get a quote (they are on STX).

CaribTrans only ships TO island, not off island.

Any kitchen stuff? I might be interested in your rugs, etc. Interested in trades? I'm an excellent hairstylist from the states working here at a salon/spa, could hook you up with color, highlites, a new haircut, waxing, pedicure, manicure, or something else we do at the salon if you're in need......