Are you moving back home after years of living away? Or maybe you’re relocating to Bermuda for the first time? Either way, we know this can be an exciting – and stressful – time. We also know that packing up your life and shipping it across the ocean is fraught with complications, not the least of which is ensuring your possessions arrive safely – and on time. But it is also true that no other experience is going to test you like turning up in a new location and starting a new life. But that’s the exciting part. New experiences, new friends, new memories. If you want a new you, moving to a new country is a great way to do it.

And choosing the right relocation partner is also key. You’ll want a logistics company expert in all things express shipping. Mailboxes, one of Bermuda’s oldest air-freight shipping companies, can help. It has the knowledge, resources, and connections you need for a completely hassle-free relocation process. Their new relocation packing & shipping service, Mailboxes’ ProPacks, is tailored specifically to your needs and ensures all your belongings, from day one of your new adventure, are right where you want them.

Now that you have made the decision to move, it’s time to get prepared. Here are some essential packing tips from Mailboxes to get you motivated.

Sell
Moving is a great time to declutter your life. Consider selling some of the larger items that cannot move with you, that you may not use much or have little to no sentimental value. Having a garage sale requires a certain amount of work but it’s a great way to sell a lot of stuff all at once. And make money! But, if that’s not for you then check out the various groups on Facebook for selling items or investigate splitting the difference and doing consignment with Orange Bay Company.

Donate
As you start to go through your belongings, decide which items to donate. Our excess can become a blessing to other people so it’s a great win-win option. Be sure your donations are in good condition and sort the items in labeled boxes i.e. clothes, kitchen, kids, sheets & towels, misc. etc. Next find out the drop off times at the various charities.
Charities to consider: PALS Thrift Store, Red Cross, The Barn, Bargain Box, Upstairs Closet, Salvation Army Thrift Store, Thrifty Saturdays.

Lend
If you have a large piece of furniture that you are not ready to part with, one that won’t get worn like an expensive bookcase, display cabinet or sideboard, consider lending it to a family member or friend. It will save you on storage costs and buy you time to decide whether, in the end, you want to keep it and ship or to sell.

Store
Storage is expensive but it can be a good stop gap while you settle into your new life and new digs. No matter how long you plan to store your belongings, it is essential to pack and prepare them correctly. If you plan to store them for three months or longer, it’s a good idea to take a little extra time when packing to be organized. Be sure all items are clean and dry and invest in new, heavy-duty boxes that are strong. It will be easier to stack these boxes and they will hold up better than used boxes. Storage facilities in Bermuda include Bermuda EZ Self Storage, Bermuda Public Storage, Bedrock Secure Self Storage.

Throw
When you start to take a good long look at all your worldly possessions, you’ll be surprised at how much you can actually throw out. The best place to start is to corral and chuck everything you own that is broken or beyond repair. This includes appliances, electronics, furniture, vehicles, ornaments, china, garden tools etc. This will likely be a very big edit so check out drop off days and times at the dump. Next go through all your stored paperwork, old magazines and newspapers and throw out everything that is outdated.

With your life edited and now that you have a better understanding of just what you are taking and what you are leaving behind, it’s time to get packing. From door-to-door, whether your adventure is just hopping across the pond or going further afield, Mailboxes’ ProPacks service will pack, ship and handle all your most loved possessions. Their team offers a completely comprehensive service, from packing your boxes for you and inventory management, to shipment insurance and final mile delivery to your new address, they take care of all your logistical needs throughout the relocation process. By understanding your needs Mailboxes ProPacks tailor their service to fit your specific requirements, whether you’re moving delicate vases, sensitive documents, or an original Picasso, they have a solution that will suit you. And if there is furniture too big for their ProPacks service, they’ll happily connect you with their preferred ocean freight provider.

When it comes to pricing, Mailboxes’ mantra is ‘keep it simple’ which is why their pricing is structured like a vacation – no worries, no hidden fees and the only thing you’ll see when you get the bill is one all-inclusive price*.

So, bon voyage and farewell. As someone wise once said, “You may not always end up where you thought you were going. But you will always end up where you are meant to be.”

If you’re planning to relocate from Bermuda soon, visit Mailboxes’ website to get all the details on their ProPacks service, or email them at propacks@mailboxes.bm to book.
https://pro.mailboxes.bm/

*Does not include Government & Customs duties or taxes.