... flight out of the country. It WAs chaos. - Our goods sat in the New Jersey port for several weeks. We contacted them at week six to ask for an update and only then did we find out. The reason WAs they required $500 for a change of address Fee. They had our goods scheduled to ship to Dublin, UK, rather than Dublin, Ireland. All paperwork, all correspondence, stated Dublin, Ireland. They said someone on their end had entered UK and we were still to pay for their mistake. We did, because essentially our goods were being held hostage. - Two months ago ou ...

And I second minimalist living! We learned in those five months we really didn't NEED most of what we'd shipped! And by the time the Box arrived we didn't even remember all of what we'd packed (thank goodness for our personal inventory - I recommend keeping a very detailed and organized inventory). Most of what I shipped WAs for the children. I WAsn't willing to have them part with much because I already felt extremely guilty for uprooting them.

Kate - thanks! I think this is so important to know for people moving to Ireland. The Catholic WAy of life that WAs so deeply ingrained in Irish culture for so long still has a hold over the school system. Like it or not, it's a reality, and good to know in advance. It's probably also good to know that you can't just check the 'Catholic' Box to pass through. On the application forms I've seen they require proof in the form of a baptismal cert, which if you do have, you should have ready to show.

... mementos, and papers from my research career at the Georgia Institute of Technology. I thought I might explain the process for others who are shipping belongings from the US to Ireland. We booked a 20' FCL (full container load) that WAs actually only about half full, with UpakWeShip. This WAs about half the price quoted by Careline. We hired movers on each end to load the container and to unload it, to save our backs. It is especially difficult to get things in and out of shipping containers because there is no ramp or lift gate on their tractor-trailers. T ...

Making the move next June. The plan WAs to move later this year, but we WAnt to travel Australia and New Zealand for 3 months early next year, so we postpone Ireland till June next year. Also, if would be nice to settle in during the summer months. Born and raise in Ca and Mexican food is on the top of the list. Tomatillo for salsa verde and cilantro are on my list to plant. Also, to make friends with a butcher that can cut tri tip. WAlked into a butcher and he had no clue what a tri tip cut WAs. I guess it's a west coast thing. Thing I will try and fit ...

The most frustrating thing we have found with our shipping experience is that the shippers did not label our items very well or not at all. So when it all arrived it WAs a hodge podge of Boxes, some marked most not. We also couldn't match the Boxes against our manifesto, so if something WAs missing we wouldn't know until all the Boxes were opened. My word of advice is to make sure they not only number the Boxes but if you can get in there with a black magic marker and write the room and the general items in the Box you'll know exactly where everything belong ...

I would be interested in this as well. We plan on bringing 2 dogs, a terrier & a lab. I typically look on daft.ie, and you can go to "Advanced Search" and select "Allows Pets" under the "Facilities" drop down Box. I think my plan WAs to contact a local realtor or management company in the area we wish to move and see what they have or can locate for us. Probably a terrible plan, but seeing how we would be trying to secure a place while still in the US I figure I could maybe get pictures beyond what the listing shows.

Hello, does anyone have a lawyer or law firm you'd recommend for immigration questions and paperwork? We'd prefer someone who can work with us/for us at an hourly rate (as opposed to a flat Fee) -- but anyone who's good if you know of someone! Otherwise we'd be picking a name out of hat. This is for a married US couple moving to Ireland, so we'd be looking for an Ireland-based lawyer/solicitor for the Ireland side of immigration paperwork & requirements. Thank you Greg

Not every solicitor will demand a consultation Fee in order to answer a few immigration questions but most do require it. Different from the US where an attorney WAnts to sell YOU their expertise before money is exchanged. How do you know if the solicitor is any good unless you speak with them beforehand? This is just one of the many differences been doing business in Ireland vs. the US. Would a job seeker ask for payment from the company before an interview? That's kinda the right analogy.

Hi Kevin, welcome to the site. From my experience I don't think you'll find a recommendation for a standout shipper. Sadly, most people seem to have some sort of discontent. Maybe it's just the nature of this type of service. Price, delays, lost items, etc. We've heard it all. I personally don't recommend anyone company, but do urge people to get many (5 or 6) quotes, and scrutinize each one. Make sure they are like-for-like (door to door, or whatever you're doing), and make sure you question every Fee, and lack of Fees (the ones that pop up later!). Please Feel free to add new topics as things come up. Liam