I had done research on shipping some of my personal belongings and furniture in advance. All of my research was done through the internet, and I checked references online.
I had settled on one shipper based in the United States and had a working relationship with a freight forwarder in Japan.
During my initial inspection of my apartment, I took measurements of my new home. With my background as an Architect, it was easy to draw out a plan and layout my furniture so that I knew exactly what I wanted to ship to Japan.
I made a quick trip back to the States to have all of my furniture that was in storage brought over to my daughter’s Garage, and there I carefully wrapped each piece of furniture in blankets and shrink-wrapped each piece.
I did have some personal belongings, mostly dishes, glasses, and silverware, that I wanted to bring, so I had to sort through boxes and then wrap each piece either in bubble wrap or t-shirts to keep them secure in boxes.
Altogether 30 pieces of furniture and boxes. Each was inventoried for Customs. Shippers arrived on schedule and picked up everything, commenting they had never seen anyone pack their items so well. I only had them rewrap my noguchi coffee table glass so that we could insure it.
Upon my shipment on its way, I made my way back to Japan. On my flight, I filled out the customs form, and on it indicated that I was having items shipped. Filled out two forms and customs kept on and gave me back the other with their stamp on it.
I was told by my shipper this was important and that I need to mail this to the freight forwarder. Me being not completely comfortable with decided to had carry this form to Yokohama where the freight forwarder was located. Easy trip from Tokyo, and the personnel said it was a very good idea to hand deliver, as many send it and then wonder why it takes so long.
I was told it was going to take two weeks at sea and a few days in port as long as there were no customs issues.
Received the call form the freight forwarded all clear and they will deliver in a couple of days.
A couple of days later, two people, a very small thin woman and a very thin man, arrived and unloaded and brought everything up 3 levels by stairs in about 45 min.
I was amazed at how quickly they worked effortlessly. They immediately started to put my furniture in place, and it was perfect. All the pieces fit in place as I anticipated.
All in all, I only had two glasses break in this shipment.
Still organizing! But feels like HOME!