Shipping a container contents from U.K.

Hello I have just sent you a private message!!
Regards
Vedan

if possible make comments public please, we would like to see the answers to the questions asked.

Thanks

Yes please, as I'm also interested in shipping either a container or a pallet, but I'm not too sure about the cost of containers and what to put or not to put in it, if you can help please, that would be appreciated. Thank you

Hi Nessie1980
Loads of info on this website https://www.abels.co.uk/downloads/relo- … -Guide.pdf

I was wanting to know more about what to buy more of before leaving the U.K. as there are some internet bloggers saying some everyday use goods and furniture  (and clothing?) are perhaps of low quality or high price (or both?).  I don’t really know if it’s accurate, to date, or not?

The cost really depends on container size, where it’s coming from, who’s packaging it, how long that takes, what you are shipping, then it’s permits and tax in Mauritius and how it’s getting to your house.
Probably best too call a local to you international shipping company for a free quote as it should handle all the paperwork for you etc.
When I do mine I will post the cost here.

Thank you

Probably that’s what the blogger wanted !!.
Quality remains otherwise😃.

Hi rafiquerhiman
I’m a bit confused by your reply? Can you elaborate please?

Firstly Starry, if you obtain a Residence Permit / Occupation Permit first as Retired Non-Citizen, then you are allowed to bring in duty free ONE 20-foot container of furniture, household goods and personal effects. Illegal items would be alcohol, narcotics (obviously), and items for resale on the island (i.e. multiples of the same item that are obviously not for personal use), then any animal, plant or biological material not allowed into Mauritius.

There have been stories, on the biological side, of people having to pay for the destruction and disposal of their used vacuum cleaner because the dust inside constituted a biohazard.
Therefore items like vacuum cleaners you should rather buy brand new before importing to the island; even mattresses might be an issue in this regard, therefore safer to bring brand new ones still in their plastic. Anything else with a filter (e.g. a tumble drier or washing machine could be a problem, so at the very least they would have to be professionally cleaned before shipping.

Everything on the island is expensive, from food, toiletries & cosmetics, prescription medication, to furniture and home electronics - this is because most everything is imported.
Mauritius has several manufacturers in the textile industry, so everyday clothing like T-shirts are readily available.

Furnished apartments:
the upmarket villas in expat complexes (especially those less than 3-5 years old) have modern, high spec furniture so in that case no need to bring your beds, dining table & chairs, TV cabinet, couch & other lounge furniture etc.
These upmarket villas would also usually include all the large appliances like stove (oven & hob), fridge/freezer, washing machine and dishwasher.
Any rental apartment or house older or less upmarket, would usually include a few older, lower quality items of furniture or appliances - often that the owner no longer needs in his own house, so in most cases you’d rather bring your own  (A suggestion would be to ask beforehand for detailed CURRENT photos of each room in the apartment you wish to rent - state specifically that this is for you to see exactly which furniture & appliances are included)
- the question then arises where to store the items that you do NOT wish to use that came with the furnished apartment ? You could request to rent the apartment UNfurnished, but do not expect to receive a discount on the rent for that.

What NOT to bring:
heaters, blankets & thick duvets, jerseys & heavy jackets - Mauritius is simply too hot and humid even in winter so these will never be used.
A light windbreaker is fine for the cyclone season.

Hi Ceresiet
Thank you for this excellent response.  It’s helped immensely with focus on what necessary! We are storing/selling most stuff (to sort out some time later) and putting the house up for sale, so a daunting list of “to do”.  The vaccum cleaner / filter issue would never ever have crossed my mind...

Hopefully meet you when we can travel over, we owe you a drink!
L

thanks starrystarrynight and good luck with the sorting and packing (i’m a hoarder myself so I know LOL)


take a look at this video on the pros and cons of shipping a container with all your belongings
(this is not specifically for Mauritius but relevant nonetheless):

https://youtu.be/UrcKY8LLUKs


also watch this 6 Steps to Relocation video by Lucy Leheilleix
(I think she used Pickfords from South Africa and they packed and wrapped everything for her)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMXR25DrDxs


Lastly this video by Rolfe International about cost of living in Mauritius also touches briefly on moving and container costs:

https://youtu.be/JLrSSP1qxh8

Ok, thanks a lot for the info and hope you'll manage to settle in Mauritius soon.

Thanks for this info, I didn't know about all this, so thanks for clearing it for me too

Hello

Has anyone ever brought / shipped a used mattress from overseas? Did customs reject it?

Thanks