[Jerseygirl]

My husband is taking a job in Shenzhen. His company will pay for us to send stuff by sea. We are moving from the US. We have kids and plan to rent a furnished apartment in Shekou. I spent the last few hours reading all threads related to relocating so I have some idea of what to bring. I was wondering whether or not to bring the following items.

Should I bring mattresses and box springs?
Our desktop computers are 1 and 2 years old; should I bring them?
Should I bring our bicycles?
Photos and photo albums?
Should I bring a safe?
Are there public libraries with books and current magazines in English?

Thanks in advance!

[tex]

Overall, I'd say since the company's paying to ship, why pay to replace things you've already got.



Mattresses/boxsprings, yes if you really like them. But bring sheets/covers for them because US sizes are hard to find here.

Computers, too if you're happy with them. Easy to convert to local voltage.

Bikes, sure. Think that area's probably great for riding.

Photos/albums. Well, how long are you going to be here? The humidity is seriously bad for the albums and I wouldn't move them all around the globe risking loss/damage if only here for 1-2 yrs. Can bring maybe 1-2 small albums of faves?

A safe? Do you have one already? Then I'd bring it. Most people employ a live-in helper or part-timer atleast so it's nice to have a place to keep important things worry free.

Yes, no problem getting English books in library, not sure about current mags. Books and magazines in general are more costly than in the states so you might stock up.

Good luck!

[petrm]

If the company pays for shipping your stuff, why don't you just ship everything.

New mattresses in Shenzhen are dirt cheap ......

1-2 year old computer from USA will be handy in Shenzhen.

Good quality bikes from USA too .......

Not really sure about English libraries. My impression is that they have none. They have bookstores with English books, but the selection is very poor, and no magazines.

You may want to get some vaccinations and learn about Hepatitis before you come.

Once you get internet, you'll be fine ..... or visit Hong Kong periodically !!!!!!!!!!

[penguinsix]

The English selections in Shenzhen are rather poor (remember, books are still a "restricted item" in mainland China). Hong Kong has a great offering of English books, including childrens books as well.

I would second the note about photos and humidity. Basically imagine keeping your photos in the shower room for two years and see how they stand up. Unless it is really important that you look at old pictures, I would try to get by without them (or buy a scanner and scan some in digitally).

Your company is paying for the stuff to come over. Will they pay for it to go back? Are you in an industry in which your "next employer" would pay relocation back to the US? Something to consider when packing your things.

[Jerseygirl]

Thanks for all your good advice. We will be in living in Shenzhen 3 to 5 years. I will leave my original photos here in storage. I don't have a safe; have not needed one in the past. Can I buy a good one there? Can I get a good file cabinet in HK or Shenzhen?

Thanks for the vaccine reminder; my husband had his but the rest us us have to get ours.