Job Discussion Forums

Jazz1975 · Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 301 Location: Zama, Kanagawa

I apologize for the redundancy if this topic has already been posted (I just registered for this forum a few days ago), but I'd like to know what the limit for luggage is if I were to move to Japan from Canada. My plan is to apply to teach English via one of the big 4 agencies so I have both a job and a place waiting for me when I get there (should I be lucky enough to be accepted). On that note, what kind of things should I bring and not bring. I find I have a hard time parting with certain items even though I have a safe place for them back in Canada. Anyone care to share?

Montbell · Joined: 24 Jan 2006 Posts: 18

You can find that info on any airline's webpage.

Cdaniels · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 7:14 pm Post subject: Search button

You can use the search function button, it directly under the b in Job Discussion Forums

you can search words and phrases like 'baggage' or 'luggage.' It may not have your answer, but it is very helpful, like 'google' for Dave's ESL

Very Happy

Jazz1975 · Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 301 Location: Zama, Kanagawa

Fair enough @ both responses. Appreciate it. However, could anyone on here list out what I should bring and what I should leave at home and/or have shipped later on? I want to make sure I don't overload myself should I make the move.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Jazz,
Part of the answer depends on your clothing and shoe sizes.

Generally, bring a change of clothes for two seasons, and have someone ship the other stuff a month before the season that you need it.

Any idea where you plan to live? (big city vs. small town)

Jazz1975 · Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 301 Location: Zama, Kanagawa

Glenski,

Clothing size medium, shoe size 6. I haven't applied yet, so obviously I need to do that; it's a given. However, that said, on the question of where I would like to be located, I am going indicate Tokyo or Osaka. I'd like to be in the city as I'm a city girl at heart. How much is shipping to Asia from North America (Canada in my case)? I know I can go thru plane or boat with the latter being cheaper. N e ideas as to shipping prices?

Mytime · Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 173

Travel light. You don't want to be shipping stuff around. If doesn't fit in your luggage you don't need it.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Jazz,
I'm not Canadian, so I don't know shipping prices. A lot depends on the weight as well as the overall dimensions of the package. I heard that packaged take longer than from the USA.

I suggest you find a relatively quiet time at your post office and have a long chat with someone there about such things. You might learn a lot that people here don't know, and they might even be able to provide you with some written information to take home.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 1:48 pm Post subject:

A good packing tip, in my opinion. (Stolen from I don't remember who, I don't remember which thread...)

Work out how many clothes, personal items, etc, you need in your luggage. Work out how much money you need to take.

Then take half the luggage, and twice the money.

Justin

Cdaniels · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 2:11 pm Post subject: Shipping things after settling

JT has excellent advice. The question is, how much can you buy locally? In Japan this probably is not the case, but in other locations, it might be cheaper to buy a new wardrobe than to ship your old clothes. There's also a question of whether you can have friends or family ship things after you settle. Has anyone done something radical, like taking just the clothes on one's back?

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 5:51 pm Post subject:

Many times, but I'm getting a little too old for it. In any case, I wasn't a teacher then. (jobbing actor and street performer, needed one hip audition outfit, and my street costume. THose were the days!)

Justin