How to organize a move to the Caribbean

More people have moved to “Paradise” only to leave disenchanted within months than those who have relocated successfully. The reasons are many. For a start the word “paradise” is misleading: “Paradise” is not a place it is a frame of mind and one person’s paradise is another’s empty lot.

Among the most common reasons for regretting a decision to move are as follows:

• Not doing enough research and being unprepared for all the readjustments you will necessarily have to make.
• Not realizing that each island is unique and picking the wrong one.
• Overlooking and not considering such things as the quality of housing or the abundance of insects (each local will have something along those lines that you may not be comfortable with)
• The setting in of homesickness for a known lifestyle.
• Missing family and friends could also be the culprit, or it could be, and often is, simply that not enough time was given before deciding whether or not it was a move that suited you.

We have made many moves in our lives: from Southern California, to Geneva, Switzerland, to Tornonto, Canada, to San Francisco, to the Virgin Islands. And, the most difficult one of all was moving to “Paradise”. It was difficult because of the dramatic change in lifestyle compared to the other amazing places we have lived.

The key word in Paradise is SLOW!

There are only two ways to get to the Virgin Islands; by air or by sea. Air travel is the most popular choice because it is really the only option for someone who wants to move here. There are no ferries or barges for people between the US mainland and the Virgin Islands. There are barges for cargo.

There are two major airports in the Virgin Islands ; the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. St. Croix and St. John do not have airports and are connected to St. Thomas via ferries. Ferry service is very reliable.

Unless you plan to move with only what fits in your suitcase you will find moving your personal and household items here to be one of your biggest projects. Below you will find some ideas to get you started on how to move your things to the islands with you!

The least expensive way to ship a large quantity of items, perhaps your entire household and car(s), is by ship using a moving company. Items must be packed in crates and delivered by you or a moving company. Most large moving companies have agents in the U.S. Virgin Islands, call your local movers to find out if they have contacts in the Virgin Islands that would facilitate your move. You must then hire a trucker or moving/storage company locally to pick up your crates and deliver them to your home or store them until you arrive. St. John residents should take note that the trucker must additionally take your crates over on a barge and to St. John . It is a good idea to call around and get estimates. I am glad to be a further resource for you if you are wanting to join us in Paradise.

Here’s a link to a great article that may help more.