I’ll be honest: the first time I shipped anything overseas, I had no clue what I was doing. Boxes everywhere, half my paperwork missing, and at least three things I forgot until the very last minute. If you’re in the same boat—maybe sending stuff to Grenada, maybe just getting a big shipment together—here’s what I wish someone had told me about how to get ready for your shipment.
Don’t Pack Everything
Seriously, don’t. The temptation to toss everything you own in boxes is real, but you’ll regret it at customs—or when you see your shipping bill. Go through your stuff and set aside what matters. Old shoes? Toss ‘em. Broken blender? Donate pile. Less is more, trust me.
Find Boxes (and Tape, Lots of Tape.)
You never have enough tape. I started out thinking one roll would do it, but ended up making a midnight run for more. Use strong boxes if you can, or barrels if you’re shipping to Grenada. For anything fragile, stuff towels, clothes, or bubble wrap around it—no sense letting your favorite mug break on the way.
Not sure if a barrel’s the way to go? This guide helped me figure it out. Might save you some stress.
Write Down What’s in Every Box
I used to laugh at my mom for labeling everything. Now I get it. When you’re unpacking—or, heaven forbid, dealing with customs—you’ll thank yourself for scribbling “kitchen stuff” or “tools” on the side. If you really want to do it right, number the boxes and keep a quick list.
Sort Out the Paperwork Early
Nothing makes you sweat like missing paperwork the day your shipment’s supposed to leave. Print everything you can: shipping forms, receipts, even a simple packing list. And if you’re sending a car? The paperwork’s a whole different ballgame. There’s a solid resource here for that.
I nearly forgot about taxes and duties, too, until someone clued me in. This article explains it without all the jargon.
Don’t Ship Weird Stuff
I thought it would be clever to send a few homemade hot sauces. Turns out, you can’t ship that (whoops). Do yourself a favor and check the list of what’s not allowed before you start packing. Some things will surprise you.
Give Yourself Extra Time (You’ll Need It)
I wish I’d started packing a week earlier. Shipping isn’t Amazon Prime—you can’t just click and expect your stuff in two days. International shipments, especially to places like Grenada, take time. Ask your shipping company how long you should expect, and don’t believe your optimistic estimates.
Want the Whole Picture?
If you’re still feeling lost (I was, trust me), check out this full guide to Canada to Grenada shipping. It’s got real advice about containers, barrels, and a bunch of stuff I hadn’t even thought about until I read it. That page probably saved me a headache or two.
Final Thoughts
So, how to get ready for your shipment? Don’t overthink it, but don’t leave it all for the last minute either. Declutter, label, pack smart, and double-check your paperwork. When in doubt, ask questions. And if you mess up (like forgetting tape or trying to send hot sauce), just laugh it off and learn for next time.