So its time to leave and you have accumulated tons of stuff that has to be sent back home. There are loads od specialist shipping companies that will ensure your precious souvenirs and other goods will make it safely back home.

It's worth getting quotes from as many different companies as you can, as rates do vary. You'll pay a set rate ranging from about £80-£150 for your first tea carton (actual sizes vary between companies) then a reduced rate for any additional boxes ( between £30 and £80).

You may also be up for customs or tax charges when your goods arrives at its destination about 12 weeks later. Some companies will look after certain charges like this, but not others, so check this carefully too, as extra costs can add up. This is also something to keep in mind when deciding between door-to-door or door-to-port services - while the door-to-port option may seem like a better deal, you will be up for all charges payable at the destination, so it can end up being more expensive.

Most companies will provide boxes, packing materials and other materials - if they don't, you'll need to factor these costs in too. Most also pick up for free within the M25, and will drop off within a certain comparable distance of major cities or ports at the destination.

Anglo Pacific International
Unit 1&2 Bush Industrial Estate
Standard Rd, North Acton
London NW10 6DF
Tel: 0208 838 8000
Fax: 0208 965 4954
www.anglopacific.co.uk

• London's Leading shippers • Over 400,000 satisfied customers in the last 10 years alone • Free tea cartons & packing materials • Free delivery / collection London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow • Door to door by sea/air/road worldwidee Tax Rebate Service

Excess Baggage
4 Hannah Close
Great Central Way
London NW10 0UX
Tel: 0800 783 1085
www.excess-baggage.com

• The Leading Baggage Shipper • Excess Baggage offer a wide range of freight and removal services that can make your next travelling experience hassle free! • Free Tea Cartons supplied & delivered • London & Nationwide delivery & Collection Services • Baggage, Overseas Removals, Cars • Online Booking • Door to Door to most cites.

Budget Shipping
168 Earls Court Road
London
SW5
Tel: 0800 652 8980
www.budget-shipping.co.uk

• Budget Shipping has a reputation second to none for offering the best service in the shipping industry. We are proud that not only do we provide such excellence, we also provide it at a highly competitive price to our clients.

PPS International Removals
1-3 Pegasus Road
Croydon, Surrey
CR9 4PS
www.pss.uk.com

• The UK's 1st Choice for moving Overseas • Our rates are the best because we have negotiated special rates based on the large volumes we ship. Wherever you live in the UK you will find that we can give you a competitive quotation.