From the Blog
Practical writing on international shipping, packing, customs clearance, and moving overseas — from our team.
Every Post
How to Pack Boxes for International Shipping (So Nothing Breaks)
After 25 years of shipping personal belongings overseas, we have seen every packing mistake in the book. Here is how to pack your boxes properly so everything arrives in one piece.
Get Paid to Move to Ireland — What You Actually Need to Know
Ireland's Our Living Islands program offers up to €84,000 to renovate vacant properties on remote offshore islands. Here's what the headlines don't tell you — and how to actually handle the move if you qualify.
The Ultimate Moving Abroad Checklist: Everything You Need to Do Before, During, and After Your Move
A comprehensive, timeline-based moving abroad checklist built from 25+ years of helping families relocate internationally. Covers everything from 3 months before your move to settling into your new home, including shipping-specific steps most guides miss.
Reasons Not to Move to Ireland (And Why People Move Anyway)
Thinking about moving to Ireland? Here are the real downsides — from housing costs and weather to healthcare wait times — and why thousands of people still make the move every year.
15 International Moving Tips from 25 Years of Helping People Relocate
Practical international moving tips from City Post Express — 25 years of shipping household goods overseas. Specific advice on ocean freight timing, customs paperwork, packing by volume, and settling into your new country.
Downsizing Before an International Move: What to Keep, Ship, and Leave Behind
After 25+ years helping people ship their belongings overseas, we have a simple framework for deciding what to keep, ship, and leave behind when downsizing for an international move.
The Cheapest Way to Ship Books Internationally from the US
Comparing every option for shipping books overseas from the United States — from USPS First-Class Package International and Priority Mail International to ocean freight for large book collections. Find the most affordable method for your shipment size.
How to Pack Fragile Items for International Shipping (Without Anything Breaking)
After 25+ years of international shipping, we have seen every breakage imaginable. Here is our hands-on guide to packing glassware, electronics, picture frames, and ceramics so they survive ocean freight and arrive in one piece.
How Long Does Customs Clearance Take? Timelines for International Shipping
Customs clearance typically takes 1–5 business days, but timelines vary by country and shipping method. Here are real timelines from our experience clearing shipments into Ireland, the UK, and Europe — plus what speeds things up and what causes delays.
Ocean Freight vs Air Freight: How to Choose for Your International Move
Choosing between ocean freight and air freight for your international move? This side-by-side comparison covers cost, speed, capacity, item suitability, and when to split your shipment across both methods.
How to Fill Out Customs Forms for International Shipping (CN22, CN23, PS Form 2976)
Learn how to correctly fill out customs declaration forms for international shipping. Step-by-step instructions for CN22, CN23, and PS Form 2976 — plus common mistakes that cause delays at customs.
What Is Customs Clearance? A Beginner’s Guide to International Shipping
Customs clearance is the process of getting your shipment legally approved to enter or leave a country. Learn what it involves, which documents you need, how long it takes, and how City Post Express handles it for every shipment.
The Cheapest Way to Ship Luggage Internationally from the US
Comparing every option for shipping luggage overseas from the US — airline checked bags, luggage forwarding services, parcel carriers, and ocean freight — with honest advice on when each one makes sense.
Shipping to Ireland from the US: Costs, Options, and What to Expect
The definitive guide to shipping to Ireland from the US. Compare ocean freight, air freight, and parcel options with real costs, transit times, customs duties, and expert tips from City Post Express — shipping to Ireland since 2000.
Shipping Personal Items Internationally: Everything You Need to Know
A comprehensive guide to shipping personal items internationally. Learn about parcel post, air freight, and ocean freight methods, costs, customs clearance, insurance, packing tips, and how to choose the right shipping partner for your overseas move.
Flat-Rate International Shipping: How It Works and Why It Matters
Flat-rate international shipping means one transparent price that covers pickup, ocean freight, customs clearance, and delivery to your door. Learn how it works, why traditional movers charge hidden fees, and how City Post Express pioneered fixed-price shipping for personal belongings from the US to Ireland, the UK, and Europe.
How to Ship Furniture Overseas: Costs, Options, and What’s Actually Worth Shipping
A practical guide to shipping furniture internationally — covering LCL vs FCL, real cost ranges, packing and protection tips, and an honest breakdown of when it makes financial sense to ship versus buy new at your destination.
Moving Overseas with Pets: What You Need to Know Before You Go
Planning an international move with your dog or cat? From microchips and rabies certificates to airline rules and quarantine requirements, here is everything you need to know about moving overseas with pets — with country-specific guidance for Ireland, the UK, and the EU.
Study Abroad Packing List: What to Ship and What to Carry
The complete study abroad packing list for 2026, organised by category. Know exactly what to carry in your luggage vs what to ship ahead to Ireland, the UK, or Europe.
Prohibited and Restricted Items for International Shipping: The Complete List
Not sure what you can and cannot ship internationally? This comprehensive guide covers every category of prohibited and restricted items — from hazardous materials to food, weapons, electronics, and more — with specific notes for Ireland, the UK, and the EU.
Tell Us Where You're Going — We'll Handle the Rest
Getting a quote takes about two minutes. Tell us your US address, your destination, and roughly what you're shipping. We'll get back to you within 24 hours with a clear, flat-rate price that covers everything from collection to delivery.
No obligation. No hidden fees. Just honest, flat-rate shipping.