Young Couple Making ALIYAH!

Posted: Fri, May 28 2010, 6:06 pm Post subject: Young Couple Making ALIYAH!

I am driving myself crazy looking for advice on making aliyah. YES, I KNOW CONTACT NBN. I did that already and yes they are wonderful. BUT I need info on all the "other stuff". Like what do I bring to Israel? Whats worth shipping? Whats the best way to ship our stuff since we don't have a lot of things. My mother bought me a stunning $1000 crib and I would hate to leave it behind or even sell it. What shipping comp did you use? Is there anything you recommend buying here to take to ISRAEL? I'm talking everything kitchen stuff? baby stuff? I have one baby. Should I buy new clothes or shoes before I go? PLEASE PLEASE SOMEONE HELP! How much is it to ship a minimum amount of stuff. I'm in the process of getting quotes but I need to hear what ppl have paid for and who they have used...what they have taken etc.
THANKS A TON!!
I posted anon because its sort of a secret that I'm making aliyah for now....Didnt tell my parents. They will freak.

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 12 2007 Posts: 20597

When we moved from Israel to the U.S. with our 2 yo, all we took was what fit into our airplane bags, plus we sent a few boxes of books because that was all we could afford. When we got to the U.S. we bought mostly used things to furnish our home.
When you move to Israel, you first need to decide how much you can afford to spend on shipping. If you have a lot of money, I see no reason not to take whatever you want. If you don't have a lot of money, you can come with the minimum and buy things little by little according to what you need.
There is nothing that is not available in Israel. Things cost more, but you make do with less so in my opinion, it sort of evens out.
My personal opinion is that anyone who can come with just a toothbrush and clothes from the U.S., is ahead of the game. Less stuff to pack, less to store, less to clean around in a small Israeli apartment etc.
I wish you hatzlacha in this enormous undertaking. Shavua Tov.
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Platinum Member Joined: Feb 28 2010 Posts: 5029

I don't quite agree that bringing just a toothbrush is the best idea for everyone. Most of us are connected to some of our possessions, there's a history behind them, and for some of us it's important to continue living with those things even when we move.
So things I would take in your place - anything nostalgic that you feel 'connected' to. It could be tablecloths, framed pictures, books, figurines - I know this is all 'baggage', but for many of us, this baggage is what makes a house a home. I think a home should have a sense of history to it.

I have no experience with shipping, but if you have some luxury furniture I would bring it. Otherwise, you really can buy everything in Israel. They style is a bit different here (modern is very popular in furniture). But pretty much you can buy ANYTHING in Israel. Some things, like Tamiri said, are more expensive.

Baby clothes are very expensive if you buy them in popular baby stores like Shilav. But once you know how to get around, there are certain shukim (open markets) where you can get top baby stuff for mere shekels. So I'd bring baby things for the first several months, since they are cheaper than the stores here.
Also running shoes - cheaper in the States. Much cheaper. I often notice that you can tell in the American airports who is Israeli at a glance - they are wearing new running shoes, just bought to bring back home to the land of expensive sports shoes.

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This is a nuts and bolts making aliyah list. You can ask question and hopefully get answers. Shipping prices etc, need to be asked of people currently or recently making aliyah.

Bring an amount sufficient for a few months of your favorite toiltetries and over the counter medications so that you'll have time to find suitable substitutes without being pressured. You dont need 10 years worth of zip lock bags, but a few boxes isn't a bad idea. Maybe bring some of the next size up for your baby, but also remember that weather here is different.

If the crib is important to you, bring it. Probably it's good to bring a sturdy stroller.

Don't bring furniture that's not in top condition and even so probably on if you are attached to it. There are a lot of second hand sales with very nice stuff.

I know you didn't ask, but....you will need to tell your parents eventually, so just do it, let them get over it and hopefully you'll be able to spend some pleasant time with them before your leave. Good luck with that.

Posted: Sat, May 29 2010, 3:40 pm Post subject: re: Young Couple Making ALIYAH!

If you do choose to ship, KEF international is the best. They take care of everything including meeting your lift at the port and delivering it to your apt. They also sell appliaces that are 220.

Platinum Member Joined: Feb 28 2010 Posts: 5029

Sorry, I forgot to add - if you use make-up, buy there. Most cosmetics are cheaper in the states. Plus the specific brand you use may not be available here (although there is a broad range of choice).

Posted: Mon, May 31 2010, 9:59 am Post subject: re: Young Couple Making ALIYAH!

OP here,
thanks so much to everyone who posted. There was a lot of helpful stuff! Okay so I wanted to know if anyone recommends buying clothes before leaving to Israel. Things like for shabbos (since I need to buy anyways) and "undergarments" I really like the advice on bring toiletries and makeup. I def want to know what other people wish they could of taken and forgot...or were extremely thankful they brought something in particular b/c they could not of lived with out it. On the furniture/shipping. I do not have tons of money and most of my furniture is used as it is. I fear not being able to sell them for a decent amt of money and then have to buy new stuff in Israel. Any advice? Where would I go to buy used things?

A million thanks.

And yes I KNOW I have to tell my parents at some point but the later I tell them the less I have to hear complains. I cannot stand the pressure....

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 12 2007 Posts: 20597

I don't know about the Chareidi communities, but Shabbat clothes are way different here than in the U.S.

Posted: Mon, May 31 2010, 10:18 am Post subject:

If you wear contacts, definitely buy lens solution; it costs a fortunes here!

Gold Member Joined: Dec 30 2008 Posts: 1154

Since you mentioned undergarments--if your DH wears boxer shorts (I mean the not fitted kind), buy a few packages there. I think the only place I've ever seen them here is at the GAP in Mamilla, and I was not willing to pay the price they were asking.

Also, you are going to pay an arm and a leg for good bras here. Unfortunately, it's kind of hard to stock up on this particular item since if you're nursing, and b'ezrat Hashem when you have more children, things will change. So I guess this is more a warning than a suggestion. Confused

If you want a lightweight umbrella stroller for your baby (the kind you can get for $20) buy that there.

That's all I can think of for now. Like Tamiri and others said, you really can get pretty much anything you need here, it just might be at an exorbitant price, and then you may decide you don't need it after all. Smile

PS If any Israelis know where I can get those things I mentioned for a normal price, let me know!
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Platinum Member Joined: Aug 12 2007 Posts: 20597

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 12 2007 Posts: 20597

Platinum Member Joined: Feb 28 2010 Posts: 5029

I have seen boxers in every place that sells men's underwear.
Bras, however, are very expensive here.

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 12 2007 Posts: 20597

Posted: Mon, May 31 2010, 1:54 pm Post subject: re: Young Couple Making ALIYAH!

My opinion.... (obviously this changes depending on where you are living)

Clothing
It is probably a good idea to buy a couple of outfits for Shabbos/weekday/whatever, keeping in mind that everything is MUCH simpler here (less clothing -), and you wear summer clothing at least 50% of the year. Quality of US clothing doesn't compare to Israeli. But don't bother buying anything that's dry-clean only. The cost for dry-cleaning is prohibitive.

Furniture
If you don't have good quality furniture in excellent condition, it's probably not worth paying the shipping costs. You can buy good furniture second hand in excellent condition, particularly if you move around bein hazemanim time when American young couples are moving back to the States. (We bought loads of things that way, from small kitchen appliances to dishes to beds.)

My personal experience is: When we moved last year, we opted not to take a lift due to the prohibitive cost, and basically just filled as many boxes as we could take with us on the plane plus an extra few boxes (see below)**. We sold most of our remaining things and stored boxes of items that we didn't need immediately (e.g., outgrown baby clothes, books, our clothes that weren't absolutely necessary) with family, and those things are being brought over slowly, as family members come to visit. Because the lifestyle and needs (and available space) are so different here, I'm glad that we came with the minimum because I don't know where we would have stored the rest of our things here (many of which are not appropriate for Israel). I think that most of those remaining items will likely get sold/donated when we go back next and sort out our stuff.

**If you are in the NY area, there is also a way to send individual boxes of used non-electronic, non-fragile, household items (clothes, linens) for a fee. PM me for more info.

Platinum Member Joined: Aug 12 2007 Posts: 20597

Posted: Thu, Jun 03 2010, 12:20 am Post subject: re: Young Couple Making ALIYAH!

op here!. THANKS EVERYONE SO MUCH FOR THE GREAT TIPS! When is the best time to buy second hand stuff from Americans moving back to the states??? How do you find these ppl?