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Electrical ransformers and moving gadgets to the US

10 replies

butterfliesinmytummy · 29/03/2013 13:53

We are heading to Houston from Singapore this summer and not sure what to do with our electrical items. Very few of them are dual voltage and we have heard that you can get step up transformers but that they are very bulky and considered a fire risk by some insurance companies. Talking about kitchen appliances, printers, lamps etc.

Can anyone advise and if you use step up transformers, which ones?

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butterfliesinmytummy · 29/03/2013 14:17

*transformers, not ransformers.....

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lljkk · 29/03/2013 14:41

How much would new with right plug cost over there, vs. transport & transformer cost for each item?

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butterfliesinmytummy · 29/03/2013 15:03

Transport isn't an issue as everything will go in the container. I don't know how much transformers cost as I don't know which ones to buy, hoping someone can let me know. We're talking juicer, kitchen aid, steamer, blender, printer, lamps, Xbox 360 (I know it takes different games in the us but we have lots already for our Asian system and would like to continue using it), coffee machine, DVD player etc. I'm guessing transformers are cheaper than replacing this lot....

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lljkk · 29/03/2013 19:35

Some prices for you here, I think.

They don't look that bulky to me, though you would need to buy one for each appliance, usually, although a couple can handle 2+.

If it goes in the container, do you mind waiting 6+ weeks for the appliance to be delivered?

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howdoo · 29/03/2013 20:48

Probably not that helpful, but we just sold everything electrical on Craigslist, and then bought new in the US. Depends on whether you are in the US permanently or just a few years obviously.

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howdoo · 29/03/2013 20:49

Also, when you buy a new DVD player, make sure it is an all regions one! They are cheap in the US - about $80-100 IIRC.

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HerRoyalNotness · 29/03/2013 21:04

Our lamps seem to work just fine. Kitchen appliances with motors didn't work so well. We're about to move, not sure where, so I have the idea that we will have 2 sets of appliances and vacuums and just store the ones we're not using in boxes in the garage. I can't be bothered with the hassle of selling and rebuying every time we'll move.

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butterfliesinmytummy · 29/03/2013 21:21

Thanks. As with all out moves we have no idea how long we will be in the us. It's tempting to keep everyone and store non-us appliances in case we move in the future. To be honest there's nothing of any value to anyone else, it would make more sense to keep and use them if we move out of the us, even if its in 10 years time.....

We are shipping our stuff beginning June, taking temp accommodation in singapore for a month, then going to the USA via Cambodia, Scotland and England so should arrive about the same time as all our clutter so that's not an issue. I can see we will end up shipping it all, transforming some things and storing the rest....

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lljkk · 31/03/2013 12:48

Maybe start decluttering now. We are doing that, I am incapable of a confident blitz, but slowly am chipping around the edges.

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butterfliesinmytummy · 31/03/2013 14:54

Ah yes, de cluttering...... [bugrin]

We moved house inside singapore 3 years ago and this move has been looming for 2 years so been trying to chip away, same as you. However, in the US right now viewing ginormous houses (at least twice the size of our rabbit hutch in singapore) with enough storage for a family to live in, coupled with dh's company shipping a 40ft container, I'm tempted not to do the usual pre-relocation-send-everything-to-charity-whirlwind that normally takes up the last month... Hell, let's just ship the lot