We packed up everything that was dear and sentimental to us into just two trunks—well, not the kind you’re picturing. Ours measured 3′ x 2′ x 2′ each and weighed about 75kg apiece. Two neat little trunks carrying our most precious belongings, the things we couldn’t imagine leaving behind.
With a deep breath and a mix of nerves and relief, we waved them off, bound for the UK. The shipping company, all smiles and efficiency, assured us they’d arrive at their destination—our dear friends in Hastings—within 5 days.
Yeah, right.
Except, to our surprise, the trunks actually arrived in the UK within two days! That’s when the fun really started.
We told our friend Helen that she should expect an email or phone call with a delivery estimate. But nothing came. No email. No call. Finally, she phoned the shipping company herself, only to be told that UK Customs had rejected them.
Before the trunks even left Knoxville, I had filled in the “Transfer of Residence” form with UK customs and had it approved. So why the rejection? Helen called customs and got the same story. I then rang both customs and the shipping company, and that’s when the ridiculous truth came out: the shipping company had forgotten to check (tick) a box saying that an adult would sign for the delivery—because one trunk contained… three kitchen knives!
The young woman I spoke to at the shipping company was very sympathetic, agreed it was absurd, but insisted there was nothing she could do. Helen even offered to drive to the airport and tick the box herself, but no—it had to be done at the origin. Which meant our precious trunks were now scheduled to be put on a flight back to Knoxville that very night.
The next morning, we braced ourselves for confirmation that they were indeed coming back across the Atlantic. But nothing came through. Hours later, instead of bad news, we received a notification saying the trunks were out for delivery to their final destination! Somewhere, somehow, someone saw sense and released them. Fantastic! Trunks delivered, all was good.
Or so we thought.
Two days later, I received an email from the shipping company saying I owed them another $50 for “extra weight.” When I asked for the actual weights, they told me 57kg and 35kg. Strange, considering they’d both weighed 75kg each when we packed them. Immediately, my stomach dropped—had customs opened them? Had belongings gone missing? Maybe even our treasured vinyl albums?
After a lot of back-and-forth, I pointed out that if their numbers were correct, then they actually owed me money since I’d paid for two 75kg trunks. Funny how quickly they dropped the charge after that.
Still, the anxiety lingered. Were the trunks tampered with? Had anything been taken? Weeks later, when we finally arrived in Hastings, we went straight to see Helen and check. To our immense relief, the trunks were untouched. Not even opened. Everything was intact.
So, what was all that about? Who knows. But I can tell you this: I’ve never been more relieved to see two dusty old trunks in my life.
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And Away... 
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