We're moving from the USA to Japan in a few months (we already know where we're staying) and though we'll try to minimize it, we'll need to send a few boxes as unaccompanied baggage. Our timing is tricky though with a short trip within the US right before we have to leave for Japan. So ideally, I'd like to send the boxes before our US trip, ~a couple weeks before we leave for Japan. I've tried and tried to search Google and here and can't seem to find a clear answer that settles my thoughts about this. So basically:
How long is typical for boxes to ship internationally with USPS? They say 6-10 days on their website which means they could get there before we do. But is that only to get within Japan? Is there more to the customs process etc that would make that longer?
Does it actually not matter if the boxes get there a little early and I'm worried about nothing? Or is it important that we arrive and get our stamped customs declaration form first?
Any thought and advice would be appreciated!
by WhimsicalWeather