Guide to Shipping Belongings

Your two main options for international shipping are by sea and by air.

• Sea Freight (LCL or FCL): You can either rent a Full Container Load (FCL) or share a container via Less than Container Load (LCL). Sea freight is the cheapest option for bulky items like furniture, but transit times can range from 4 to 8 weeks.
• Air Freight: Air freight is priced by weight and volume. It is highly expensive but very fast (usually 3 to 10 days). It's best used for a few boxes of essential items you need immediately upon arrival.
• Excess Baggage: Sometimes, simply paying your airline for 2 or 3 extra checked bags is cheaper and more convenient than hiring a shipping company for a small load.

When you ship goods to a new country, they must pass through customs.

• Used Personal Effects: Most countries allow you to import your used personal belongings duty-free. You usually need to prove you have owned the items for at least 6 months to a year.
• Prohibited Items: Never pack food, agricultural products, weapons, or certain medications. Check your destination country's restricted items list carefully.
• Inventory List: You will need to provide a detailed, itemized packing list with estimated used values for customs clearance.

As a general rule, do not ship cheap, heavy items. The cost of shipping a $300 IKEA sofa across the Atlantic is often more than the cost of the sofa itself. We highly recommend downsizing. Sell your large items and use the cash to buy replacements in your new country.

Electronics can also be tricky. Ensure your TVs and appliances support the voltage and frequency of your new country, otherwise, they will be useless without bulky transformers.

Figuring out your shipping strategy is a key part of your Moving Abroad Checklist.

If you are bringing your furry friends along, be sure to read our Pet Relocation Guide. Also, check out our tips on First Month Abroad to know what you'll need as soon as you land.

Is it cheaper to use sea freight or air freight?

Sea freight is significantly cheaper for large, heavy shipments, but it can take weeks or months. Air freight is faster but much more expensive, ideal for a few essential boxes.

Do I have to pay customs duties on my personal belongings?

Most countries allow you to import used personal belongings duty-free when you move, provided you have owned them for at least 6 to 12 months. However, brand new items may be taxed.

Should I ship my furniture?

Unless your furniture is antique or highly valuable, it is usually more cost-effective to sell it and buy new furniture in your destination country.