Moving overseas is exciting, but deciding what to do with all your belongings? That part can feel overwhelming. International shipping isn’t cheap, storage can add up quickly, and buying everything new might not always be the smartest option either.
To help you plan strategically (and avoid unnecessary expenses), this guide walks you through the process of evaluating what to take, sell, and store before your move abroad. With some thoughtful decision-making, you can reduce shipping costs, simplify your relocation, and arrive feeling more organized and confident.
What’s Inside This Guide
How to evaluate the true cost of shipping your belongings
When it’s better to buy new instead of shipping
What items are worth storing long-term
Tips for selling, donating, or gifting your items
A practical decision-making checklist
Smart ways to keep costs down during your international move
1. Start With a Full Inventory: What Do You Actually Own?
Before deciding what to ship, sell, or store, take inventory of everything you own. Go room by room and group your items into categories:
Essentials: Daily-use items you can’t live without
Valuables: Items with high monetary or sentimental value
Replaceables: Things that are easy and affordable to buy again
Bulky items: Furniture, appliances, sports gear, etc.
Forgotten belongings: Items you haven’t used in over a year
This process reveals what matters and what is simply taking up space.
Tip: If you haven’t used it in 12 months, chances are you won’t miss it abroad.
2. The Golden Question: What Does It Cost to Ship It?
International shipping pricing depends heavily on volume, weight, and destination country. Bulky furniture, large appliances, or fragile items can dramatically increase your quote.
Ask yourself:
Is the shipping cost higher than the value of the item?
Is it cheaper to replace it locally?
Does your new home already include appliances or furniture?
Will the item even fit or function in your new country?
For example:
A sofa that costs €300 to replace might cost €900 to ship.
A large set of books may hold sentimental value, but shipping them could exceed their value multiple times over.
If the shipping cost outweighs practicality, consider selling or donating instead.
3. When Buying New Makes More Sense
Many everyday household items are easier and often cheaper to buy once you arrive. Kitchen appliances, basic furniture, bedding, towels, and other bulky items typically fall into this category. These products are widely available in most countries and often cost less than international shipping fees.
If the item doesn’t hold sentimental or financial value, replacing it might be the smarter option.
4. What Should You Ship?
Sentimental items
Family heirlooms, handmade gifts, artwork, or irreplaceable memorabilia.
High-value pieces
Professional equipment, designer furniture, instruments, or specialized tools—anything expensive to replace.
Clothing you love
Especially if you’re moving somewhere with different weather conditions.
Items unavailable (or expensive) in your new country
Some countries have higher prices for electronics, baby items, or hobby supplies.
If the item adds meaningful value to your life and is costly to replace, shipping usually makes sense.
5. What to Store Instead of Shipping
Some belongings you don’t want to bring, but don’t want to lose either. Storage is a great option when:
You’re moving abroad temporarily
You plan to return home within 1–3 years
Certain items have sentimental but not practical value
Your destination has strict import rules (e.g., for tools, weapons, artwork)
Common storage-worthy items include:
Photo albums and memory boxes
Seasonal gear (skis, camping equipment)
Family furniture you plan to pass down later
Books or collections
Tip: Compare long-term storage costs to replacement value. If storing an item for two years costs more than buying it new later, it may not be worth keeping.
6. The Smart Way to Sell What You Don’t Need
If something doesn’t make sense to bring or store, sell it!
Where to Sell
Facebook Marketplace
eBay
Local second-hand shops
Community groups and expat forums
Garage sales
Selling items not only reduces moving volume but can also help offset relocation costs.
Pro Tip
Bundle smaller items into “moving sale” packages. Buyers love convenience, and you clear things out faster.
7. Donate or Gift What You Can’t Sell
For items that aren’t worth selling but are still usable, consider:
Local charities
Shelters
Community centers
Friends or neighbors
Student housing donation programs
It’s a great way to give your belongings a second life, and reduce waste.
8. Quick Decision-Making Checklist
For each item, ask:
Do I use it regularly?
Is it expensive or difficult to replace?
Does it have sentimental value?
Is it compatible with the country I’m moving to?
How much does it cost to ship?
Would storing it cost more than it’s worth?
Will it fit in my new home?
If you answer yes to 2–3 of these, it’s worth shipping.
9. Cost-Saving Tips for a Lighter Move
Declutter before requesting quotes
Compare multiple international movers
Use shared container (groupage) shipping
Pack non-fragile items yourself
Buy large furniture abroad
Digitize documents and photos
Ship during off-peak seasons if possible
These small adjustments can drastically reduce your moving bill.
Final Thoughts
Deciding what to take, sell, or store before moving overseas doesn’t need to be stressful. With a little planning and thoughtful evaluation, you can reduce costs, simplify your relocation, and step into your new life with clarity, not clutter.
Remember: your move isn’t just about transporting items, but about creating a fresh start. Take what truly matters, let go of what doesn’t, and trust that smart decisions now will make your international move smoother and more affordable.
If you’d like help comparing international movers or understanding shipping options, Relocately is here to guide you every step of the way.
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