What to Ship, Sell, or Store When Moving Abroad

Introduction

With international shipping costing $50-$100+ per cubic foot, every item you ship needs to justify its place. The key question: Is the shipping cost less than replacement cost, and is the item worth replacing at all?

This guide provides a framework for making these decisions systematically.

Decision Framework

The Basic Math

**Shipping Cost:** $50-$100 per cubic foot (varies by destination)

**Decision Rule:** If (Replacement Cost - Shipping Cost) > $0 AND you need/want the item, ship it.

• Item value: $300
• Shipping cost: $150
• Worth shipping? Yes, if you need it

• Item value: $100
• Shipping cost: $200
• Worth shipping? No—buy new

Beyond Pure Math

• Sentimental value (irreplaceable items)
• Availability at destination
• Voltage/compatibility issues
• Condition after shipping
• Storage alternative cost

Category Guide

Almost Always Ship

• Important documents
• Jewelry
• Photos and photo albums
• Small electronics (phone, laptop)
• Specialty items unavailable abroad
• Prescription medications
• Professional equipment

• Family heirlooms
• Art you love
• Collectibles
• Sentimental items

Usually Ship

• Quality clothing
• Books you'll reread
• Musical instruments
• Hobby equipment
• Quality kitchenware (if compatible)
• Bedding (if size compatible)

Evaluate Carefully

• High-end pieces: Often worth shipping
• Standard furniture: Usually cheaper to replace
• Large items: High shipping cost
• Consider: Style may not fit new home

• Voltage compatibility critical
• US: 120V, 60Hz
• EU: 230V, 50Hz
• Some electronics are dual-voltage
• Transformers add hassle

• Usually NOT worth shipping
• Voltage issues
• Different plugs
• Local standards differ
• Often cheaper to replace

Almost Never Ship

• Cheap furniture
• Old mattresses
• Worn-out items
• Heavy books you won't reread
• Rarely-used appliances
• Seasonal items (if climate different)

• Plants (usually prohibited)
• Perishables
• Flammables
• Certain electronics
• Liquids

By Room

Bedroom

• Quality linens (if size compatible)
• Valuable decor
• Personal items

• Mattress (hygiene, size standards differ)
• Cheap furniture
• Lamp bases (voltage)

Kitchen

• Quality cookware
• Specialty appliances (dual voltage)
• Sentimental items

• Small appliances (voltage)
• Cheap utensils
• Mismatched items

Living Room

• Art you love
• Books you'll reread
• Quality rugs

• Bulky furniture
• TV (voltage, format differences)
• Cheap decor

Home Office

• Laptop, essential tech
• Files and documents
• Specialty equipment

• Desktop computer (often)
• Monitor (if not dual-voltage)
• Printers (voltage, cartridge availability)

What to Store

Good Storage Candidates

• Large furniture you love
• Seasonal items
• Items with US-specific value
• Things for future US residence

Storage Considerations

• Average: $100-$300/month
• Climate-controlled: More
• Add up annual cost vs. item value

• 1-2 years: May make sense
• 3+ years: Probably sell

• Will you need anything?
• Someone who can access for you?

Selling and Donating

Best Sales Channels

• Facebook Marketplace
• OfferUp
• Craigslist
• Nextdoor

• Consignment
• eBay
• Specialty marketplaces

• Estate sale services
• Donation pickup

Timing

• List items 2-3 months before move
• Reduce prices as date approaches
• Plan donation pickups

Donation Options

• Habitat for Humanity ReStore
• Goodwill/Salvation Army
• Local charities
• Freecycle
• Buy Nothing groups

Action Plan

3 Months Before Move

1. Inventory everything
2. Apply decision framework
3. Start selling valuable items
4. Research storage if needed

2 Months Before

1. Aggressive selling
2. Donate large items
3. Final ship list
4. Book storage if using

1 Month Before

1. Final sales (lower prices)
2. Schedule donations
3. Confirm shipping inventory
4. Pack items to ship

Week Before

1. Final donations
2. Clean and prepare for shippers
3. Document everything being shipped

Key Takeaways

• Ship items where value > shipping cost + hassle
• Always ship irreplaceable sentimental items
• Furniture usually costs more to ship than replace
• Electronics need voltage compatibility check
• Start selling 3 months before move
• Storage rarely makes sense beyond 2 years

Next Steps

1. Create room-by-room inventory
2. Research replacement costs at destination
3. Get shipping quotes for realistic volume
4. Calculate storage cost for 1-2 years
5. Start selling early—don't wait