Shipping a household across an ocean costs money, so it pays to be selective. Deciding what to ship, what to sell and what to store is the single biggest way to control the cost and the stress of an overseas move.
Start with a simple rule
Ship what is irreplaceable, meaningful or expensive to replace. Sell or donate what is cheap to replace at your destination, or will not fit or work there. Store what you are unsure about.
Electrical items and voltage
The United States uses about 120 volts at 60 Hz. Many other countries use 220 to 240 volts at 50 Hz and different plugs. Many modern electronics, such as laptops and phone chargers, accept both, but hair dryers, kitchen appliances and older equipment often do not. Check the label on each item. Plug adapters are inexpensive, but voltage transformers are heavy, so large appliances are often better sold and replaced.
Furniture and size
- Measure your new home: rooms, stairways, doorways and elevators. Homes in many countries have smaller rooms and tighter access than a typical American house.
- Bed and mattress sizes differ between countries, so bedding may not fit.
- Think about oversized sectionals or wall units that may not fit through the door. Pieces that cannot be carried in may need hoisting.
- Antiques, heirlooms and handcrafted furniture are usually worth shipping, ideally crated.
Kitchen and household goods
Pots, pans, knives and dishes ship easily. Food, alcohol, plants and some medications are often restricted or prohibited by destination countries, so check the rules and ask your mover what cannot be packed. Fine china and glassware deserve specialist packing.
Cars and motorcycles
Whether a vehicle is worth shipping depends on the cost of shipping, import duties and taxes, and whether it meets local standards. Read our guide to shipping a car overseas before you decide.
Sentimental and valuable items
Photographs, art and family keepsakes are rarely worth leaving behind. Make an inventory, photograph them and think about how they are protected in transit (see moving insurance). Carry irreplaceable documents and small valuables with you instead of shipping them.
Store what you are unsure about
If your move is a temporary assignment, or you are not sure you will stay, storage in New Jersey can hold what you do not want to sell or ship. Our facilities in Moonachie and South Hackensack are protected by 24/7 camera surveillance and fire protection, and every item is recorded on an inventory. Learn more about storage.
A three-list method
- Ship. Decide what goes by sea, and what goes by air to cover your first weeks (see sea vs air freight).
- Sell or donate. Start early: selling takes longer than people expect.
- Store. Everything undecided goes into storage rather than being shipped by default.
Our online self survey is a convenient way to list what you are shipping, room by room, so we can prepare an accurate estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Will my American appliances work abroad?
That depends on the voltage and plug. The United States uses about 120 volts, while many countries use 220 to 240 volts. Check the label on each device: many electronics are dual-voltage, but heating appliances often are not.
Can I store things instead of shipping them?
Yes. If you are not sure you will stay, or the move is temporary, storage in New Jersey can hold your belongings until you decide.
Should I ship my car?
It depends on the cost of shipping, the import duties and taxes in your new country, and whether the car meets local standards. See our guide to shipping a car overseas.
Plan your move with SK Worldwide
Our own crews, our own warehouse in New Jersey and one coordinator for your whole move. Request a quote, call (800) 238-8770, or list your rooms with our online self survey.
