Shipping belongings abroad
International shipping when relocating abroad: sea freight vs air, customs, what to sell before you move, and how Jonzy's shipping planner estimates costs.
Shipping a household overseas is slow, expensive, and easy to overdo. Most relocators ship less than they expect and buy locally, but the right answer depends on stay length, destination customs, and sentimental value.
Sea freight vs air freight
Sea freight takes 6–12 weeks but costs a fraction of air for volume. Air freight suits urgent essentials, documents, laptops, a small box of irreplaceables. Get quotes from at least two movers; prices swing by origin corridor and season.
What to sell, store, or ship
Ship: quality furniture if stay is 2+ years and customs allow. Sell: bulky low-value items, US-voltage appliances in 220V countries. Store: sentimental items if you might return. Buy local: kitchen basics, linens, and anything cheap to replace.
Customs and paperwork
Many countries offer duty-free household import on a change-of-residence if you prove prior ownership and timing. Keep purchase receipts for electronics. Prohibited items vary, plants, food, and certain chemicals are common rejects.
Plan with real numbers
Jonzy's shipping planner estimates corridor costs and links arrival tasks so you do not book freight before your visa is approved.
Frequently asked questions
How much does international shipping cost?
A small 20-foot container from the US to Europe might run $2,000–$5,000 door-to-door; air freight for a few boxes is hundreds. Quotes depend on volume, insurance, and customs handling.
Should digital nomads ship furniture?
Usually no for stays under a year. Furnished rentals and local buying often beat freight plus storage on return.
Does Jonzy book shipping?
No. Jonzy provides planning estimates and checklists. Use licensed movers and customs brokers for actual shipments.