Is it cheaper to sell everything and buy new?

Yes. If your furniture is mass-produced (e.g., IKEA), the cost of shipping it often exceeds its replacement value. Only move items that are high quality, antique, or have significant sentimental value.

What is 'door-to-door' vs 'door-to-port'?

Door-to-door covers everything until the boxes reach your new home. Door-to-port leaves the items at the destination shipping terminal, leaving you to arrange and pay for the final truck delivery and customs clearance yourself.

So ziehen Sie international um, ohne ein Vermögen auszugeben

Prioritize a sea freight container over air shipping, sell at least 50% of your household belongings before you leave, and pack your own boxes to avoid hefty labor fees. Focus on moving only high-value or sentimental items while sourcing furniture locally at your destination.

Purge your inventory. Do not pay to ship air. Go room by room and categorize items into 'keep,' 'sell,' 'donate,' and 'trash.' Use platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay at least 6 weeks before your move to generate cash that covers your shipping costs.
Choose sea over air. Air freight is fast but can cost 5-10 times more than sea freight. Request a Less-than-Container Load (LCL) quote if you don't have enough furniture to fill a 20-foot shipping container. It takes 6-12 weeks, but saves thousands.
Get three detailed quotes. Contact three international moving companies and insist on an in-home or virtual survey. Ensure the quote is 'door-to-door' to avoid hidden port fees, customs clearance charges, or final-mile delivery costs.
Self-pack non-breakables. Most companies charge by the hour for packing services. Pack your own books, clothes, and linens in sturdy, uniform-sized boxes. Only pay professionals to wrap and crate high-value electronics, art, or fragile furniture.
Time your move. Avoid moving in the summer months (June-August) or end-of-month windows when demand is at its peak. Moving mid-month during the off-season can save you 15-20% on the total invoice.

Is it cheaper to sell everything and buy new?: Yes. If your furniture is mass-produced (e.g., IKEA), the cost of shipping it often exceeds its replacement value. Only move items that are high quality, antique, or have significant sentimental value.
What is 'door-to-door' vs 'door-to-port'?: Door-to-door covers everything until the boxes reach your new home. Door-to-port leaves the items at the destination shipping terminal, leaving you to arrange and pay for the final truck delivery and customs clearance yourself.