Moving Overseas and Can't Fit Everything in Your Suitcases?

Moving overseas sounds exciting until you start packing. Suddenly you realise just how much you've accumulated over the years. Clothes, shoes, books and all those little things you use every day somehow need to fit into a couple of suitcases.

You've already decided what to sell and what to give away. You've packed and repacked your bags. But there's still a pile of belongings on the bedroom floor that you genuinely want to take with you.

So what do you do when you're moving overseas and everything won't fit in your airline baggage allowance?

First, work out how much you actually need to send

Before comparing shipping options it's worth separating your belongings into two groups. Things you'll need immediately and things you can comfortably live without for a few weeks.

Your passport, important documents, medication and everyday essentials should generally travel with you where permitted. You probably won't want to arrive in another country without a change of clothes or the things you need for your first few days.

But what about your winter jackets when you're moving somewhere warm? Or the extra shoes, books and clothing that you won't need straight away?

Those items may be suitable for a separate shipment.

It also helps to weigh everything. There is a big difference between having one extra 20 kg suitcase and trying to move 200 kg of personal belongings.

Four ways to move your extra belongings overseas

Option 1: Pay for additional airline baggage

If you only have one extra suitcase this is probably the first option to investigate.

Many airlines allow passengers to purchase additional checked baggage before departure. The price varies depending on the airline, destination and ticket type.

Buying extra baggage in advance can be cheaper than arriving at the airport and discovering that you're over the allowance.

There are a few things to consider though. Each suitcase still needs to meet the airline's weight and size restrictions. Some flights have limits on how many bags you can check in and connecting airlines may have different baggage policies.

You also need to physically transport everything to the airport and then from the arrival airport to your new accommodation.

If you're travelling alone with four large suitcases that last part can become surprisingly difficult.

Option 2: Send your suitcases using an international courier

You don't have to be travelling on the same aircraft as your belongings.

International courier services can transport suitcases and personal effects between countries subject to their packaging and contents requirements.

For example you could fly from New Zealand to Australia with your essential luggage and arrange for another two suitcases to be collected from your old address and delivered to your new home.

This means you can travel with less luggage and avoid having to manage several heavy bags through airports.

Courier shipping is usually priced according to the shipment's chargeable weight. This can be based on its actual weight or its volumetric weight depending on which is greater.

That means a large suitcase weighing 15 kg might be charged at a higher weight if it takes up a lot of space.

You'll also need to provide customs information describing the contents and their values. Some courier services require suitcases to be placed in cartons or other protective packaging.

Option 3: Use airfreight for a larger shipment

If you're moving more than a few suitcases airfreight may be worth investigating.

Airfreight is commonly used to move goods between countries by aircraft. Unlike a straightforward door to door courier service the process may involve a freight forwarder and separate arrangements for collection, customs clearance and delivery.

For someone moving overseas with multiple cartons of belongings this can be a practical option depending on the route and shipment size.

However it's important to compare the complete cost rather than just the airport to airport freight rate.

Handling charges, customs processing and final delivery can all affect the total.

Option 4: Send your belongings by sea freight

If you're moving your entire household or have a substantial amount of furniture and personal effects sea freight may make more sense.

Sea freight is generally slower than air transport but can be more economical for large volumes.

You might use a shared container service where your belongings travel alongside other shipments. Alternatively a larger household move may justify a dedicated shipping container.

Sea freight is less suitable if you need your belongings quickly. Transit times can extend over several weeks and the complete process may take longer once collection, consolidation, customs clearance and delivery are included.

If you're only sending one or two suitcases it may not be the most practical option once minimum charges and handling costs are considered.

Which shipping option makes the most sense?

These are general starting points rather than fixed rules. The cheapest option for one destination might be very different for another.

Example: Moving from Auckland to Brisbane with five suitcases

Can you send your belongings before you move?

Yes. In many cases you can arrange for belongings to be shipped before you leave your current country.

This can work well if you already have a permanent address at your destination or someone who can receive the shipment on your behalf.

However it's worth checking the customs requirements before sending anything.

Some countries have special rules for belongings arriving before or after the person who owns them. Certain customs concessions may depend on when you arrive and how long you've owned the goods.

If you're moving into a hotel or short term accommodation check that they are happy to receive packages and store them until you arrive.

What about sending everything after you've arrived?

This is another common approach.

You might fly to your new country first and stay with friends or family while you look for somewhere to live. Once you've found a home you can arrange to have your remaining belongings collected from your previous address.

This can be convenient because you're not trying to coordinate an international delivery while also managing flights and accommodation.

You'll need someone at the collection address who can make the belongings available to the courier. The packages must also be prepared correctly and accompanied by the necessary shipping information.

Will you pay customs duty on your personal belongings?

Not necessarily but it depends on the destination country and your circumstances.

Many countries offer some form of customs concession for people transferring their normal place of residence. However these concessions are not automatic.

You may need to demonstrate that the belongings are used personal effects and that you meet the country's residence or ownership requirements.

For example someone moving permanently to New Zealand may qualify for relief on certain household and personal effects if they meet New Zealand Customs' conditions.

Sending items as personal belongings does not guarantee that import duty or taxes will be waived.

It's also important to declare realistic values. Used clothing and other secondhand items still have a value even if you aren't selling them.

Don't forget about restricted items

One thing that catches people out is assuming that anything packed in a suitcase can be sent internationally.

That's not always the case.

Items such as perfume, aerosols, lithium batteries and certain chemicals may be restricted or require specialist transport arrangements.

A power bank that you can carry in your cabin baggage under an airline's rules may not be accepted inside a suitcase being sent through an ordinary international courier service.

When should you start organising your extra luggage?

The earlier you look into your options the easier the move is likely to be.

If possible start comparing baggage and shipping costs several weeks before your departure rather than waiting until the final days.

This is only a suggested planning timeline. Large sea freight moves may need substantially more time and international courier delivery can still be affected by customs or transport delays.

A quick checklist before sending belongings overseas

Frequently asked questions

What's the best option when moving overseas?

If you're moving with just one extra suitcase I'd start by checking the airline's additional baggage prices. It's often the simplest solution.

If you've got several suitcases and don't need everything straight away international courier shipping may be a more convenient option.

And if you're moving furniture along with a large quantity of household belongings it's worth speaking to an international moving company about sea freight.

The main thing is to work out what you actually need when you arrive and what can follow later. You don't have to take your entire life through the airport in one trip.