Returning Home After Living Overseas? Ship Your Belongings With Send Stuff
Moving back home after living, working or studying overseas? Send Stuff helps you arrange international shipping for suitcases, boxes, clothing and personal belongings.
Whether you're returning to New Zealand or moving back to your home country after time spent here, we can help you explore shipping options for the belongings you've accumulated during your time abroad.
What can you ship home?
Common belongings sent when returning home after living abroad.
- ✓ Suitcases and excess luggage
- ✓ Clothing, shoes and accessories
- ✓ Books and personal possessions
- ✓ Small household items
- ✓ Packed moving boxes
- ✓ Other eligible personal effects
International Shipping for People Returning Home
After spending months or years living overseas, it's easy to accumulate more belongings than you originally arrived with. When it's time to return home, fitting everything into your airline baggage allowance can become a challenge.
Send Stuff helps people arrange international personal effects shipping for the boxes, suitcases and belongings they want to take home after living abroad.
Whether you've completed an overseas employment contract, finished your university studies or decided to relocate back to family, shipping your belongings separately may be a practical alternative to carrying everything on your flight.
Our personalised shipping quotes consider your origin, destination, package quantities, weights, dimensions and shipment contents.
Ideal for people who are:
- Returning to New Zealand after living abroad
- Moving home after an overseas work assignment
- Finishing university or international studies
- Returning home after a working holiday
- Relocating back to family overseas
- Shipping belongings after a long-term stay
- Sending extra boxes home before travelling
A Simpler Way to Ship Your Belongings Back Home
International shipping options for returning residents, expats, students and travellers.
Ship Extra Belongings
Send the boxes and suitcases that won't fit into your checked luggage, subject to applicable shipping restrictions.
Personalised Shipping Quotes
Get a quote based on your destination, number of packages, dimensions and weight rather than a generic fixed price.
Customs Preparation Guidance
Access information about packing lists, declared values, personal effects and the customs documentation that may apply when returning home.
How to Ship Your Belongings Home From Overseas
Organise your international shipment in three steps.
Tell Us About Your Shipment
Provide your collection and delivery locations, package quantities, estimated weights, dimensions and a description of the belongings you're sending.
Receive Your Shipping Quote
We'll review your shipment details and provide a personalised quote based on available international shipping arrangements.
Pack and Prepare Your Items
Securely pack your belongings, complete the required customs information and follow the confirmed collection or drop-off instructions.
Customs Requirements When Shipping Personal Belongings Home
When returning to your home country, your used personal belongings may qualify for customs concessions or relief under certain conditions. However, eligibility depends on the destination country's rules, residency status, ownership and previous use of the goods.
Returning home does not automatically mean that every shipment will be exempt from import duties or taxes. Customs authorities may require supporting documents, accurate declared values and evidence of your relocation.
An itemised packing list is an important part of preparing your shipment. Describe your belongings accurately, including quantities, condition and realistic values.
Check your shipment for restricted goods before packing. Lithium batteries, aerosols, perfumes and certain chemicals may require specialist handling or may not be accepted through standard shipping services.
Useful Returning Home Shipping Resources
Prepare your belongings before arranging international delivery.
Send Stuff's standard maximum is 25 kg per individual package. Multiple packages can be quoted, subject to service availability and applicable restrictions.
Shipping for Different Reasons to Return Home
Whatever brings you home, Send Stuff can help you explore international shipping options for your belongings.
Moving Back to New Zealand
Returning to New Zealand after living in Australia, the UK or another country? Request a quote for shipping your personal belongings back to New Zealand, subject to service availability.
Returning Home After Working Overseas
Finished an international employment contract or temporary work assignment? Ship your accumulated clothing, personal effects and boxes back to your home country.
Returning Home After University
Completed your studies abroad? Arrange shipping for books, clothing, suitcases and other belongings that won't fit into your airline baggage allowance.
Returning After a Working Holiday
Heading home after months of travelling and working overseas? Request a quote for shipping the extra belongings you've collected during your trip.
Returning Home Shipping FAQs
How do I ship my belongings home after living overseas?
Start by identifying the belongings you want to send, their estimated weights and dimensions, and your origin and destination addresses. Request a personalised quote, then prepare your packing list and required customs documentation before dispatch.
Can I ship personal belongings back to New Zealand?
Yes, subject to origin, destination and service availability. You can request a quote for eligible boxes, suitcases and personal belongings being returned to New Zealand.
Are used personal belongings duty-free when returning home?
Some countries offer customs concessions for qualifying personal effects belonging to returning residents. These exemptions are not automatic and depend on the destination's rules, your circumstances and supporting documentation.
How much does it cost to ship boxes home internationally?
Costs depend on the collection country, destination, number of packages, weight, dimensions and shipment contents. Large lightweight boxes may be charged using volumetric weight. Request a personalised quote for pricing.
Can I ship my belongings home before I fly?
Depending on the destination and customs requirements, you may be able to arrange shipping before your flight. Confirm the receiving address, customs eligibility and delivery arrangements before dispatch.
Do I need a packing list for used personal effects?
An accurate packing list is commonly required or useful for customs clearance. Include item descriptions, quantities and realistic declared values. You can prepare one using our Customs Packing List Generator .
Can I ship multiple boxes when moving back home?
Yes. Multiple packages can be included in a quote, subject to applicable shipping limits. Send Stuff's standard maximum is 25 kg per individual package.
What items are restricted when shipping belongings home?
Restrictions depend on the route, carrier and destination. Items such as loose lithium batteries, aerosols, perfumes, chemicals and certain foods may be restricted or require specialist arrangements. Check before packing.
Heading Home? Let Your Belongings Follow.
Whether you're returning home after studying, working or living overseas, Send Stuff can help you arrange shipping for your personal belongings. Tell us where you're moving and what you need to send.