Shipping Furniture Internationally or Overseas

*Updated on Feb. 22, 2025
Are you relocating to another country from the United States? In many cases, it makes sense to ship your furniture when moving abroad. But when is it better to buy new furniture at your destination, and when should you bring your existing pieces?

Advantages of Shipping Furniture From the USA

Most of our clients move from the United States to locations overseas, but some are also relocating to Mexico or Canada. Although these countries aren’t overseas, their customs and import regulations differ from those in the U.S.

So, is it worth it to ship furniture internationally? In most cases, yes—especially if you already own high-quality pieces. Furniture in the United States is typically built to durable standards and is often more affordable compared to the costs in some other countries. However, you’ll want to ensure your current furniture will fit well in your new home, particularly regarding climate and room sizes.

American Furniture

Beds, bedroom furniture, and mattresses from the U.S. are often considered high quality around the world. In many countries, local stores label items as “American,” but that doesn’t necessarily mean they were made in or to the standards you’re used to in the U.S. If you have a particular brand or style of mattress that’s hard to find overseas—especially an adjustable bed or mattress—shipping it can be worthwhile. You’ll enjoy the comfort you’re accustomed to without the hassle of searching for a close match abroad.

Preparing Furniture for International Shipping

When shipping your goods overseas, cost is generally based on volume rather than weight. For example, your dining room set has a lot of open space that still counts toward its total volume. Our movers typically disassemble large furniture items, such as tables, to reduce the space they occupy. Legs are removed, and each piece is carefully wrapped with protective materials like blankets, carton sheets, and bubble wrap. Chairs are often wrapped together to minimize the cargo footprint.

Upon delivery, our team reassembles anything that was taken apart and disposes of any packing debris before they leave.

Which Furniture Should Be Sent Overseas?

Before deciding what to send, do you know the approximate size of your new home? If you haven’t chosen a specific residence, try to research typical floor plans or make a trip abroad to get a feel for housing sizes. While there, you can also handle other errands, such as setting up a bank account or researching schools if you have children.

• Sturdy, High-Quality Pieces: Beds, living room sets, dining tables, and outdoor furniture made of durable materials can be more cost-effective to bring with you.
• Outdoor Furniture & Barbecue Equipment: American-made outdoor sets and grills tend to be high-quality and may be cheaper than local options.
• Play Equipment for Children: If you’re moving with your family and have space, consider shipping sturdy play sets, which are often more durable and affordable in the U.S.

Pro Tip: You could also bring hardware or supplies for building a treehouse or other outdoor structures. Hardware can be heavy, but it won’t significantly impact costs if you’re already sending a container.

What Furniture Should You Leave Behind?

“Knockdown” or flat-pack furniture often doesn’t travel well. Items made from particle board can be flimsy and may not survive the voyage intact. If you have space in your container and don’t mind minor risk, you could still include these pieces, but they shouldn’t be a top priority when deciding what to ship.