Should You Ship Your Appliances Overseas When Moving Internationally?
Large household appliances can be pricey investments, and if you ever get the opportunity to move overseas, you may be wondering if you should take this investment with you. Refrigerators, ovens, washing machines and other items seem like a shame to leave behind, but is it worth taking them with you? There are a few things to consider before making that decision.
Electrical outlets and voltage
If you have ever travelled abroad before, you probably needed an adapter of some sort because the electrical plugs are not the same. Appliances are no exception as there is no universal plug. Some may assume that they can just use an adapter as they would with other appliances, but that isn’t always recommended.
Like the outlets, you will also find different voltages around the world. Plugging in an appliance into an adapter where the voltage is not suitable can be dangerous. Always check with the manufacturer to see the voltage it can support. This guide from Wikipedia may be helpful.
Costs
The bigger, heavier and bulkier the item is, the more it will cost to ship, so understandably the costs surrounding shipping household appliances can be quite significant. However, it is always worth seeing how much replacing them in your new country would cost before making any decisions. You may find that appliances are relatively inexpensive and easy to get, making it worth selling off your appliances now and using the money towards new ones. On the other hand, if you are moving somewhere remote, appliances may be difficult to get, and once you factor in costs and delivery, it may just be worth bringing your appliances from home (if they comply with voltage as mentioned above).
Size
Size is a huge factor on whether or not you should bring your appliances. You don’t want to spend all that money on shipping items that won’t even fit in your new home. If you know where your new home will be, see if you can obtain a floor plan ahead of time to determine the space you have to work with.
Check warranties
If you have a valid warranty on your household appliance, you should check to see if it will be made valid with an international move. Contact the manufacturer directly if you are not sure.
If the warranty is void, that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t automatically bring your appliance with you. Ask the manufacturer if they have an international department that can supply parts or service if needed, so if things do go wrong, you know you can get parts needed from the manufacturer directly without having to ship it from home.
How to prepare appliances for a move overseas
First, ensure everything is completely empty, clean and sanitised. If you have a front-loader washing machine, it may need stability bolts which will need to be installed before having it packed and shipped, so the drum is secure. Gas stoves will need to be properly disconnected from the gas source, and the gas must be off when you do this. If you are feeling unsure, always consult the gas company before attempting it.
Use good, sturdy packing tape on doors of appliances to keep them shut. Also, secure any loose plugs with packing tape.
Overseas Packers and Shippers can help
Whether it is large appliances or small personal items, let international removalists Overseas Packers and Shippers help. We can safely pack and transport your belongings or offer appropriate packaging for you to do it yourself. When shipping, we will help with any necessary paperwork for customs. Contact us for a free quote and let us make your move overseas a little more convenient.
