Alternatives to International Shipping: How to Beat Expensive International Shipping Rates
International shipping rates can be costly! They can also be a complex part of any relocation process, especially when moving abroad with your family. Whether you’re planning a long-term move or just temporarily relocating, the hefty price tag of moving personal belongings internationally can quickly add up.
From furniture to bikes to everyday essentials, the expense of shipping all your items might make you consider leaving behind half your life. But before you start cutting back on what you pack, there are other solutions that can help you beat expensive international shipping rates.
Let’s explore some alternatives to international shipping, how to pack lightly, and when shipping by post might be a better option. We’re here to make your move easier and more cost-effective.
1. Pack Light: Minimise What You Ship
One of the most effective ways to avoid high international shipping rates is simply packing light. While it’s tempting to bring all your belongings when you’re moving abroad, you may find that much of it isn’t worth the hefty price tag to ship.
Not only does this reduce your shipping costs, but it can also make your move much easier. Thought it’s definitely more challenging with kids…!
How to Pack Light for Your International Move
- Assess What You Really Need: Take an inventory of your items. Start with essential items such as clothes, toiletries, and electronics. Then, decide what’s truly necessary beyond that. Many things can be replaced once you arrive, especially if you’re moving to a large city with access to modern stores.
- Consider the Climate: Keep in mind that your new home may have a different climate from your current one. Seasonal clothes may no longer be practical, so only pack what you will really need in your new location.
- Opt for Versatile Clothing: Choose clothing that can serve multiple purposes. Versatile pieces will save space and weight in your luggage, reducing the need for additional shipments.
By packing light, you reduce the amount of stuff you need to ship and save yourself the hassle of dealing with expensive shipping rates. Remember, moving is an opportunity to declutter and only bring what truly matters.
Our Experience
Since moving internationally, I’ve found we tend to buy only what we really need. In our experience, frequent moves (even every few years) have allowed us to reevaluate what we consider ‘essentials’. Our focus has shifted more to experiences than material goods.
2. Ship by Post: A Cost-Effective Option for Smaller Items
Not everything you want to bring needs to be shipped through an international moving company. Shipping by post can often be a much cheaper and more efficient way to send smaller, lighter items abroad.
What to Ship by Post
- Books & Documents: Shipping books, files, and paperwork doesn’t need to be expensive. Services like USPS, Royal Mail, or Australia Post (and other national postage services) offer affordable international shipping for documents and books. You can also track packages and ensure they arrive safely.
- Electronics: Small electronics like phones, tablets, and laptops are usually lightweight and don’t require specialised shipping services. Make sure to pack them securely to prevent damage during transit. But be aware that some companies won’t let you ship anything with batteries.
- Clothing & Light Household Items: For clothing or small items like kitchen gadgets or toys, using your country’s postal service might be the most cost-effective solution. You can also use flat-rate boxes for better value, especially when shipping multiple items.
How to Beat International Shipping Rates with Postal Services
- Compare Shipping Providers: Depending on the destination, postal services can often offer better rates than private international moving companies. For example, USPS offers affordable international rates for parcels weighing under 4 lbs, making it a good choice for small packages.
- Use Flat Rate Shipping: Some postal services offer flat-rate shipping boxes that allow you to ship as much as you can fit into a box for a set price. This can be particularly useful for shipping small, non-fragile items to your new country.
- Choose Economy Services: Many postal services offer slower, but cheaper, shipping options like USPS First-Class Package International or Royal Mail International Standard. While these services take longer, they provide big savings for anything that’s not urgent.
Our Postal Experience
We used Korea Post when we moved from Korea to Malaysia, and it was significantly cheaper than using a shipping company or Send My Bag. We saved hundreds, and the process was relatively smooth. So it’s definitely worth exploring!
3. Take It With You: Maximise Your Luggage Allowance
If you’re flying to your new destination, consider taking some of your essentials with you in your checked luggage. Depending on your flight route, airlines usually allow a generous luggage allowance for passengers.
Maximising Your Airline Luggage Allowance
- Know Your Airline’s Baggage Policies: Check your airline’s baggage policies to understand the weight and size limits. Some airlines may allow you to check two bags, while others limit you to one bag of around 23 kg.
- Pack Strategically: For bulky items like clothes, shoes, or bedding, pack them in large, lightweight bags. Use packing cubes (or even better suction bags) to keep items organised and maximise space.
- Consider Carry-On Luggage: If you have small electronics, personal items, or toiletries, you can often carry them in your carry-on luggage. Just make sure you follow airport security rules regarding liquids and sharp objects.
Taking your belongings with you on the plane can save you from having to ship certain items, especially the essentials you need when you first arrive at your destination.
Our Luggage Experience
We used excess bagggage when we moved from Australia to Peru. The school advised it was incredibly costly to ship items to Peru, so encouraged us to use the generous baggage allowance provided between Australia and South American countries.
While it was a logistical challenge with so many bags and kids, it meant we had everything as soon as we arrived. The best bit? It didn’t cost us any extra.
Top tip: Use suction bags on soft toys to reduce space!
4. Renting or Buying Upon Arrival: A Practical Alternative
If shipping costs are high or you’re unsure about bringing something, consider renting or buying it once you arrive. In our experience, this is pretty common for large, bulky items that may not be worth the cost of international shipping.
What You Can Rent or Buy When You Arrive
- Furniture & Appliances: If you’re moving temporarily or you don’t want to carry large furniture, many countries have rental services that let you rent everything from sofas to refrigerators. If renting isn’t an option, check local second-hand stores or online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
- Bikes & Outdoor Gear: If you’re an avid cyclist or need outdoor gear, consider renting or buying once you arrive. In some cities, bike-sharing programs are a popular and affordable option for expats.
- Baby Gear: Families with young children often find it more convenient to rent baby gear, such as cribs, strollers, and car seats, after they arrive. This reduces the need to ship bulky items that you’ll only need for a short time.
By renting or buying upon arrival, you not only avoid high shipping costs but also avoid the hassle of figuring out where to store these items when you return home.
Our Second-Hand Experience
No matter where we’ve lived, we’re big on purchasing second-hand and reusing items as much as possible. On arrival in Peru, we sourced a second-hand cot for our son from Facebook. And over the years, we’ve done the same for many items – from cars to furniture.
Many expat communities set up dedicated Facebook sales pages to sell items, which is a great way for families to offload products when they leave. And it lets new families get what they need at a low cost.
5. Consider Shared Shipping Services
If you only need to ship a small number of items, shared shipping services (also known as groupage services) can be an affordable option. With shared shipping, your goods are packed along with others’ goods in one container, which means the shipping cost is divided between the customers.
How Shared Shipping Works
- Groupage Services: International moving companies and shipping carriers sometimes offer shared container services for smaller shipments. This is a cost-effective way to move goods overseas if you don’t have a full container’s worth of items.
- Flexible Timeframes: Shared shipments often take longer, as goods must be grouped together, but you’ll save money on shipping costs.
6. Luggage Shipping Services
If you don’t have a full container of goods but need more than your airline baggage allowance, luggage shipping services can be a good option. These courier-based companies (such as Send My Bag, My Baggage, and Luggage Forward) specialise in shipping personal items, suitcases, and boxes internationally. They’re typically faster and cheaper than traditional freight.
Pros:
- Ideal for sending extra clothes, toys, books, baby gear, or seasonal items.
- Avoids airline excess baggage fees.
- Fast delivery times — usually 3 to 10 days, depending on location.
- Door-to-door service makes it easy for busy families.
- It can be more cost-effective than full-service movers or freight, especially if you’re only sending a few items.
Things to Consider:
- Customs rules still apply, so make sure you check item restrictions for your destination.
- Insurance may be limited or capped; check the policy carefully.
- You’ll need to pack and complete the customs forms yourself.
Typical pricing:
To give you an example of pricing, here’s a few different routes: CHECK
- UK to Singapore (30kg suitcase): USD $150 – $235
- USA to UAE (30kg): USD $175 – 210
- Australia to UK (25kg box): AUD $243
Our Send My Bag Experience
When moving from Australia to South Korea, we used Send My Bag for 9 suitcases. The process was smooth, and the bags arrived a few days after we did. Everything was delivered door to door. The process was far easier than taking bags with us (we also had a limited number of check-in bags available).
Conclusion: Beating Expensive International Shipping Rates
While international shipping can feel like the easiest option when moving abroad, it’s not always the most cost-effective one. By packing light, using postal services, taking items with you, renting or buying essentials upon arrival, or opting for shared shipping services, you can avoid high international shipping rates.
Just remember, there are alternatives that might be better suited to your needs and budget. By thinking creatively and planning carefully, you can make your transition smoother. And more affordable!
If you do decide that international shipping is the most convenient option for you – use our online form to get multiple international shipping quotes.
