Compare international shipping, storage, extra airline bags, and replacement costs before deciding what to bring overseas.
How to use this guide
Use this page as a planning framework before you request quotes, book travel, or sign housing. Replace the ranges with real numbers as soon as you receive them, and verify visa, residence, tax, insurance, pet, and shipping rules with official sources or qualified providers.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15. Cost ranges are planning estimates, not guarantees.
Extra airline bag
$75-$300
Partial shipment
$1,500-$7,000
Replacement basics
$500-$3,500+
Extra luggage feels simple because it moves with you, but airline bag fees can rise quickly when you add multiple people, heavy bags, sports gear, and airport transport.
Shipping can look expensive up front, but it may make sense for work equipment, family items, sentimental goods, and household basics that would be costly to replace.
Luggage is usually better for short trial moves, solo movers, furnished rentals, and destinations where replacing household items is easy.
It also reduces the risk of waiting weeks for items you need immediately.
Shipping is usually better for family moves, permanent relocation, specialized work equipment, and destinations where replacement costs are high.
Before booking, compare quotes from more than one mover and read what is excluded from insurance.