Deciding how to move your belongings across the Atlantic in a cost effective manner can be complex and time-consuming. With costs varying widely depending on volume, timing, and shipping method, careful planning is essential. From creating an inventory and downsizing to choosing between air and sea freight, this guide explains how to keep expenses under control while ensuring your possessions arrive safely.
One of the biggest challenges people face when relocating from America is establishing the best and most cost-effective ways of moving belongings across the Atlantic to Europe.
Shipping everything across the Atlantic can be expensive and time-consuming, but leaving too much behind may cause regret later.
Understanding the options available and the true costs involved will help you plan a move that’s both practical and cost-effective.
Before looking at shipping options, make a detailed list of what you own. Break it into three categories:
This step helps you avoid paying to ship items you don’t truly need. It is also useful to document estimated size, weight and value.
Then classify items into essential/urgent, valuable or fragile, and replaceable or non-essential.
You can even use AI to assist you. If you have access to something like ChatGPT you can take photos of all your items and it should be able to create the base inventory for you.
There are three main ways to transport belongings from the US to Germany:
Air Freight. This is the fastest method, but also the most expensive. Suitable for small shipments, such as clothes, documents, and essentials you’ll need immediately after arrival.
Sea Freight. The most common choice for international moves. You can book:
Excess Baggage Services. For smaller moves, shipping companies and airlines offer extra baggage services, often cheaper than traditional freight. Good for students, digital nomads, or those with minimal belongings.
Moving personal belongings into Germany is usually duty-free if you’ve lived outside the EU for at least 12 months and the goods have been used for six months or more. However, paperwork is strict. Make sure you:
Some items, especially new or high-value goods, may attract customs duties or VAT. Detailed packing lists, proof of residence outside the EU, and customs forms are all required. Using a relocation specialist reduces the risk of errors or delays.
International relocation specialists vary widely in price and service. To keep costs down:
Poor packing leads to damage, delays, and stress. Professional packing services often include:
Investing in expert packing may cost more upfront but reduces risk in the long run.
A full-service move covers everything, packing, transport, customs, delivery, and unpacking. It’s convenient but comes with a higher price tag. To save money, you could:
Timing and Seasonal Planning
Shipping by sea can take 6–8 weeks from the US to Germany, sometimes longer depending on the port.
If you’re renting temporary accommodation first, it may be cheaper to store belongings in the US until you have a permanent German address.
These three suggestions can help you keep costs to a minimum:
Shipping costs rise with volume and weight. Selling or donating large furniture, older appliances, and bulky items is often more cost-effective than transporting them.
Many US electronics also won’t be compatible with European voltage, making replacement a smarter choice.
Options for downsizing include:
In many cases, it is cheaper to buy new or second-hand furniture in Germany than to ship bulky items from the US. Shipping costs rise with weight and volume, so unless your furniture is valuable or sentimental, it may be more cost-effective to replace it after you move.
Sea freight usually takes six to eight weeks door-to-door, depending on port schedules and customs clearance. Air freight is much faster, typically only a few days, but is significantly more expensive.
Most American appliances won’t work in Germany without converters, as Germany uses 230 volts compared with 110 volts in the US. Small electronics like laptops or phones often work with plug adapters, but large appliances are rarely worth shipping.
Certain items are restricted or prohibited, including flammable goods, firearms, perishable foods, plants, and items containing soil. Your moving company will provide a full list and help with customs compliance.
If you’ve lived outside the EU for at least 12 months and the goods have been in your use for at least six months, you may be able to import them duty-free. You will need to provide customs forms, a packing list, and proof of residence outside the EU.
