When we were preparing to move back from the US in 2017, I stood in our living room and looked around at everything we’d accumulated over the years.
A sectional sofa we loved. A 75-inch TV. My wife’s KitchenAid mixer.
The kids’ bikes. Bookshelves full of books. A garage full of tools.
A guest bedroom nobody used but was still fully furnished.
And the first question was: “Do we really need to ship all of this?”
The second question was: “How much is this going to cost?”
The third was: “Is it even worth it?”
If you’re standing in your American home right now asking the same questions, this guide is for you. I’ve been through this myself.
And since then, I’ve helped thousands of families in our WhatsApp community navigate this exact decision.
Let me walk you through everything.
The Big Decision: Ship It All, Ship Some, or Start Fresh?
Before you research shipping companies or get quotes, you need to answer one fundamental question: Is it worth shipping your stuff?
Here’s the honest reality.
Most returning NRI families ship way too much. They spend $5,000-$10,000 shipping things that would cost $2,000-$3,000 to replace in India. Or they ship items that don’t work in India (hello, 110V appliances). Or they ship furniture that doesn’t fit their Indian apartment.
That said, some things are absolutely worth shipping. Sentimental items. High-quality furniture. Electronics that work across voltages. Kids’ favorite things. Items that are significantly cheaper in the US.
The sweet spot for most families? Ship selectively. Not everything. Not nothing. Just the right things.
What’s Worth Shipping (The “Definitely Ship” List)
Based on hundreds of conversations with returning families in our community, here’s what consistently makes sense to ship.
Leather furniture and high-quality sofas.
Good leather furniture costs 2-3x more in India. If your leather sofa is in good condition, ship it. Same goes for recliners and La-Z-Boy type chairs.
Mattresses.
Quality mattresses are expensive in India too. If yours is less than 5 years old, it’s worth shipping. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses ship well if properly packed.
Kitchen appliances (that work on dual voltage or 220V).
Many modern KitchenAid mixers, Instant Pots, and small appliances are dual voltage (check the label). These are worth shipping. India has these brands too now, but prices are higher.
Tools.
Power tools, hand tools, garage equipment. Quality is better and prices are lower in the US. A good set of DeWalt or Milwaukee tools is worth its weight in shipping costs.
Books and personal libraries.
Books are duty-free under Transfer of Residence. If you have a collection, ship it all.
Kids’ items with sentimental value.
Favorite toys, bikes, sports equipment, musical instruments. You can’t put a price on your child’s comfort during a major life transition.
Clothing and personal effects.
These are duty-free. Pack them well and ship them.
Artwork and photo albums.
Irreplaceable items. Always ship.
Solid wood furniture.
Dining tables, bed frames, dressers made of solid hardwood. These ship well and are expensive in India. Teak and oak pieces are particularly worth it.
Home gym equipment.
A Peloton, weight set, or treadmill. Gym equipment in India is either cheap-and-flimsy or imported-and-expensive.
What’s NOT Worth Shipping (The “Sell or Donate” List)
This is where you save thousands.
Large 110V appliances.
Your American refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher, and oven all run on 110V. India uses 220V.
Yes, you can use a step-down transformer, but it’s inefficient, voids warranties, and transformers for high-wattage appliances are bulky and expensive.
Buy new appliances in India. They’re designed for Indian voltage, come with local warranties, and service is available everywhere.
Air conditioners.
Different voltage, different BTU requirements for Indian climate, different wall mounting systems. Buy in India.
Cheap/IKEA/particle board furniture.
Flat-pack furniture rarely survives international shipping. The cost of shipping a $200 IKEA bookshelf exceeds its replacement cost. Donate it.
Old electronics.
That 8-year-old TV, the outdated desktop computer, the old printer. Not worth the space or potential customs duty.
Oversized furniture.
That 12-seater dining table might not fit in an Indian apartment. Measure your new home first. Indian homes typically have smaller rooms. This is a huge mistake families make.
Cars.
Importing a car to India costs approximately 100-200% of the car’s value in customs duty. Unless your car has deep sentimental value, sell it in the US. Our guide on cars in India covers what to buy after you arrive.
Motorcycles.
Same story. About 185% customs duty. Buy fresh in India.
Alcohol, wine collections.
Import duty on alcohol is approximately 160% plus fines and penalties. Not worth it. Drink it before you leave or gift it to friends.
Perishables, food items.
Not allowed or heavily restricted.
Bulky kids’ furniture.
Cribs, high chairs, changing tables – these are inexpensive in India and not worth the container space.
The Economics: When Does Shipping Make Sense?
Here’s a rough framework to decide.
Rule of thumb: If the replacement cost in India is less than 2x the shipping cost per item, don’t ship it.
Example:
Your La-Z-Boy recliner cost $1,200 in the US. A comparable one in India costs ₹1.5 lakh (~$1,800). Shipping cost for a recliner: approximately $200-300 as part of a container. Worth shipping.
Your IKEA TV stand cost $150. A similar one in India costs ₹5,000 (~$60). Shipping cost: approximately $50-100. Not worth shipping.
For a typical 3-4 bedroom home:
If you ship everything: 40-foot container, approximately $8,000-$15,000 all-in (including packing, freight, insurance, customs, delivery).
If you ship selectively (just the good stuff): 20-foot container or large LCL, approximately $4,000-$8,000 all-in.
If you start mostly fresh: A few boxes via LCL or air, approximately $1,000-$3,000.
Most families in our community who shipped selectively found the sweet spot. They saved money on shipping, avoided customs headaches, and still had their most valued possessions.
Shipping Methods: FCL, LCL, and Air Freight
You have three main options for shipping household goods from the US to India.
FCL (Full Container Load)
You rent an entire container – either 20-foot or 40-foot.
20-foot container: Fits approximately a 1-2 bedroom apartment’s worth of furniture. Internal capacity: about 33 cubic meters (1,172 cubic feet). Payload capacity: up to 25,000 kg.
40-foot container: Fits a 3-4 bedroom home. Internal capacity: about 67 cubic meters (2,389 cubic feet). Payload capacity: up to 27,600 kg. Costs only about 20-25% more than a 20-foot container.
Cost: $3,000-$6,000 for a 20-footer. $5,000-$10,000 for a 40-footer. This is just the ocean freight – add packing, insurance, customs clearance, and delivery for the full picture.
Transit time: 30-50 days door-to-door (including packing, port handling, ocean transit, customs, and delivery).
Best for: Families shipping a significant portion of their household. More secure (only your goods in the container). Faster customs clearance.
LCL (Less Than Container Load)
Your goods share container space with other shipments.
Cost: $1,500-$3,000 for a smaller shipment. You pay per cubic meter or weight (whichever is higher).
Transit time: 45-60 days typically. Longer than FCL because of consolidation at origin and deconsolidation at destination.
Best for: Families shipping selectively. If your shipment is under 15 cubic meters, LCL is almost always cheaper than FCL.
Drawbacks: More handling of your goods (loading/unloading at consolidation points). Slightly higher risk of damage. Longer transit.
Air Freight
Ship by air for urgent or high-value items.
Cost: $5-$10 per kilogram. Very expensive for household goods.
Transit time: 5-10 days.
Best for: Essentials you need immediately upon arrival – a few suitcases worth of clothes, kids’ school supplies, important documents, medications, a laptop. Not economical for furniture or large shipments.
Pro tip from our community: Many families use a split approach. Ship essentials by air (2-3 boxes) so you have what you need in the first week. Ship the rest by sea (LCL or FCL) to arrive 6-8 weeks later.
This hybrid approach costs a bit more but reduces the stress of arriving with nothing.
Transfer of Residence (TR): Your Customs Duty Lifeline
This is the single most important thing to understand before shipping.
The Transfer of Residence (TR) concession is a facility from Indian Customs that allows returning NRIs to import personal and household goods at reduced or zero duty.
Without TR, you’d pay 35-100% customs duty on your belongings. With TR, most of your used household items come in duty-free.
TR Eligibility (All conditions must be met)
- You must have lived abroad for a minimum of 2 continuous years immediately before your arrival in India
- Total short visits to India during those 2 years must not exceed 6 months (Commissioner can condone excess in special cases)
- You must not have availed TR concession in the preceding 3 years
- Goods must be shipped within 30 days of your arrival in India (extensions possible on merit, up to 60-90 days)
- You must be present in India when customs clearance happens
Shortfall in the 2-year stay: A shortfall of up to 2 months can be condoned by customs if your early return is due to terminal leave, vacation, or special circumstances. You’ll need to provide reasons in writing.
What Comes In Duty-Free Under TR
Completely duty-free:
- Used personal effects (clothing, shoes, accessories)
- Used household articles (kitchenware, utensils, bedding, towels)
- Used furniture
- Books
- Small used appliances (mixer, juicer, iron, etc.)
- Jewellery up to ₹10,000 (men) or ₹20,000 (women)
These items must be old and used. New items in original packaging will attract full customs duty (approximately 60%).
Concessional Duty Items Under TR (Reduced Rate of ~15-35%)
One unit of each of the following (per family), subject to total value of these items not exceeding ₹5 lakh:
- Color television (LCD/LED/Plasma may attract higher rate of ~38.5%)
- Refrigerator (above 300 litres)
- Deep freezer
- Air conditioner
- Washing machine/dryer
- Microwave oven
- Dishwasher
- Music system / home theatre
- Video camera
- Desktop/laptop computer
- Cooking range
Key point: Only ONE unit of each item per family. A second TV or second refrigerator will be charged full duty (~60%).
Items Restricted or Prohibited
- Alcohol, wines, spirits (duty ~160% + fine/penalty)
- Firearms and ammunition (prohibited without license)
- Commercial goods or goods in commercial quantity
- Narcotic drugs
- Counterfeit currency
- Pornographic material
- New items being imported for resale
Documents Needed for TR Customs Clearance
- Original passport (all passports used in the last 2 years)
- Boarding pass or air ticket from your final arrival
- Detailed packing list / inventory (item-by-item with approximate values)
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
- PAN card
- Visa copies (if applicable)
- Declaration form for TR
- Proof of residence abroad (utility bills, lease, work permit, etc.)
- Serial numbers of all electronics (make, model, serial number)
Pro tip: Pack all electronics together in one section of the container. Customs will inspect them specifically. Having serial numbers ready speeds up clearance dramatically.
Choosing a Shipping Company
This is where many families get it wrong. They go with the cheapest quote and regret it at customs.
What to look for:
India-specific experience.
Not all international movers understand Indian customs.
Look for companies that specialize in US-to-India household moves and have their own offices in India for customs clearance.
Door-to-door service.
The best companies handle packing at your US home, trucking to port, ocean freight, customs clearance in India, and delivery to your Indian home.
Avoid companies that leave you to figure out Indian customs on your own.
Customs clearance included.
This is critical. Indian customs clearance for household goods is not simple.
You want a company with experienced customs brokers who handle TR paperwork, duty calculations, and inspections.
Insurance.
Get comprehensive insurance. Transit insurance typically costs 2-3% of declared value.
Don’t skip this for a container crossing the ocean for 30+ days.
Transparent pricing.
Get itemized quotes. Watch for hidden charges – port handling, customs brokerage, delivery surcharges, stair-carry fees, etc.
Well-known companies used by our community:
- Universal Relocations (US and India offices, 25+ years experience)
- Writer Relocations
- Globe Moving & Storage
- AGS Movers
- Allied Pickfords
Get at least 3 quotes. Share the same detailed inventory with each company so quotes are comparable.
For more options, check our shipping guide on BacktoIndia.com.
Timeline: Plan 3-4 Months Ahead
Here’s a realistic timeline for a family shipping from the US to India.
3-4 months before departure:
- Decide what to ship vs sell/donate
- Get quotes from 3+ shipping companies
- Start decluttering and selling items you won’t ship
- Research your Indian home’s dimensions (critical for furniture decisions)
2 months before:
- Finalize shipping company and book
- Start selling large items on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or apps. Check our guide on apps to sell stuff before moving.
- Begin organizing items into “ship,” “sell,” “donate,” and “trash” categories
- Start gathering documents for TR
1 month before:
- Packing survey (shipping company visits your home for a final assessment)
- Professional packing begins (usually 2-3 days for a full home)
- Pickup and trucking to port
- Ship your air freight essentials separately if doing a split shipment
Your departure day:
- Fly to India with important documents (passports, packing list, Bill of Lading)
- Carry essential items as checked baggage
After arrival in India:
- Container arrives at Indian port: 25-40 days after shipping from US
- Customs clearance: 3-10 days (if documentation is complete)
- Delivery to your home: 1-5 days after customs release
Total door-to-door timeline: 45-60 days for FCL. 60-90 days for LCL.
The biggest delays happen at Indian customs. Incomplete paperwork can add 2-3 weeks.
This is why proper documentation and an experienced customs broker are non-negotiable.
Costs Breakdown: What to Actually Budget
Let me give you real numbers based on community feedback and current rates.
For a 20-foot container (selective shipping, 1-2 bedroom equivalent):
Packing, loading at US home: $500-$1,000
Trucking to US port: $300-$800
Ocean freight: $3,000-$5,000
Insurance (2-3% of declared value): $300-$600
Indian port charges: $200-$500
Customs clearance/brokerage: $300-$600
Customs duty (on dutiable items): Varies.
If you qualify for TR and everything is used, could be ₹0 to ₹50,000.
Electronics add to this. Inland delivery to your Indian home: $200-$600 Unpacking: $100-$300
Approximate total: $5,000-$9,000
For a 40-foot container (full home):
Packing, loading: $1,000-$2,000
Trucking to US port: $400-$1,000
Ocean freight: $5,000-$10,000
Insurance: $500-$1,500
Indian port charges: $300-$700
Customs clearance: $400-$800
Customs duty: Varies
Inland delivery: $300-$800
Unpacking: $200-$500
Approximate total: $8,000-$18,000
For LCL (5-15 cubic meters, selective):
All-in: $3,000-$6,000 depending on volume.
Budget tip: The ocean freight is the single largest cost. But customs duty can also be a surprise.
Get your shipping company to do a preliminary duty estimate based on your inventory before you commit.
The Voltage Problem: 110V vs 220V
This catches so many families. Let me be very clear.
India uses 220V, 50Hz. The US uses 110V, 60Hz.
What works across both:
- Most modern laptops and phone chargers (check the power brick – if it says “100-240V” you’re fine)
- Many small electronics with switching power supplies
- Some KitchenAid and Instant Pot models (check the label)
- USB-powered devices
What does NOT work:
- US refrigerators
- US washer/dryer combos
- US microwave ovens
- US space heaters
- US hair dryers (most)
- US blenders and food processors (most)
- Any appliance without a switching power supply
Can you use a step-down transformer?
Technically yes. But for high-wattage appliances (refrigerator, washer, dryer), you’d need a transformer rated for 2,000-3,000 watts.
These are heavy, expensive (₹5,000-₹15,000), generate heat, and void your appliance warranty. Not recommended for daily-use appliances.
The practical approach: Ship small, dual-voltage appliances. Buy large appliances in India.
Indian brands like Bosch, Samsung, LG, and Whirlpool make excellent appliances designed for Indian conditions, with local warranty and service.
We’ve covered this in more detail in our shipping a TV to India guide as well.
City-Specific Considerations
Where in India you’re moving matters for shipping decisions.
Mumbai (JNPT/Nhava Sheva port): Container clearance is generally efficient but port congestion can cause 3-5 day delays. If your home is in Mumbai, direct delivery from port is possible. Night-only delivery for FCL due to traffic restrictions.
Chennai: Handles most South India-bound shipments. Generally smooth customs clearance. Good option for families moving to Chennai, Bangalore, or Hyderabad.
Bangalore: No major port. Shipments clear at Chennai or JNPT, then truck to Bangalore. Add 2-3 days and ₹50,000-₹80,000 for inland transport. If you’re moving to Bangalore, factor this into your budget.
Delhi/NCR: Shipments typically clear at JNPT (Mumbai) or ICD Tughlakabad (Delhi’s inland container depot). The Delhi ICD option can save on inland transport.
Hyderabad/Pune: Clear at JNPT or Chennai. Inland trucking adds time and cost.
Kochi/Kerala: Cochin port handles shipments directly. Convenient for families moving to Kerala.
Choose the port closest to your final destination to minimize inland transport costs.
The 30-Day Shipping Window (and What Happens If You Miss It)
Under TR rules, your unaccompanied baggage must be shipped within 30 days of your arrival in India.
What this means practically: The shipping company should dispatch your container from the US port within 30 days of you landing in India.
Most families have the container picked up from their US home 1-2 weeks before they fly out. It reaches the US port and sails while they’re settling in.
What if there’s a delay?
Customs can condone delays beyond 30 days on a case-by-case basis. You’ll need to provide a written explanation.
Shipping delays (port congestion, vessel changes) are usually condoned. Personal negligence (you forgot to ship) may not be.
Critical: Don’t arrive in India months before your shipment. If your container arrives 4-5 months after you, customs may question the TR eligibility. Plan the timing carefully.
The Decluttering Strategy: A Room-by-Room Approach
Here’s the practical process I recommend to families in our community.
Living Room:
- Ship: Leather sofa, quality rugs, artwork, photo frames
- Sell: TV stand (buy in India to fit new space), cheap bookshelves, decorative items that are easy to replace
- Donate: Old magazines, outdated board games, knick-knacks
Kitchen:
- Ship: KitchenAid mixer (if dual voltage), quality knives, cast iron cookware, specialty items not available in India
- Sell: Large 110V appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave)
- Donate: Excess dishes, plastic containers, cheap utensils
Bedrooms:
- Ship: Good mattresses (under 5 years old), quality bed frames, linens, pillows
- Sell: Dressers (if particle board), cheap nightstands, old mattresses
- Check: Will your king-size US bed fit in an Indian bedroom? Measure first.
Kids’ Rooms:
- Ship: Favorite toys, books, bikes, musical instruments, gaming consoles
- Sell: Outgrown items, cheap furniture, plastic play equipment
- Consider: Your child’s emotional attachment. If your 8-year-old’s bookshelf means the world to them, ship it.
Garage/Basement:
- Ship: Quality power tools, hand tools, sports equipment you’ll actually use
- Sell: Lawn mower (different grass types in India), snow equipment, duplicate tools
- Donate/Trash: Old paint, chemicals (can’t ship anyway), broken items you’ve been “meaning to fix”
Home Office:
- Ship: Ergonomic chair (good ones cost ₹30,000+ in India), dual-voltage monitors, books
- Sell: Large desk (may not fit), old printers
- Ship separately (air freight): Laptop, important files, hard drives
For a complete pre-return checklist, see our things to do before returning to India guide.
Selling What You Don’t Ship
Don’t wait until the last week. Start 2-3 months early.
Best platforms for selling:
- Facebook Marketplace (best for furniture and large items)
- Craigslist (still works for big-ticket items)
- OfferUp and Nextdoor (local buyers, easy pickup)
- Poshmark/ThredUp (clothing and accessories)
- Amazon Trade-In (electronics)
Pricing strategy: Price at 30-50% of original purchase price for items in good condition. Drop prices every 2 weeks. In the final week, list everything at “make an offer” or “free.”
The goal is to not leave things behind that need disposal.
For items that don’t sell:
- Donate to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or local charities (get a receipt for tax deduction)
- Post “free” items on Facebook Buy Nothing groups
- Schedule a bulk pickup with your city’s waste management
Community tip: Some families in our group have organized “moving sales” – essentially yard sales over 2-3 weekends leading up to the move.
One family raised $4,000 from their moving sale, which covered a significant portion of their shipping cost.
Insurance: Don’t Skip This
Your belongings will be on a ship for 4-6 weeks crossing the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Types of coverage:
All-risk insurance: Covers damage from any cause (including rough handling, water, breakage). Most comprehensive. Costs 2-3% of declared value.
Total loss only: Covers only if the entire shipment is lost (ship sinks, container lost at sea). Much cheaper but very limited. Not recommended.
Movers’ liability: Most moving companies include basic coverage of $0.60 per pound per package. This is minimal – a 50-pound TV would only get you $30 if destroyed.
Recommendation: Get all-risk insurance. If your shipment is worth $20,000, the insurance at 3% costs $600. A broken TV, damaged furniture, or water-logged boxes can easily exceed that.
Important: Declare realistic values. Not original purchase prices, but current replacement value. Under-declaring to save on insurance premiums will hurt you when making a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does shipping from USA to India take?
Door-to-door, expect 45-60 days for FCL and 60-90 days for LCL. Ocean transit alone is 25-40 days depending on the US port (West Coast is faster).
Add 1-2 weeks for packing/pickup and 1-2 weeks for customs clearance and delivery in India.
Q: Can I ship my car from USA to India?
Technically yes, but customs duty is approximately 100-200% of the car’s CIF value. A $30,000 car could cost $30,000-$60,000 in duty alone.
For most families, it makes no financial sense. Sell in the US, buy in India.
Q: Is it cheaper to ship by air or sea?
Sea is dramatically cheaper. Air freight costs 4-6x more per kilogram.
Use air only for essentials you need immediately (1-2 weeks’ clothes, kids’ school supplies, documents).
Q: What happens if customs finds something I didn’t declare?
Undeclared items can be confiscated and you may face fines.
Always declare everything accurately. An item you forgot to list on the inventory can cause your entire shipment to be held up.
Q: Do I need to be in India when my shipment arrives?
Yes. For TR concession, the owner must be present in India during customs clearance. You need to sign declarations and present your passport.
A family member with Power of Attorney may work in some cases, but this varies by customs office.
Q: Can I ship food items to India?
Very limited. Commercially packaged, non-perishable food items in small quantities for personal use may be allowed.
Fresh food, dairy, meat products – no. Don’t risk it.
Q: What about shipping pets?
Pets require separate arrangements (airlines with pet cargo, USDA health certificates, Indian quarantine rules).
This is a separate process from household goods shipping. Most moving companies don’t handle pets.
Q: How do I handle items in storage?
If some items are in a US storage unit, the shipping company can pick up from multiple locations.
This adds cost for additional stops. Consolidate everything at one location if possible.
Q: What if my Indian home isn’t ready when the shipment arrives?
Most moving companies and their Indian partners offer warehouse storage. Typical charges: ₹5,000-₹15,000 per month for a container’s worth. Plan your housing timeline carefully.
Check our guide on buying vs renting in India.
Q: Can I ship a washing machine/dryer from the US?
You can, but it’s 110V, likely won’t have local service, and parts will be impossible to find. Indian washing machines from Bosch, IFB, and LG are excellent and come with 5-10 year warranties. Buy there.
Q: What’s the customs duty on a TV?
Under TR, one used TV per family attracts concessional duty of approximately 35-38.5% of the assessed value.
The assessed value considers depreciation (16% first year, 12% second, 10% third). A TV that was $1,500 new but is 3 years old might be assessed at around $930 (38% depreciation). Duty at 38.5% = approximately $358.
Q: What port should I ship to?
Choose the port closest to your Indian home. Mumbai (JNPT) for Western India. Chennai for South India. Kolkata for East India.
Some companies offer Cochin, Mundra, and other ports too.
The Bottom Line
Shipping your life across the world is expensive and complicated. But with the right planning, it doesn’t have to be stressful.
Here’s my simple framework:
Ship things that are: expensive to replace, sentimental, dual-voltage, in great condition, and will fit your Indian home.
Sell/donate things that are: 110V only, cheap to replace in India, oversized for Indian homes, old/worn, or things you’ve been meaning to replace anyway.
Start 3-4 months early. Get multiple quotes. Understand TR rules. Pack an essentials air shipment. And most importantly – make the detailed inventory list.
The families in our community who had the smoothest moves all said the same thing: “We spent more time planning what NOT to ship than what to ship.”
That’s the real secret. Ship less. Ship smarter. Arrive lighter.
Disclaimer: Shipping costs, customs duties, and regulations change frequently. The numbers in this guide are approximate and based on community experience and publicly available data as of early 2026. Always get updated quotes from shipping companies and verify current customs rules before making decisions.
If you’re planning your move back and want real advice from families who’ve been through it, join our WhatsApp community at https://backtoindia.com/groups – 20,000+ NRIs helping each other with real, lived experience. It’s free and volunteer-run.
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