Moving abroad: Should I ship my car?

That sweet feeling of knowing you will soon be living abroad. While anxious and excited about the moving day, you can’t help but feel a bit sad about family and friends you’re leaving behind. It’s understandable.

Moving can be stressful. There’s a lot you need to plan. Your to-do list includes learning about your new country and city, finding a place to stay, getting a job, and even picking up a new language sometimes.

Deciding what to do with your car when planning your move abroad is another task that shouldn’t skip your attention.

In this post, we’ll explore the dilemma and identify possible options. For starters, you need to ask yourself several questions. Only then will you be able to find the most suitable solution and follow through with it.

How long do you plan to stay abroad?

If you plan to stay abroad for just a few weeks or months, then it will be better to leave your car with someone you trust. This way, you will have your car back as soon as you return.

Nevertheless, you cannot base your final decision on just answering this one question. You need to consider other factors:

How valuable is the car to you?

Before making your decision, ask yourself whether the car has any sentimental value to you. If you are emotionally attached to your vehicle, maybe it’s not the right move to sell it. If the car holds many valuable memories, you may consider shipping it abroad, to your new home.

If you own a specific type of vehicle that is hard to find elsewhere, especially if you move overseas, then you should consider taking it with you as well. If it has a lot of value and carries a family history, then it will be a shame to leave this car behind. Moreover, there are special tax reductions for vehicles over 25 years old.

Does it cost more to buy the same car overseas?

If the answer is “yes,” then shipping your car overseas may be your best bet. Otherwise, if you sell it and buy the same model abroad, you may lose a lot of money in the process. Plus, the new car won’t have the same memories and sentimental value.

Is your car in good condition?

In case you have an old car which might not last in your new country of residence, then it is time to sell it. Or, you can leave it behind with someone you trust until you decide what to do with it.

Check if your car needs to be modified to comply with the legal requirements in the new country. If the extra expense is not worth it, it will be better for you to say goodbye to your vehicle once and for all.

In case you own a new car or one that is in good condition, consider hiring a shipping company to transport it abroad. Plus, this way you will not worry about transportation in your new city. You will have more time to focus on other things.

Other things to consider

• In case you haven’t decided to sell your vehicle yet, do you have a place to store it? Storage often costs more than shipping your car to a new location. Especially if you plan to store it for several years. Shipping your vehicle can save you money in the long run. So keep that in mind before you make the final decision.
• Check the exchange rate and the price of your vehicle in the new country. Sometimes the model you currently own will cost more in a foreign country. There, your car might even be considered a luxury item.
• Moreover, certain car features, such as automatic transmission, GPS, or air conditioning, among others, might not be available at your new destination. Always check these things before it may be too late to change your mind.
• Is driving a familiar car a critical factor? If the answer is yes, then it may be hard for you to immediately gain that same comfort level if you buy a new vehicle. Especially since you will also have to drive on unfamiliar roads. That is why relocating with your car is a good option.

Shipping your car with Corsia Logistics

After taking into consideration everything we discussed above, it is time for you to make a choice. If your final decision is to ship your car to your new international destination, we would be more than happy to help you with that.

Should you have any questions, feel free to contact us. You can easily connect with one of our vehicle relocation experts via the online chat or by dialing (818) 850-5258. We are always ready to walk you through the vehicle shipping process and help you make an educated choice. Thank you!