How to Downsize Before Moving Overseas 

Relocating overseas as a Nigerian is an exciting adventure, but it also brings a big question: what do you do with all your belongings? From clothes and electronics to furniture and sentimental keepsakes, years of accumulated items can’t all fit in a suitcase. Downsizing is not just about making your shipment lighter. It’s about creating a simpler, more intentional lifestyle that fits your new life abroad. 

Many Nigerians make the mistake of either shipping everything at a high cost or selling everything and regretting it later. A smarter approach is to downsize thoughtfully. Keep what matters, let go of excess, and make financially wise choices. 

This guide will lead you through: 

• Why downsizing is important before moving abroad. 
• How to decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. 
• Practical methods for Nigerians to downsize. 
• Emotional tips for parting with sentimental items. 
• Real-life case studies and budgeting strategies. 

Why Downsizing Matters When Relocating Abroad 

1. Cost Savings on Shipping 

• International moving costs depend on weight and volume.  
• Shipping a 20-foot container from Lagos to the UK can cost ₦4m to ₦7m; to Canada or Australia, it ranges from ₦5m to ₦10m.  
• Downsizing can reduce that cost significantly. 

2. Housing Differences 

• Apartments abroad, especially in Europe and Asia, are usually smaller than Nigerian homes.  
• You may not have room for large furniture or multiple wardrobes. 

3. Lifestyle Reset 

• Moving is a chance for a fresh start. Why carry old clutter into a new life?  
• Minimalism can help you adjust faster. 

4. Import Restrictions 

• Some countries ban certain electronics, wooden furniture, or fabrics.  
• You might have to leave some items behind anyway. 

Step-by-Step Downsizing Plan 

Step 1: Start Early — At Least 3 to 6 Months Before Moving 

Rushing to downsize leads to poor choices and wasted money. Begin months in advance so you can sell items at fair prices and donate thoughtfully. 

Step 2: Categorize All Your Possessions 

Divide your items into: 

• Must Keep: Essential for daily life or highly sentimental. 
• Sell: Items in good condition but not worth shipping. 
• Donate: Useful items you can give to family, friends, or charities. 
• Discard: Broken, outdated, or useless items. 

Step 3: Apply the “Shipping Value Test” 

Ask yourself: 

• Will it cost more to ship than to replace it abroad?  
• Is it compatible with the country’s power system and space limits?  

For example, a ₦200,000 fridge might cost ₦500,000 to ship. It’s better to sell it and buy new overseas. 

Step 4: Sell Wisely 

Where to sell in Nigeria: 

• Jiji.ng 
• Facebook Marketplace 
• Instagram sales pages 
• Neighborhood WhatsApp groups 

Best items to sell: 

• Electronics (laptops, TVs, fridges) 
• Quality furniture 
• Designer clothes and accessories 

Tip: Take good photos, write clear descriptions, and set realistic prices. 

Step 5: Donate Meaningfully 

• Give to local schools, orphanages, or NGOs.  
• Offer items to relatives who might genuinely need them.  
• Keep receipts for high-value donations in case you need proof for tax purposes abroad. 

Step 6: Digitize and Minimize Paperwork 

• Scan certificates, photos, and documents.  
• Store them safely in cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox.  
• Keep only the originals that you absolutely need (like your passport, degree certificates, and property documents). 

Step 7: Manage Sentimental Items 

• Take photos of sentimental items you can’t bring.  
• Keep a small “memory box” that fits in your luggage.  
• Share family heirlooms with relatives who will cherish them. 

Common Downsizing Mistakes Nigerians Make 

1. Overestimating the Value of Used Items: Second-hand prices in Nigeria are much lower than the original purchase price.
2. Selling in a Hurry: This often leads to significant losses.
3. Shipping Cheap Items at High Cost: For example, shipping old kitchenware instead of buying new abroad.
4. Ignoring Cultural Differences: Some items, like gas cookers, might not be suitable overseas. 

Downsizing Tips for Different Categories 

1. Furniture 

• Keep only high-quality, unique, or sentimental pieces.  
• Flat-pack items, like those from IKEA, are easier to ship than solid wood. 

2. Clothing 

• Keep versatile pieces that match your new climate.  
• Sell or donate heavy Nigerian traditional clothes unless you’ll be attending many cultural events abroad. 

3. Electronics 

• Check voltage compatibility (Nigeria uses 230V; the US uses 120V).  
• Consider reselling and buying newer models abroad. 

4. Kitchenware 

• Keep only the essentials; most can be bought abroad.  
• Some Nigerian spice grinders, certain pots, and local utensils may be worth bringing. 

How to Emotionally Let Go 

• Focus on the excitement of starting fresh.  
• Remind yourself that memories exist in your mind, not in objects.  
• Think about how much joy your items could bring to others. 

Downsizing Timeline 

• 6 months before moving: Start sorting items. 
• 4 months before moving: Begin selling high-value items. 
• 2 months before moving: Sell or donate remaining non-essentials. 
• 2 weeks before moving: Finalize packing. 

Final Checklist Before Moving 

1. Only ship what’s worth the cost.  
2. Ensure valuables are insured during transit.  
3. Carry essential documents and personal items in your luggage.  
4. Inform family and friends about donations to avoid misunderstandings. 

Downsizing before an international move is a skill every relocating Nigerian should learn. It saves money, reduces stress, and makes for a smoother transition into a new country. By starting early, being realistic about costs, and keeping only what truly matters, you can arrive abroad feeling lighter, freer, and financially better prepared.