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Moving to Finland from Pennsylvania this fall - should I buy sell/buy new electronics or ship them over?

1.1K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  Harry Moles  
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1 post · ed 2024
I'm marrying my partner of 3 years in September and with that I'll be moving to Finland. I'm really excited! But, with that I have some questions about electronics.
Specifically, I own things like a 3D printer, gaming PC, and other things that my small art business.
My PC I'm likely to sell and buy new just because it's somewhat outdated, but the 3D Printer was bought literally just this year. It was about 1.2k, so not a small purchase, and I haven't even been able to break it in much as I haven't gotten a break in my concept art work as of late, so it's practically brand new still.
I have other things of sentimental value as well, I'm a bit of a collector of old tech. I have like 4 old iMacs from various generations, CRTs, etc
Should I just sell stuff and downsize in august/end of summer? Or would shipping it all over not cost too much?
What services would I even use to ship this stuff safely? When I tried transporting electronics before (I had a stint where I taught overseas) they literally smashed my PC to bits. Ended up with a payout, but yeah.
Any tips on all of this?
 
On all the electronic equipment, you should check the UL plate (somewhere close to where the electric cord connects to the device). Many, if not most modern electronic kit works for the whole range of 110V to 240V. Usually it also has a removable electrical cord. If all that holds for your electronics stuff, then you can move it, and just buy new cords for the devices when you get to Finnland.

Otherwise, you're going to need a transformer due to the difference in voltage between the US (110V) and Europe (240V). At this point, I'd seriously consider selling and/or abandoning any equipment that would require a transformer. They are heavy pieces of equipment and run hot while in use.

As far as shipping it, ideally you'd want to repack it in the original boxes (with all that styrofoam packing contoured for the equipment). You might be able to get some cast off packaging from a local shop (if you ask really nicely). Otherwise, if you're moving household goods over, you should probably spring to have the mover pack them in order for everything to be included in the shipment insurance. In any event, you'll have to prepare a list of everything you're shipping, including (usually) original cost, current fair market value and when you purchased it (rough estimate for items you've had for a while). Anything you bought less than 6 months or a year ago may wind up costing you customs/VAT on entry.
 
Modern gear typically comes with a dual-voltage power supply so you just need to swap out the cable. Older stuff not so much. Unless you have lots of space and lots of cash for shipping, bring the 3D printer but ditch everything else. It may or may not make sense to buy a new PC before leaving the US - run the numbers on that.
 
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