Should You Ship or Replace Your Appliances When Moving to the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand?

A practical guide to voltage, plugs, compliance and serviceability

When planning an international move, one of the most common questions people ask is whether it makes sense to ship household appliances abroad or buy new ones on arrival. It can feel like a difficult decision, especially when appliances are expensive, still in good condition or hold some sentimental value. At the same time, electrical standards vary around the world, so not every appliance will work safely or efficiently in another country.

This guide breaks the decision down by looking at voltage, plug types, compatibility, certification, servicing, environmental impact and overall cost. It covers four popular destinations for UK movers: the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It also includes guidance on deciding what is worth shipping, what is not, and when to use Anglo Pacific’s video survey to confirm what should be packed or disposed of.

1. Start with the basics

Electrical systems differ from country to country. Before thinking about sentimental value or cost, you need to know whether your appliances will even function where you are going.

Key electrical standards by destination

What this means in practice

• USA and Canada:
  The UK uses 230 volts and 50 hertz. North America uses 120 volts and 60 hertz, which is a significant difference. Many appliances will not run, may run poorly or may overheat if used through a converter. Heavy duty items like cookers, washing machines and fridges are almost never worth shipping for use in North America. Some small personal items may work through a transformer, but transformers are often inconvenient and sometimes unsafe for long-term use.
• Australia and New Zealand:
  Voltage is compatible, so most UK appliances will work once fitted with a suitable plug. Some items may still require local compliance checks, and a few appliances with motors or heating elements may behave slightly differently, but compatibility is much higher than in North America.

2. Large appliances: the most important category to assess

Large appliances tend to be the items people ask about first, because they are expensive and often still have years of life left in them. They also take up the most space in a shipping container, so they affect both cost and logistics.

Below is a breakdown of the main categories.

Fridges and freezers

Shipping to the USA or Canada
Do not ship. Voltage is incompatible and replacing power systems is usually not feasible. Local energy standards also differ, so even if technically modified, the product may not meet US or Canadian efficiency requirements. Buying locally is almost always more cost effective.

Shipping to Australia or New Zealand
Technically viable, since voltage is compatible. However, fridges and freezers are bulky and heavy, which increases shipping costs. Australian and New Zealand homes often have different standard fridge cavity sizes, so measurement matters. Consider the appliance’s age. If your fridge is older than six years, replacing it on arrival may make more sense both financially and environmentally.

Washing machines and dryers

USA and Canada
Front loaders in North America often use different capacities, venting systems and electrical requirements. UK machines will not run on local voltage. Dryers are particularly unsuitable due to power differences. Replace on arrival.

Australia and New Zealand
Washing machines are generally compatible. You will need a plug replacement or adaptor, and a check to ensure the manufacturer offers local servicing. Dryers are compatible too, although vented dryers are more common in the UK, and heat pump dryers are gaining ground in Australia and New Zealand. Shipping can be worthwhile if the unit is fairly new.

Dishwashers

USA and Canada
Replace. Voltage and plumbing connections differ. Buying locally avoids conversion problems and ensures compliance.

Australia and New Zealand
Possible to ship, though check water inlet types and plumbing connections. If your dishwasher is older, replacing it can be simpler.

Cookers and hobs

USA and Canada
Do not ship. Voltage differences make UK cookers incompatible. Gas cookers also use different standards and connectors. All major installers require equipment to meet local certification. Buy new on arrival.

Australia and New Zealand
Electric cookers can sometimes be adapted by a qualified electrician, but replacement is often easier. Gas hobs must meet local gas certification standards, so shipping is rarely recommended.

Microwaves

USA and Canada
Some travellers use UK microwaves with a transformer, but long-term use is not advised. Heat generation can cause transformer issues and reduce efficiency. Replace upon arrival.

Australia and New Zealand
Straightforward to use with a plug change. For older microwaves, the cost of replacement may still be lower than shipping.

3. Smaller household appliances: potential for mixed decisions

Smaller appliances vary widely in compatibility and value, so they need to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Kitchen appliances

Items like toasters, kettles, blenders and food processors have heating elements or motors, so voltage compatibility is essential.

• USA and Canada: Most UK items will not work properly or safely on 120 volts.
• Australia and New Zealand: Most will work with a plug adaptor or a replaced plug.

As small appliances can be inexpensive to replace, many people opt to buy new ones on arrival, even if shipping is technically possible.

Vacuum cleaners

• USA and Canada: Replace. Motors are designed for 230 volts, so they will not function correctly.
• Australia and New Zealand: Shipping can be worthwhile if the unit is high quality or newer.

Hairdryers, straighteners and grooming tools

Voltage sensitivity is high for these items. In North America they will not work properly even with a converter. In Australia and New Zealand they usually work fine with a plug change. However, many movers simply buy new tools because they are not expensive.

Televisions

TV standards differ. The USA and Canada use ATSC broadcasting, while the UK uses DVB-T2. A UK television will not tune to local broadcast channels. For streaming use only, you could still use the TV in countries with compatible voltage. In Australia and New Zealand, UK televisions often work well. In North America they will not function properly, even if powered.

4. Compliance, certification and servicing

Many countries have strict safety standards for electrical goods, especially large appliances. Even when voltage is compatible, a local technician may refuse to install an item that lacks the correct certification marks.

USA and Canada

Products must meet UL or CSA standards. UK appliances rarely carry these approvals, so servicing and installation can be difficult.

Australia and New Zealand

Local standards exist, but because voltage and frequency match the UK, many appliances are still compliant. However, gas appliances must always meet local certification. For electrical items, plug replacement must be performed by a qualified electrician.

Servicing and spare parts

Even when an appliance works, servicing can be complicated if the manufacturer does not support your model in the destination country. For high-value items like premium washing machines, it is worth checking brand support before shipping.

5. Cost considerations: shipping versus replacing

To make the decision clearer, ask yourself these questions:

1. How much would it cost to replace this appliance in the destination country?
   Prices vary between countries. In the USA, large household appliances are relatively affordable compared with the UK. In Australia and New Zealand, costs can be higher due to import distance.
2. How much space will it take in your shipment?
   Bulky items increase overall shipping cost. A fridge or washing machine occupies significant volume, affecting the size and price of your container.
3. Is the appliance still under warranty?
   Most warranties do not transfer overseas.
4. Will the appliance be energy efficient in the destination country?
   Standards vary. An older appliance may cost more to run once abroad.
5. Are plug changes or conversions required?
   This may add cost, particularly if a qualified electrician is needed.

6. Sustainability and environmental impact

One of the strongest arguments for shipping appliances is environmental. Replacing everything on arrival means discarding items that still work perfectly well, adding waste and increasing demand for new manufacturing.

However, sustainability can also support replacement, especially if:

• Your appliance is old and inefficient.
• Shipping it a long distance would consume significant resources.
• Recycling options in your departure country are effective.
• Newer models abroad offer better efficiency ratings.

For North American moves, sustainability often pushes towards buying locally because UK appliances simply are not compatible. For Australia and New Zealand moves, shipping can be environmentally sensible if the appliance still has many years of life remaining and is efficient.

7. Sentimental value and special cases

Not all decisions are financial or technical. Some appliances have sentimental value, particularly heirloom items like vintage mixers or high quality kitchen machinery. If the appliance will function safely in your destination (for example Australia or New Zealand), sentiment can be a legitimate reason to ship it.

For the USA or Canada, sentimental appliances are usually best kept for future return to the UK or passed to friends or family. Voltage differences make long-term use impractical.

8. Summary recommendations by destination

Moving to the USA or Canada

• Ship: None of the major appliances.
• Ship with caution: Lamps, some electronics that use external power adaptors rated 100 to 240 volts, sentimental items intended for display only.
• Replace: All large appliances, most motor driven and heating appliances, grooming tools, televisions.
• General rule: If it plugs into the wall and does more than charge a phone, replace it.

Moving to Australia or New Zealand

• Ship: Most large appliances if they are in good condition, energy efficient and not too old.
• Replace: Older or bulky appliances where shipping cost is high. Gas appliances that do not meet local certification.
• General rule: Voltage compatibility makes shipping viable, but consider age, size and value.

9. How Anglo Pacific can help you decide

When planning an international move, it can be difficult to assess which items are worth taking. A quick and convenient way to make informed choices is to use Anglo Pacific’s free video survey.

Benefits of the video survey

• You can walk through your home with a consultant via your smartphone or tablet.
• Large appliances can be flagged instantly for packing or disposal.
• You will receive advice on what is worth shipping and what is best replaced.
• The survey ensures your final shipping quote is accurate.
• You can discuss environmental considerations and recycling options for items you choose not to take.

The video survey is especially helpful for assessing appliance size, condition and suitability for transport. It also ensures no unexpected items appear on packing day.

10. Final decision checklist

Before making your final decision, review this quick list:

1. Voltage and frequency compatibility
2. Plug type and adaptors
3. Local compliance and installation requirements
4. Warranty validity
5. Spare parts availability
6. Age and condition of the appliance
7. Shipping cost versus replacement cost
8. Environmental impact
9. Sentimental value
10. Advice from your Anglo Pacific video survey

If most of the answers point towards difficulty, expense or inefficiency, replacement is probably the better option. If the appliance is compatible, valuable, efficient and still relatively new, shipping may make good sense, particularly for moves to Australia and New Zealand.

Speak to Anglo Pacific for tailored advice

Every move is different, and so is every household. If you need support working out which appliances to take and which to replace, book your free video survey with Anglo Pacific. Our team can guide you through the process, advise on compatibility and help ensure your shipment is cost effective, practical and stress free.