Bring it if you use it regularly, would get little by selling it in the US, and replacing it in India would cost significantly more or take meaningful effort. If you are paying for shipping yourself, start with compact, high-value items.
This is not a US shopping list. The best things to bring are usually things you already own and use. Be stricter with bulky items, especially when you are self-funding a container or paying excess-baggage charges.
First, check voltage before packing appliances
India uses 230V electricity. Appliances labelled 100-240V / 50-60Hz usually do not need a transformer. US-only 110-120V appliances need an appropriately rated 230V-to-110/120V step-down transformer. A plug adapter changes the plug shape; it does not convert voltage.
Choose a transformer based on the appliance's rated wattage and leave comfortable headroom. For large TVs, kitchen appliances and powered audio equipment, check the label and speak with your mover or a qualified electrician before shipping.
Choose the capacity only after checking your appliance's rated wattage. These are practical options for US-voltage appliances being used in India:
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Kitchen essentials
Rebuilding a complete kitchen takes more time and small purchases than most families expect.
Compact, durable and usually worth keeping.
Bring sets you already use and like; resale value in the US is often poor.
Pack only durable, regularly used pieces. Skip worn or low-value items.
Appliances and electronics
Worth bringing when relatively new and expensive. Check the voltage label and ship with protective packaging.
Keep premium appliances you use often, but plan for the right transformer if they are US-voltage only.
Replacement cost can be high and resale value weak; check powered components carefully.
Compact, valuable and easy to carry. Back up important data before the move.
Bring only if you will genuinely use them and the voltage setup is practical.
Kids, hobbies and useful items
Bring favourites and higher-value sets rather than everything.
Favourite books and collections are easy to miss after a move.
Quality instruments, golf gear and tennis equipment can be expensive to replace.
Often useful for groceries, packages, children’s activities and apartment communities.
Clothing, medicines and Costco essentials
Prioritize brands and styles you already know and use. Outlet or seasonal-sale purchases can make sense.
Bring a reasonable supply of products your family already uses.
Keep original packaging and prescriptions where applicable; transition to India-sourced medication with your doctor.
Useful only if you prefer the format and have shipping space. Do not turn the final Costco run into a stock-up mission.
What we would usually leave behind
- Cheap or old furniture
- Basic microwaves and low-cost appliances
- Old vacuum cleaners
- Cheap plates and glassware
- Bulky storage bins and home organizers
- Excess toiletries
- Appliances you rarely use
- Anything you were already planning to replace
A note on customs and Transfer of Residence
India's Baggage Rules, 2026 set allowances and Transfer of Residence benefits based on your eligibility and time abroad. The rules include a rationalised duty-free list with an overall value cap, so do not assume every item will qualify or that a specific item is automatically duty-free. Confirm your situation and declarations before shipping or flying.
The 2026 rules also include a separate duty-free concession for one laptop for eligible adult passengers. Keep invoices, packing lists and relevant documents handy, and use official guidance for current details.
This guide is for general educational purposes, not customs, tax, legal, medical or electrical-safety advice. Rules, eligibility, duty treatment and product suitability can change. Verify current requirements with Indian Customs and seek professional advice where needed.