As part of our move to Denmark, one of the biggest logistical puzzles we faced was how to get our stuff across the ocean. After lots of research, quotes, and decision-making, we went with a 4ft x 5ft x 4ft crate—a compact cube that forced us to get very intentional about what we shipped, and taught us more than a few lessons about international moving.

Lesson 1: The Crate Size Was a Gift

Choosing a smaller crate meant we had to edit ruthlessly. What we shipped had to matter—either emotionally, functionally, or both. We packed:

A few pieces of sentimental furniture
Vintage Danish lighting, including fixtures from my uncle’s home in Denmark after he passed
Favorite textiles and art, including pieces by Asheville artists and imagery of Asheville to remind us of our home here
Seasonal clothing and outerwear we knew we’d need in Denmark
Some family treasures, including a set of utensils and hand-painted chargers featuring our Danish family crest—items we felt deserved to return home

This crate became a capsule of our life—enough to make our Danish home feel like us, without overloading it.

This rug was my FarMor’s (Paternal Grandmother) in Denmark and the chair is one made by my great grandfather who was an upholsterer and furniture maker. Super comfortable!

Lesson 2: Packing Smart Matters

We packed everything ourselves, which saved money but took strategy and patience. Items had to be tightly packed, clearly labeled, and well protected. We wrapped furniture in moving blankets, used plastic bins for small goods, and created layers to maximize every inch. It felt like playing 3D Tetris with our life.

We packed every nook and cranny of that crate since the cost was determined by the space we used—not the weight. Every item, every inch, counted.

We managed to fit our snowboards and gear!

Lesson 3: Residential Pickup Can Be Tricky

This was where things got complicated. Crates like ours are picked up by a freight truck—often a large one. We scheduled pickup from our Asheville home, only to face multiple failed attempts because the street couldn’t accommodate the truck.

Our crate weighed about 1,000 pounds, so we knew we’d need someone with a pallet jack and a lift gate. I even suggested the freight company send two people, but they sent only one. Thankfully, my husband was able to come home, help back the truck into the driveway, and assist loading the crate. My nerves were fried after that.

We had a dolly for moving the heavier furniture pieces, which definitely helped, especially on the driveway incline—though next time, we’d upgrade to one without flat tires.

We brainstormed all kinds of backup plans—including how we might move the crate ourselves to the top of the street where a semi-truck could access—but in the end, we managed to get a successful afternoon pickup, when there were fewer cars parked on the street and the truck could just barely maneuver into position.

Lesson 4: Flexibility Is Key

International shipping is not an exact science. Timelines shift, paperwork changes, and surprises happen. But staying flexible, asking questions, and documenting everything made the process manageable.

Would I Do It Again?

Yes—and we will probably need to send another crate eventually. Next time, I will communicate even more with the freight provider, and definitely upgrade to a dolly with properly inflated tires. 😉

Shipping our life in a single crate was a crash course in logistics, minimalism, and letting go. But when that crate arrives and those familiar pieces land in our Danish home? It’ll be worth every moment.

Now we just cross our fingers that everything arrives in one piece—especially the family treasures and artwork that mean so much to us.

What I Learned Shipping Our Life to Denmark in a 4’x5’x4’ Crate

Making Moves – Prepping for Denmark, One Decision at a Time