What We Shipped, Sold & Stored: A Family’s Guide
When we made the decision to move from Seattle to Valencia, I had no idea how emotional it would be to decide what came with us—and what didn’t. It wasn’t just about downsizing a house. We had also built and run multiple restaurants and bars over the last decade. There was a lot of stuff.
Once we realized this move wasn’t temporary, we got serious about what mattered most. We weren’t bringing a container of furniture across the world. In fact, we didn’t even use a traditional mover. We used Sherpr, a company that allowed us to ship just the essentials—and only the items we couldn’t imagine starting over without.
This post is about what we actually shipped, what we sold, what we stored—and why I’m so grateful we didn’t try to drag our old life across the ocean.
Why We Chose Sherpr (Instead of a Container)
We initially looked into shipping a 20-foot container. With the quote topping $6,000+ and arrival times stretching 6–10 weeks, we took a breath and asked: Do we really need all this? The answer? No. So we downsized big-time. And we found Sherpr, which was a game-changer. You pack boxes or suitcases, schedule pickup, and they’re delivered to your new home in Spain—door to door. No customs hassle. No ports. No drama. We shipped 20 medium boxes and 2 large suitcases for under $2,400. Everything arrived in about two weeks.
What We Shipped (and Why)
Essential kitchen tools: I’m a former restaurateur. I brought my knives, mixing bowls, measuring cups, sauté pans, and silicone spatulas. Tools I use every day and don’t want to replace.
Kids’ comfort items: Evelyn’s art kit. Frances’ books. Stuffed animals. Familiar things made their new rooms feel like home.
Photo albums, framed prints, journals: Small but deeply meaningful.
Clothing: Especially high-quality winter layers and our favorit items.
Holiday decor: Two boxes. It was worth it.
What We Left Behind (and Don’t Regret)
Appliances & Electronics
Even though I love my gadgets, we didn’t bring any kitchen appliances. Motors don’t handle Spain’s 240V power well. Even with converters, most U.S. devices burn out fast. We bought a basic blender and kettle here and haven’t looked back.
Big furniture
We sold almost everything. Spanish apartments have small elevators (if they have one at all), tight staircases, and compact rooms. Most U.S. couches, beds, and dining sets simply don’t fit. And if they do, you might need to pay a mover with a crane to lift them in through a 4th-story window.
We furnished our Valencia home gradually—with local, space-smart pieces.
Decor & "Maybe Someday" Bins
You know those boxes labeled “misc”? They didn’t make the cut. We don’t miss them.
📦 What We Stored
We stored a few things with family:
Wedding album & baby memory boxes
A few sentimental restaurant mementos
One box of Frances’ school art
One box labeled “Cory’s T-Shirts — DO NOT TOUCH”
We may revisit them one day. Or not. The act of letting go was more valuable than the stuff itself.
What I Wish I Knew
Spanish bedding sizes are totally different. Don’t bother bringing sheets unless you’ve measured. Buy local.
Closet space is minimal. Think capsule wardrobe, not walk-in fantasy.
Even IKEA is different here. And in metric.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Bring Your Whole Life
The point of this move wasn’t to recreate our exact life in Spain. It was to start a new chapter—with the essentials, the memories, and the people who matter most.We shipped what we love, let go of what we didn’t, and discovered how little we actually need to feel at home.And if I had to do it again? I’d bring my knives. My kids. My coffee mug. And maybe one less pair of boots.
Amanda Chigbrow
@LaVidalencia on Instagram | LaVidalencia.com