Returning Residents Guide - A Complete Safety & Security Guide to Coming Home to Jamaica

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Description Pros Cons Best For

for the cubic metres

you occupy.

don’t have a huge

shipment.

can be slower.• Broker still

needed.

Option 3:

Full

Container

(20ft or 40ft)

The most complete

option. A 20ft

container typically

holds the contents of

a 2–3 bedroom

house.

• Exclusive use — your
  goods only.• Secure,
  sealed at origin.• Best for
  full relocations.
  
  
  • Expensive: US$3,500–
    6,000+ depending on origin.•
    Port charges in Jamaica can
    be substantial (often
    J$200,000+).• Requires
    advance planning, inventory,
    and a customs broker.
  
  
  
  

Families relocating

entire households,

especially with

vehicles.

Option 4: Air

Freight

Rarely used for

household moves

due to cost, but

worth considering.

• Fastest method (days
  instead of weeks).• Best
  for high-value, fragile, or
  urgent items.
  
  
  • Prohibitively expensive for
    large volumes.• Attracts
    higher handling costs in
    Jamaica.
  
  
  
  

Professionals

moving work-critical

tools, sensitive

equipment, or

sentimental items.

Decision Framework: Should You Ship It?

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Does it make financial sense?
   o Would replacing it in Jamaica be cheaper?
   o Example: A used washing machine may cost more to ship than to buy locally.


2. Is it of sentimental value?
   o Family heirlooms and personal treasures are priceless.


3. Will it fit your Jamaican lifestyle?
   o Large sectional sofas may overwhelm smaller Jamaican homes.


4. Can it survive the climate?
   o Leather cracks in the heat; wood swells with humidity.


5. Does customs allow it duty-free?
   o New items in bulk = flagged. Used personal items = fine.

Case Scenarios

Scenario 1: Retired Couple from the UK
They own a 3-bedroom home filled with antiques. They opt for a 20ft container.

• Shipping + port + broker = £6,000.


• Savings: Antiques irreplaceable in Jamaica.


• Verdict: Shipping makes sense.