If you’re looking to send items from the Philippines overseas – whether personal effects, household goods or other shipments – DHL Express Philippines offers reliable global delivery to over 175 countries and territories.
Moving abroad is one of life’s biggest transitions. The anticipation is thrilling, but the process itself can be daunting. Beyond the emotional goodbyes, there’s an avalanche of logistics: visas, housing arrangements, paperwork, and the complex task of sending your personal belongings safely to your new home.
From secure packing to real-time tracking, understanding how international shipping from the Philippines works can turn a stressful move into a smooth transition. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to ship overseas from the Philippines, focusing on shipping personal effects and household goods overseas, so you can focus on building your new life with confidence.
Preparing your personal effects for international shipping
Before you send your belongings abroad, preparation is key. Taking the time to organize, pack, and document your personal effects properly ensures a smooth journey from the Philippines to your new home.
What you can and cannot send
When you ship household goods or personal belongings across countries, regulations exist for a reason: to protect people, property and national safety. In the Philippines, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) provides an official list of prohibited and restricted items you must not overlook1.
Common prohibited items you’ll want to avoid:
- Firearms, ammunition, explosives or parts thereof.
- Printed or written materials that incite rebellion, sedition or contain obscene/immoral content.
- Counterfeit goods, pirated media, illicit narcotics, hazardous waste.
- Certain used clothing or motor vehicle parts that fall under regulated or prohibited depending on condition and quantity2.
Items that may require permits or clearance:
- Plant or animal products (including pets, seeds, plants).
- Foodstuffs and agricultural goods which may require health certificates.
- Electronics or telecom equipment which may require compliance certification2.
Items you can typically ship as personal/household goods
Personal effects for your own use and household items that are not in “commercial quantity” are usually fine to ship from the Philippines. These include furniture, kitchenware, books, clothing, personal electronics, and photos. The key: they’re used for your living purpose, not for resale; their quantity and value reflect personal use, not business.
For formal clearance in the Philippines, use the specific “Personal and Household Effects Declaration Form” from BOC1.
Important documentation for your personal shipment
When it’s time to ship your belongings overseas, documentation is not just a formality, but your passport to smoother delivery.
The Air Waybill
The air waybill serves as the contract between you and the courier. It lists shipper, recipient, service type, contents summary, routing. Think of it as the electronic record that travels with your shipment.
The Commercial Invoice/Packing list
Even though you’re shipping personal and household goods (not for sale) across countries, you’re still declaring contents and value to customs authorities at the destination. Providing honest, accurate and consistent documentation helps avoid delays or added duties.
Tip: Provide a detailed inventory with item description, quantity, approximate original value (especially for insurance purposes) and mark it clearly as “personal effects – not for resale”.
How to ship your personal belongings with DHL Express
Once you’ve sorted and packed your belongings, it’s time to send them on their way. Whether you’re shipping a few boxes or an entire household, here’s a step-by-step guide on the process.
Step 1: Securely pack your household items
Proper packing can make all the difference. Here's how to package items for shipping and avoid common mistakes:
- Use sturdy boxes or crates sized appropriately, designed for shipping.
- Wrap each fragile item individually with cushioning (bubble wrap, foam, packing paper) and label “Fragile”.
- Fill any empty space in the box with void-fill material so nothing shifts during transit.
- For heavier and bulkier items, consider reinforced packaging or wooden crates where permitted.
- Use heavy-duty packing tape on seams and corners; label the box clearly with “This side up” where relevant.
- Securely attach the shipping documents (Air Waybill number, recipient address, contact details) and ensure the external label is clear and durable.
Step 2: Weigh and measure your shipment
Understanding how shipping fees are calculated helps you avoid surprises. With time-definite shipments, fees are based on whichever is higher: the actual weight or the volumetric weight.
Volumetric weight formula:
Volumetric weight (kg) = (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 5000
For example:
A large box measuring 120 × 80 × 60 cm = 576,000 cm³ → ÷ 5000 = 115.2 kg volumetric weight. If the actual weight is 85 kg, the chargeable weight will be 115.2 kg because size is the bigger factor.
Step 3: Send your one-off shipment
You don’t need to commit to a business account if you’re shipping personal effects for a one-time move. Simply get a quote instead. Then, arrange your pickup to send off your package:
- Request a pickup online:
Visit the DHL Philippines website, use MyDHL+ or the quote tool. Enter your details, get a price estimate, complete the Air Waybill online, and schedule a pickup from your home or office. No need to travel with heavy boxes.
- Visit a Service Point:
Prefer to bring your package in? Visit a nearby DHL Express Service Point. Staff there can review your documentation, help with packing advice, and ensure your parcel is ready for its journey. It’s especially good for first-time shippers who want face-to-face assurance.
Why DHL Express is the smart choice for your overseas move
When relocating abroad, every detail matters from securing housing to ensuring your personal belongings arrive safely. With its global reach, trusted reputation, and focus on efficiency, here’s why DHL Express offers the reliability and expertise you need to make your move smoother.
Speed, security and peace of mind
When you’re shipping your personal belongings abroad, you want to know they’ll arrive, intact and on time. DHL Express offers high-quality time-definite services so your shipment from the Philippines can reach the destination rapidly, and real-time tracking so you can monitor progress at every stage.
Expertise and support
With a global network and decades of experience, we know how to navigate complex cross-border rules, including customs clearances and documentation. That means less risk of your shipment being stalled at the border or hit with unexpected duties. And our customer service can provide tailored advice whether you have a question about what you can send, need help completing forms, or want to arrange a smooth pickup.
Frequently asked questions about shipping your personal effects from the Philippines
You can ship household goods and personal effects that are for your own use, not for resale, in quantities consistent with moving your personal life. Avoid prohibited items and check if some items require permits. You’ll also want to ensure everything is accurately documented.
Costs vary depending on size (actual weight vs volumetric weight), destination, service level (time-definite), origin address, and any additional services (insurance, pickup, special packaging).
Begin your new journey with confidence
Shipping your personal effects and household items from the Philippines doesn’t need to be stressful. With DHL Express, you get the right combination of speed, security and simplicity – so your possessions arrive safely while you get on with what really matters: starting your next chapter.
Ready to ship? Visit the DHL Express Philippines site, get your quote, schedule your pickup or drop-off, and let your things travel as confidently as you do.
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