I personally would bring as few US appliances as possible. It's very true that many smaller appliances fail after some use with transformers/converters. Especially if the appiance in question is frequency sensitive.

Your computers and monitors would be fine. Just buy a power plug adapter after you arrive.

Good luck.

Hopêfully you may benefit with colleagues of a Card de Legitimation allowing some diplomatic statue/priviledges. In such case you can do your appliances shopping on French frontally zone (over side of the border) and you just adapt a swiss plug on the items featuring a EU plug or better fit a swiss adapter over the consumer item as to keep all your rights on Manufacturer's garanty.

Thanks so much, everyone. This is very helpful!

Good luck with the move. You might want to pick up some adapters in the US - very reasonable on Amazon. Check the power details on the back of appliance. If it says 110-230, all you will need is a plug adapter. Lamps work fine - you will only need to change the bulb and of course a plug adapter.

Be very careful with transformers or adapters. I recently brought a food processor over from the US. I tried to consult with electricians both in the US and here in Geneva, but they wouldn't even go near it and flat out recommended against using it in Switzerland. I didnt want to throw the towel and ended up buying a transformer off amazon. Even with the use of the transformer (not just an ordinary US travel adaptor, but a proper power transformer that fullfilled all requirements!), it started smoking almost immediately and burnt through. I personally am no expert, but aparently, things are indeed not quite straight forward. That's also the general opinion that you'll find in most chat rooms and internet forums on the topic.

It depends on the appliances and how long you will be here.

First, you will find it a real headache if you bring large appliances, as they would require transformers with a lot of power. They will still be cheaper than buying several expensive new appliances here, but you may end up needing several transformers.

Second, if you decide to bring some of your smaller appliances and use transformers, buy them in the US, in stores like FRY's. As hard as you may find to get them there, it is a bit harder to find the right (110 to 220-240V) transformers with the power you need here and will cost you more.

I personally would not bother bringing much. Too much hassle. Start over. Do bring those with internal 110/240 V transformers, as is the case with most computers and monitors these days.

I'm so glad I posted this! I really appreciate everyone's feedback. I think I'll leave all my non-dual appliances behind. We'll be there for three years, so will just repurchase second hand over there.