Shipping Household Goods Internationally

Moving to another country is an adventure—a chance to immerse yourself in a foreign culture and experience its spirit, history, and traditions firsthand. It also comes with significant logistical challenges and complexities. Between packing, transportation, and customs, overseas moves can feel overwhelming. To keep the process running smoothly, in this blog we’ll share our tips for shipping household goods internationally, including how to pack, declutter, and transport your belongings.

Research Moving Companies

Because international shipping slots tend to fill up quickly, finding a qualified freight carrier or moving company should be your top priority. Start at least 3-4 months ahead of time and get at least three quotes from businesses that are licensed, bonded, and insured, and have shipped goods to your destination before. That not only helps you get a fair price, but a reliable partner who can provide support at each end of your journey.

While it’s possible to rent a shipping container and manage packing, transportation, and customs on your own, few homeowners have the time, expertise, and resources necessary for a full DIY approach. Most people choose one of three options instead:

• Full-Service Movers. Full-service moving companies are the simplest solution. They offer professional packing, transportation, and delivery options. They can even help you navigate customs and set up your new home.
• Container Services. A container service is an affordable option for homeowners who don’t mind a bit of extra work. They deliver a shipping container to your house and pick it up a few days later after you’ve finished loading your belongings inside. Then they deliver it to your destination so you can unload it.
• International Couriers. A useful way to ship small boxes and packages, couriers like FedEx or UPS provide door-to-door delivery and efficient tracking systems, so you can monitor your shipment en route.

Homeowners can choose from one of three shipping methods as well. Sea freight is the most cost-effective way to ship large items and boxes, but takes 20-60 days, depending on your starting point and destination. Air freight gets your belongings there a lot sooner but is 5-10 times more expensive. If you’re moving between the United States and Canada, you may also be able to ship your belongings by truck.

Declutter

• Shipping rates are based on weight, volume, and distance, so the best way to save is to dispose of unwanted or unnecessary items before you move overseas. This may include:
• Large Furniture. Buying new furniture is often more affordable than shipping it overseas. While some items are nice enough to bring with you, it’s best to be selective and leave behind anything that’s old, worn, or easily replaced.
• Appliances and Electronics. Most countries use different power standards than the United States or Canada, which makes it difficult to operate electric devices outside North America. However, dual voltage appliances are safe to operate on international power. If you’re not certain whether you have one, check the owner’s manual.
• Automobiles. Though it's possible to ship cars and trucks overseas, the cost is often prohibitive. Some countries, like England and Japan, use right-hand drives instead of left-hand ones, which makes operating American and Canadian vehicles more challenging.
• Clothing. If you’re moving to a country with a vastly different climate, you may not need as much seasonal clothing. Sweaters and heavy coats are impractical in tropical regions, while colder regions like Scandinavia, may not require an extensive summer wardrobe.
• Food and Toiletries. Items like food, soap, floss, toothpaste, shampoo, makeup, and deodorant are cheap and easy to buy, so don’t bother packing them. You may want to keep a few items for your travel bag, but everything else can be discarded.
• Books. Books are surprisingly heavy, which makes them expensive to ship. Only hold onto them if they’re collectibles or have sentimental value.
• Plates, Glassware, and Silverware. These items are fragile and heavy when packed together. Since they can be purchased for relatively little money, most experts advise leaving them behind unless they’re particularly valuable or custom pieces that can’t be re-purchased.

Options for Items You Don’t Want to Ship

Once you’ve determined what to bring with you, you’ll need to figure out what to do with the items you’re leaving behind. Instead of throwing them into the trash, consider:

• Putting Them In Storage. If you’re moving temporarily, keeping your belongings in a long-term storage unit is a great way to keep them safe until you get back.
• Selling Them. Organize a garage sale or contact a consignment store. Items in good condition can fetch a high price, especially if they’re antiques or collectibles.
• Donating Them. Charities are always happy to accept clothing, furniture, books, and appliances. In some cases, they’ll pick up items free of charge.
• Giving Them Away. Ask your friends or family if there are any items in your home they want or could use. This is an especially good approach when deciding what to do with heirlooms and sentimental objects.

Because international moves require more decluttering than local or interstate relocations, start as early as you can. Giving yourself more time helps you find good homes for cherished belongings and good deals for valuable ones.

Create an Inventory

Make a list of everything you’re bringing with you, down to the smallest item. A comprehensive inventory will not only help you get an accurate quote from your mover, but will also help you navigate customs. (Goods have to be declared before they can be imported into a foreign country.) Inventories help you secure valuation coverage as well, so you can be fairly compensated in case anything’s damaged in transit.

Purchase Moving Supplies

If you’ve hired a full-service moving company, you don’t have to worry about purchasing moving supplies. Your movers will provide them when they come to pack your belongings. However, if you’re handling the packing on your own, you’ll need to stop by your local hardware store and pick up:

• Moving Boxes
• Packing Paper
• Bubble Wrap
• Packing Peanuts
• Packing Tape
• Markers
• Moving Blankets
• Plastic Stretch Wrap
• Resealable Plastic Bags

While wardrobe boxes are a popular way to pack clothing for local and interstate moves, their size makes them a costly choice for international relocations. Vacuum bags are a practical alternative. They’re compact and provide a strong barrier against moisture and other liquids. Save wardrobe boxes for items that are too delicate to be folded up safely into a box or sealed inside a vacuum bag.

Pack Items Securely

If you want them to reach your destination safely, don’t place your belongings casually into boxes. Protect them by:

• Double taping the bottom of each box, with strips long enough to reach halfway up the side
• Adding a layer of packing paper or bubble wrap to the bottom for cushioning
• Wrapping each item individually in packing paper or bubble wrap
• Filling empty spaces with packing peanuts or packing paper
• Leaving space on top for another layer of cushioning
• Taping the top seam firmly
• Labeling each box clearly with the contents and destination country

If you’re moving furniture, start by disassembling it as much as you can. Remove legs, arms, and attachments. It’s safer to move them in pieces rather than as a single unit. Large pieces should be wrapped in moving blankets and covered in plastic wrap, to prevent the blankets from slipping. 

Small pieces should be wrapped in bubble wrap or packing paper and placed in individual boxes, surrounded by packing peanuts, packing paper, or bubble wrap for cushioning. Screws, nuts, bolts, washers, and other hardware should be placed in resealable plastic bags. Label each bag carefully, so you know which piece of furniture the contents belong to, and place them in a small box for shipping.

Organize Your Paperwork

Customs regulations can differ widely throughout the world, so make sure you’re familiar with the laws governing the country you’re moving to. Typically you’ll need to present:

• Your Passport
• Visa
• Bill of Lading
• Customs Declaration Form
• Proof of Residency
• Detailed Inventory of Your Belongings

While personal belongings are exempt from customs duties, you may need to provide receipts for high-value items like jewelry, electronics, and designer clothing. Medication should be kept in your personal luggage, along with your doctor’s note and prescription. Any unprescribed substances should be left behind. Other common import restrictions include:

• Ammunition
• Tobacco
• Plants
• Seeds
• Alcohol
• Cleaning Supplies
• Perfumes
• Perishable Items
• Firearms

An immigration consultant can advise you on import laws, explain what documentation you’ll need to submit, and walk you through the steps you’ll need to take when preparing your shipment, as well as the appropriate agencies you'll need to contact when it arrives. An experienced shipping company can help as well, ensuring your goods are cleared and sent on to their destination without any unnecessary delays.

Purchase Valuation Coverage

When shipping goods internationally, there’s always a chance they might be lost or damaged en route. If the worst happens, valuation coverage ensures you’ll be fairly compensated for your loss. (Under international maritime law, companies are only obliged to pay $500 per container for lost shipments.)

Valuation coverage can be purchased through your shipping company or from a third-party. Homeowners can choose from:

• All-Risks Coverage. Offers the most inclusive protection, covering you from practically every type of damage, including fire, theft, water damage, improper handling, and natural disasters.
• Total Loss Coverage. Only offers compensation if your entire shipment is lost due to an accident or disaster.

Because it provides less protection, total loss coverage is less expensive than all-risks coverage. Though it carries more risk, it may be a sensible choice for homeowners with smaller, less expensive shipments.

Inspect Your Final Delivery

Check your belongings carefully when they arrive at your new home. If you find any damage, make a detailed note and take pictures to send to your shipping company or insurance provider when you file your claim. Once you’ve finished your inspection, your mover will ask you to sign a receipt before they leave. If you hired a full-service mover, they’ll help you unpack your belongings and set up your home. They can even reassemble furniture for you!

Final Tips

International moves can be complex. In addition to shipping goods, you may be purchasing a new home, starting a new job, or enrolling your kids in a new school. With so much going on, it’s easy to lose track of the details, but choosing a seasoned professional helps simplify the process. Their familiarity with logistics, shipping practices, and customs regulations is the best way to ensure your relocation runs smoothly.

Allied International Moving Services

Moving overseas is a major transition, but with Allied agents in practically every country around the world, you can count on expert, on-the-ground support every step of the way. From personalized moving plans to sophisticated online tracking tools, our expertise, global reach, and commitment to personalized service help ensure your journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Contact us today for a free quote.