International moving is a complex and often overwhelming process. Unlike local or domestic relocations, moving to another country involves dealing with longer distances, more complicated logistics, and additional regulations. Whether you’re moving for work, family, or adventure, understanding the key aspects of international moving is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful relocation.
1. Start Early with Detailed Planning
The earlier you begin preparing for your international move, the better. International relocations require significantly more time and coordination than domestic moves. Start by creating a detailed moving plan that includes everything from sorting your belongings to understanding the customs regulations of your destination country. You’ll also want to book your international moving company early to secure availability, especially during peak moving seasons.
Key tasks to include in your planning:
- Research and compare international moving companies.
- Get quotes and understand the services each company offers, such as packing, storage, and customs assistance.
- Schedule your move well in advance to accommodate shipping timelines.
2. Choose the Right International Moving Company
Not all moving companies specialize in international relocations. It’s essential to work with a moving company that has experience with overseas moves. The company should be able to provide specialized services such as shipping container options, air freight, and assistance with customs paperwork.
When choosing a moving company, consider the following:
- Do they offer door-to-door service, handling your belongings from your old home to your new one?
- Are they knowledgeable about the customs regulations and shipping requirements of your destination country?
- Do they offer tracking systems so you can monitor your shipment’s progress?
“Check if the movers on your shortlist for international removals are FIDI FAIM certified. FIDI FAIM is a quality standard specifically designed for international shipping,” Experts for Expats recommends. Be sure to request a detailed estimate, which should include all costs associated with the move, from packing materials to shipping fees.
3. Understand Shipping Methods and Timelines
One of the key aspects of international moving is understanding the shipping methods available for transporting your belongings. Depending on the size and nature of your move, you may choose between air freight or sea freight. Each option has its pros and cons:
- Air Freight: Faster but more expensive. Ideal for smaller, urgent shipments. According to Good Migrations, “An air shipment can cost 10x that of a sea freight. Unless cost is not important and timing is urgent, it is highly recommended to use bulk shipping via sea freight.”
- Sea Freight: “Also known as container shipping, is by far the cheapest way to ship internationally but is also the slowest. Depending on the route this could take anywhere from several days to several months,” states Good Migrations. Sea freight is more cost-effective for large moves, but it can take several weeks or even months to arrive.
Shipping timelines can vary greatly depending on your destination and the time of year. Be sure to plan ahead and pack essential items in your luggage for immediate use upon arrival.
4. Properly Pack for an International Move
Packing for an international move requires extra care, as your belongings will be in transit for longer periods and may face harsher conditions than during a local move. It’s often a good idea to have professionals handle the packing to ensure everything is secure and meets international shipping standards.
Some tips for packing:
- Use high-quality packing materials and ensure fragile items are well-protected. “Purchase strong cardboard boxes. This is not the time to skimp. Corrugated boxes are recommended because they can be closed shut, providing the most security for your belongings,” Today’s Homeowner suggests.
- Label boxes clearly with contents and destination information, including any special handling instructions.
- Keep a detailed inventory of all items being shipped. This will be crucial for both customs clearance and insurance purposes.
- Put all your essentials in your carry-on or personal item, so you can keep them with you. “In your personal item or carry-on, you should keep all essential items such as your passport, important documents, medicines, and toiletries with you when you board the plane,” the She Hits Refresh Blog recommends. “If your checked luggage gets lost for some reason, you’ll have all your essentials with you.”
5. Navigate Customs Regulations
Every country has its own customs rules and regulations regarding imported goods. Before your move, research the customs policies of your destination to understand what is allowed and what is restricted or prohibited. You may need to provide documentation for your belongings, including an inventory list, proof of ownership, and receipts for valuable items.
Common customs considerations include:
- Restricted items: Some countries have restrictions on items like electronics, alcohol, and firearms.
- Taxes and duties: Be prepared for potential import taxes on high-value goods.
- Documentation: Ensure all necessary paperwork is completed and available, including passports, visas, and shipping manifests. According to Forbes Home, you should “Consult an immigration professional… An immigration professional is an expert who can help make sure that you have everything you need to move to another country lawfully. They will help you understand immigration laws, documentation deadlines, immunization requirements and other policies regarding importing household goods. Visit one at the beginning of your moving process to get the documentation started.”
Working with a moving company that offers customs assistance can help make this process smoother.
6. Plan for Storage, If Necessary
If you’re not moving directly into your new home, you may need to consider storage options for your belongings. Many international moving companies offer storage solutions, both short-term and long-term. Make sure to discuss this with your mover if there’s a gap between your move-out date and your move-in date abroad, or if you have any overseas trips planned for a short duration.
7. Protect Your Belongings with Insurance
During an international move, the risk of damage or loss is higher due to long distances and multiple handling points. It’s essential to protect your belongings with the right insurance coverage. There are five main types of insurance commonly used for international moves, each providing different levels of protection:
1. Legal Liability Insurance
This basic form of insurance is often included in the cost of your move by the moving company. Legal liability insurance typically covers damage or loss caused directly by the moving company, but the coverage is usually limited to a fixed amount per item or per pound. This type of insurance provides minimal protection and may not cover the full value of high-value items.
2. Total Loss Insurance
Total loss insurance protects your belongings only in the event of a complete loss, such as a shipping container being lost at sea. It doesn’t cover individual items that are damaged or go missing during transit, so it’s more of a catastrophic coverage. According to Unpakt, “Instead of establishing a cap to the financial liability, this option will keep you completely covered for the declared value of your belongings if your entire shipment is lost, destroyed, or damaged.”
3. All Risk Cargo Insurance
All-risk cargo insurance is the most comprehensive coverage available for international moves. This type of insurance usually covers damage caused by external events, such as accidents or handling errors, and is ideal for those who want peace of mind knowing that individual items are protected. According to ExpatFrontier, “As the name suggests, it covers almost any type of damage or loss that could occur during transit. This includes breakage, theft, water damage, and even natural disasters. However, keep in mind that even All-Risk policies have certain exclusions, so it’s crucial to review your policy’s terms and conditions.”
4. Add-On Insurance
Add-on insurance provides supplemental coverage for specific items or circumstances not covered by your primary policy. For example, if you have valuable electronics, artwork, or antiques that exceed the coverage limits of your main insurance, you can purchase additional coverage for these items. Add-on insurance is useful when you want to ensure that certain high-value items are fully protected.
5. Third-Party Insurance
In some cases, you may prefer to purchase insurance from a third-party provider rather than relying on the coverage offered by the moving company. Third-party insurance allows you to customize your policy and often provides more flexibility and better coverage options. If your moving company’s coverage seems insufficient, seeking third-party insurance can give you the added protection you need, ensuring that your items are covered in all aspects of the move.
By understanding these different types of insurance, you can choose the one that best fits your needs. Unfortunately, sometimes items do get damaged or lost during an international move. Having proper insurance in place will protect your belongings and provide you with peace of mind during your international move.
8. Stay Organized During the Moving Process
Keeping organized is crucial when moving internationally. As your belongings travel longer distances and pass through customs, staying on top of all paperwork and timelines will help ensure a smooth move. Maintain a moving folder with all your important documents, including:
- Your moving contract.
- Inventory list of items being shipped.
- Customs paperwork and declarations.
- Shipping timelines and tracking information.
By staying organized, you’ll be able to quickly resolve any issues that may arise during the move.
9. Prepare for the Final Delivery
Once your belongings arrive at your destination country, the moving company will coordinate the final delivery. Ensure you have a plan in place for unloading and unpacking. It’s also important to inspect your items for any damage or missing pieces as soon as they arrive, so you can address any issues with the moving company right away.
10. Understanding the Costs of an International Move
International moves can be expensive, and it’s important to budget carefully to avoid unexpected costs. Several factors can influence the total cost of your move, and understanding these elements will help you plan financially for the transition.
1. Shipping Method
The method of transporting your belongings—air freight or sea freight—greatly impacts the cost. Air freight is faster but significantly more expensive, while sea freight is more affordable but has longer transit times. Sea freight is generally charged by container size (20-foot or 40-foot containers), while air freight is often priced by weight and volume.
2. Distance and Destination
The distance between your current home and your destination plays a major role in the cost of your move. Longer distances, remote locations, or countries with complex customs procedures tend to increase the overall cost. Additionally, moves to countries with higher import taxes or more stringent regulations will likely incur extra fees. According to Sirelo, “The average price of moving to Europe [from the US] can fluctuate from $6,300 to $10,700.”
3. Packing Services and Materials
Many international moving companies offer packing services as part of their packages. While professional packing services ensure your belongings are properly protected, they do come at an additional cost. If you choose to pack on your own, you will still need to invest in quality packing materials to safeguard your items during the long journey.
4. Insurance Costs
As discussed in the previous section, the type of insurance you choose will impact the overall cost of your move. Comprehensive coverage, such as all risk cargo insurance, is more expensive but offers better protection. Total loss or legal liability insurance is typically more affordable but provides limited coverage.
5. Customs Fees and Taxes
Customs duties and taxes are another significant cost to consider. Many countries charge import taxes on items being brought in, and these fees vary depending on the country and the nature of the goods. Some items may also require permits or certifications to be cleared through customs, which could lead to additional costs. According to Sirelo, additional moving costs include:
- “Customs Duty Charges: As a rule of thumb, the global average for customs duty charges is about 1.8% of your total move. If you’d like to have a more accurate estimation, use this customs duty calculator.
- Visa Fees: Generally, visa fees can vary between $150 and $2,500. Do your research beforehand, as the requirements and costs will change in each country.
- Booking Flights: On average, an international flight costs around $990.”
6. Temporary Storage Costs
If your belongings cannot be delivered immediately upon arrival, you may need to budget for temporary storage. Many moving companies offer storage services, but these will add to your overall moving expenses. Be sure to check the cost of short-term and long-term storage options if there’s a gap between your move-out and move-in dates.
7. Additional Services
Additional services such as disassembling and reassembling furniture, handling special or fragile items, or moving large and heavy objects may result in extra charges. If you have items that require special care or handling, it’s important to discuss these needs with your moving company to get an accurate estimate of the costs involved.
How to Budget for Your International Move
To avoid financial surprises, ask for a detailed estimate from your moving company. Ensure the estimate includes all potential costs—such as packing, shipping, insurance, customs duties, and storage. It’s also wise to set aside a contingency fund for unexpected expenses that might arise during the process.
By considering all these factors, you can plan a realistic budget for your international move and ensure you’re financially prepared for the journey ahead.
Conclusion
International moving comes with unique challenges, but with the right preparation and the help of an experienced moving company, you can ensure a successful relocation. By planning ahead, understanding shipping methods, navigating customs, and protecting your belongings, you can make your move to a new country a smooth and exciting experience.
