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International moving can be one of life’s most exciting adventures—but only if you plan it well. From packing your home to navigating customs regulations, there’s a lot to consider when moving to another country.
To help make the process easier, we’ve compiled our essential international moving tips to create your ultimate international moving guide. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or lifestyle, these tips will help you confidently tackle every step of your international move.
In This Article
- What Makes International Moves Different?
- International Moving Tips When for Moving Your Household Items
- Clearing Customs & Securing Duty-Free Entry for Your Household Items When Moving Internationally
- Hiring a Professional Moving Company for Your International Move
- Adjusting to Life Abroad After an International Move
- Frequently Asked Questions About International Moving
Let’s start with what makes international moves a little bit different.
What Makes International Moves Different?
The obvious difference between an overseas move and a local move is the distance. Most international moves aren’t as easy as throwing your items in the back of a truck and driving them to the next town over.
During an , you’ll need to account for:
- Being without your belongings for weeks as they transition to your new home
- Ensuring your items are securely packed for the long journey via truck and (most likely) boat
- Securing duty-free entry for your belongings (if eligible) and clearing customs
- Making room for your household items at your new home (which might be more challenging than you think; we’ll explain below!)
- Adjusting to a new culture and way of life
That’s why we’ve gathered the most practical international moving tips to help you navigate everything from packing to settling in abroad.
International Moving Tips for Moving Your Household Items
Nothing says “I’m home” more than being surrounded by all of your favorite belongings.
The following international moving tips will help ensure your household items arrive safely when shipping them overseas:
Tip #1: Your Household Belongings Will Most Likely Move by Boat
Sending household belongings by ocean freight is the most economically viable option for most international moves.
- In this scenario, your items will be packed into a container, which will be loaded on a ship bound for the sea port nearest to your final destination.
- If you don’t have enough items to fill a container, you can arrange for a less-than-container load (LCL) solution, in which your belongings are packed into wooden crates called lift vans, which are then loaded into a container with other shipments headed to the same destination.
- If your items do travel via ocean freight, they’ll go through quite a journey, so they need to be packed carefully and securely.
Depending on your timeline—and your budget—air freight may also be an option. Your items will arrive faster than ocean freight, but that speed comes at a cost. Additionally, some items simply aren’t suited for air freight, including very heavy items.
Comparing Ocean Freight and Air Freight
| Method | Cost | Speed | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Freight | $ | Slower: several weeks | Sturdy packaging is essential |
| Air Freight | $$$ | Faster: can be anywhere from a couple of days to 1-2 weeks | Not suitable for oversized or heavy items |
International Moving Tip: Some customers use a combination of air freight and ocean freight. They send a small shipment of items they need right away via air freight, followed by an ocean freight shipment with the rest of their items.
There’s also another consideration for anything you send via ocean freight.
#2: Think Ahead to What You’ll Need
Ocean freight can take several weeks—or longer. As a result, you won’t be able to access anything you send via ocean freight for an extended period of time.
(Ask your moving company for an estimated timeline, which will depend on your exact origin and destination points.)
To ensure you have what you need during the transition period, take some time to think ahead and pack thoughtfully. Make sure you have everything you need to get you through until the rest of your items are delivered.
International Moving Tip: Make sure to keep your important papers with you when you move, including driver’s licenses, passports, birth certificates, and anything that’s irreplaceable.
#3: What Not to Pack (and What to Make Sure You Bring!
Before every international move, we recommend downsizing. Take this opportunity to lighten your load and get rid of the items you no longer want or need. (You’ll also save money on your move!)
If you’re not making a permanent move, you may also wish to put some items in storage at your current location, rather than shipping everything.
International Moving Tip: If you’re moving abroad from the US, make sure to take into account the size of your new home. Especially in places like Paris, accommodations can be smaller than in the US. You might want to put more items in storage so your new home isn’t jam-packed full of furniture.
Whether you’re permanently downsizing or simply looking at storage options, two items we want to call to your attention:
Your Bed: Bring It
A good night’s sleep is essential, especially when you’re making a big transition to a new country. In our experience, beds differ significantly from country to country in size, firmness, and quality. If you have a bed you like, take it with you. It may be difficult to find one you love at your new destination. Trust us, you’ll sleep better.
A Wardrobe: Maybe, Maybe Not
In the United States, most homes have built-in closets. In contrast, in many parts of Europe, including France and the UK, using wardrobes is the standard. Before you haul a wardrobe overseas to the US, check out your future accommodations. You may not need it.
#4: Take Care Before Packing Yourself
If you’re on a budget for your international move, you might be thinking of packing your own boxes. Before you go that route, consider the following:
Customs Inspections
All boxes packed by the owner are marked PBO (packed by owner). These can raise a red flag with customs, since there’s no outside verification of the contents. In our experience, household goods shipments with PBO boxes can be subject to more frequent customs inspections, which can mean 1) delays and 2) a bill that you, the owner, will be expected to pay.
Limited Replacement Coverage
For a long-distance move, protecting your belongings is vital. That’s where Full Value Replacement coverage comes in. (Some people think of this as “moving insurance.”) Your moving company will offer you this option when quoting your move. If you elect this type of coverage, the moving company will compensate you for any damaged items at their full replacement value. However, Full Value Replacement coverage doesn’t extend to PBO boxes. If anything happens to these items, coverage won’t apply.
Potential Damage
The moving crews who work international relocations are pros at what they do. They know exactly how to pack items for a long journey—and they know how to get just the right density of items in boxes to minimize wasted space. Rather than worrying whether your items are securely packed, we suggest leaving it to the pros.
Material Costs
When you choose packing services for your international move, the crew will bring everything they need—boxes, tape, heavy-duty packing paper, etc. If you went out and bought these materials, you’d probably spend more than you’d save on your move.
To sum it up, we’re all about helping you create a cost-effective move. However, packing your own boxes isn’t a strategy we recommend, for all these reasons.
In the next section, we’ll cover one of the most important international moving tips: how to successfully clear customs and secure duty-free entry.
Clearing Customs & Securing Duty-Free Entry When Moving Internationally
At some point during your overseas move, your items will have to cross an international border. That means interacting with the customs agency in your destination country.
If you’ve hired a professional moving company to handle your relocation, they’ll assist with the paperwork and the customs clearance. That said, there are two areas you want to be aware of:
Understanding Customs Requirements for International Moves
You don’t want to start off on the wrong foot in a new country. Make sure you review any customs restrictions in your destination country, so you leave any prohibited items out of your shipment. (You’ll encounter some very specific regulations in certain countries!)
International Moving Tip: If you have any questions about whether an item is restricted or prohibited at your destination, ask your moving provider up front. They can advise you—and potentially save you some significant hassle in the customs clearance process.
Duty-Free Entry
Depending on your destination country, securing duty-free entry for your personal household belongings can be a breeze—or involve a mountain of paperwork. (If you’re moving to London, those ToR1 forms can be tricky!)
Make sure you pay special attention to the requirements, since duty-free entry can save you a significant amount of money. Your moving company can assist, but it will be your responsibility to assemble the proper information to prove your eligibility and, in some cases, submit the necessary forms and paperwork to the government in your destination country.
Documentation Requirements for International Moves
Every country has different documentation requirements for entry. This is where choosing an experienced international moving partner comes in. Their experts will help you assemble all the paperwork and documentation needed for clearance. In general, you’ll usually need to provide:
- A copy of your passport
- A detailed inventory (which your moving company can prepare, if you’ve chosen to use their professional packing services)
- A copy of the bill of lading/air waybill (which your international moving provider will create)
- Your visa, residence permit, work permit, or any other official documentation surrounding your stay in the country
And speaking of international moving companies, let’s talk about what to look for if you decide to call them in for your overseas relocation.
Hiring a Professional Moving Company for Your International Move
One of our biggest international moving tips is to partner with a company that has deep experience in overseas relocations. This ensures fewer surprises and greater peace of mind.
An international relocation company with knowledgeable professionals on their team can help you with:
- Sending a seasoned crew to your home to pack your items securely for their long journey
- Making you aware of customs regulations that could cause issues
- Offering you Full Value Replacement coverage to protect your move (some people think of this as “moving insurance”)
- Helping you prepare the paperwork you need to clear customs as smoothly as possible—and secure duty-free entry
- Connecting you with resources if there’s a snag during the customs process
- Sending another skilled crew to unpack all your items at your destination
- Answering any questions you have throughout the course of your move
Get a complimentary quote for your international move.
In short, calling in the pros will take a ton of items off your to-do list. And, when you choose a company with an excellent track record, you’ll have an expert at your side to help make the overseas relocation process as easy as possible.
How to Choose the Right International Moving Company
When you’re exploring potential international moving partners, it can be difficult to know which one will offer the reliability, transparency, and support you need. Here are a few key factors to consider when making your choice:
1. Look for International Credentials
Make sure any mover you consider is fully licensed and insured. (You can use their DOT Number to pull their records on the Department of Transportation website. Affiliations with industry organizations that specialize in global relocations, including the International Association of Moving (IAM), are strong indicators of professionalism and compliance with international standards.
2. Evaluate Their Global Reach
International moves are complex, often requiring coordination with partners in the destination country. Look for a company with a well-established global network. This ensures smoother customs clearance, reliable shipping schedules, and end-to-end service.
3. Compare Quotes—But Don’t Decide on Price Alone
Get written estimates from three, independent providers for a good lay of the land. But don’t just look at the bottom-line number and make a quick decision. Here’s why…
What to Know When You’re Comparing International Moving Quotes
We recommend getting three, independent quotes for your international move before making a final decision. As you consider these quotes, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.
When reviewing estimates, one of the most overlooked international moving tips is to ask each company to explain all potential hidden fees. This helps you avoid unexpected costs later.
Here’s what we mean by that: Some companies may not include fees like terminal handling charges (THCs—extremely common for international moves) or the cost of quarantine inspections (a must for Australia moves). As a result, their quotes may seem cheaper.
When you request a quote, make sure you ask about any other potential charges beyond what’s in the quote. That way, you’ll be aware of the all-in cost for each provider.
4. Review Your Options for Protecting Your Mov
An international move involves transporting your belongings over significant distances. That’s why it’s so important to ask any mover you’re interviewing about your options for protecting your belongings in case something happens to them in transit.
You might think of this as “moving insurance.” In the moving industry, it’s called Full Value Protection. When you choose this coverage, if anything is lost, destroyed, or damaged, your mover will either repair it to its original condition or pay to replace your item. Make sure you understand all your options before making a final selection.
5. Read Reviews and Ask Question
Customer reviews can offer insight into an international moving company’s service quality and communication. Most importantly, look for patterns among reviews to get a more complete sense of how each mover operates. And, finally, don’t hesitate to ask questions. An experienced, reputable international moving company will be happy to answer any queries you have.
Next, let’s talk about the realities you’ll face once the move is over.
Adjusting to Life Abroad After an International Move
Your international move may take you to a place where the culture, the language, the rules and regulations, and the daily habits are different than what you’re used to.
This can be part of the excitement and adventure of an international move. It can also lead to culture shock or homesickness.
Be prepared for these feelings, and give yourself time to adjust. This is when having those familiar belongings around you can offer some reassurance. (Plus a comfy bed to ensure a good night’s sleep!)
You may also find solace in seeking out the things you loved in your previous destination. For example, if you cherish a cup of coffee done right, consider digging into Australia’s robust coffee culture. Language classes can also help if the native language is unfamiliar, as can seeking out expat communities.
The most important thing is to be patient with yourself. It can take time to adjust to new surroundings. Give yourself some grace, and you’ll find yourself adjusting before you know it.
Frequently Asked Questions About International Moving
Finally, we’ll answer a few common questions about international relocations to give you some key tips for your move:
Your International Moving Checklist
To help you check off all the important to-dos when organizing your overseas relocation, don’t miss our International Moving Checklist. We’ll take you through all of your most important tasks from 6-8 weeks before your move all the way through completion.
If you’ve already got a to-do list going, it’s a great way to double-check that you’ve thought of absolutely everything.
Let the Experts Handle Your Overseas Relocation
Now that you’ve reviewed our expert international moving tips and checklist, you’re well-equipped to take the next step. At DeWitt Move, we’ve helped thousands of customers successfully relocate overseas. If you’re looking for a stress-free experience, we’re here to help.
Just reach out for a complimentary quote to get started.
