Initial planning and preparation for moving abroad shipping
Moving internationally requires careful initial planning. Before you think about quotes and carriers, you’ll first want to take a look at your belongings.Declutter your stuff
Reducing the volume of items you plan to ship is paramount. Not only will this significantly impact your moving overseas shipping costs, but it will also simplify the entire process. Consider these methods:- Sell: Host a yard sale or use online platforms to sell unwanted items.
- Donate: Give gently used items to local charities.
- Recycle: Properly dispose of items that you can recycle.
- Discard: Responsibly get rid of anything broken or unusable.
Inventory your belongings
Creating a comprehensive inventory of everything you intend to ship is a non-negotiable step that will help you with moving your belongings overseas. This detailed list serves multiple vital purposes:- Obtaining accurate quotes: Reputable shipping companies rely on your inventory to provide precise cost estimates.
- Customs clearance: Customs officials in your destination country will require a detailed list of your imported goods.
- Insurance purposes: In the unfortunate event of loss or damage, your inventory will be essential for filing insurance claims.
Research shipping option
Once you know your inventory and budget, you can explore the various methods for moving overseas shipping. Research these options early so you can weigh the pros and cons of each and choose what best fits your needs. Common international shipping services include:- Sea freight (container shipping): This is often the cheapest way to ship personal belongings overseas for large volumes, utilizing full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL) options.
- Air freight: This is a faster but generally more expensive option best for smaller shipments or items you urgently need.
- International moving companies: These offer comprehensive services, including packing, loading, shipping, customs clearance and delivery.
- Postal services/courier companies: These are best for small packages and individual items.
Set a budget
Overseas shipping costs can be substantial, so you’ll want to establish a budget early in the planning process. Once you know the financial implications of shipping belongings overseas, you can make informed decisions about what to ship and the level of service you choose. Factors that significantly influence the cost of shipping belongings overseas include:- Volume of your shipment: The more you ship, the higher the cost.
- Destination country: If you plan to own a home internationally, shipping to remote locations or countries with strict regulations can be more expensive.
- Service level: Options range from basic port-to-port shipping to full-service packing and unpacking, each with varying price points.

Shipping options for moving overseas
Next, let’s dive into exactly how to move your stuff to another country by exploring the different options available. Several options cater to varying needs and budgets, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here's what you need to know whether you plan to buy property abroad or just rent.Full-service international movers
Best for: Large-scale moves, or when you don’t have the time or energy to manage the complexities of international shipping. Full-service international movers offer the most comprehensive solution for your relocation needs. These companies handle every aspect of the moving process for a streamlined and often less stressful experience. Their services typically include:- Professional packing of all your belongings, using appropriate materials for international transit.
- Efficient loading of your items onto trucks and into shipping containers.
- Managing the entire shipping container for moving overseas, including transportation via sea or air.
- Handling complex customs clearance procedures and documentation in your origin and destination countries.
- Unloading and unpacking services at your new residence abroad.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Comprehensive service | Higher cost |
Reduced stress and time savings | Less control in the packing/loading process |
Expertise in international regulations | Service quality can vary |
Container shipping (sea freight)
Best for: A more cost-effective solution for larger moves.Container shipping via sea freight is a popular and often more economical option for moving belongings overseas, particularly for larger shipments. It typically involves loading your possessions into large shipping containers that are then transported by cargo ships. You generally have two main options:- Full Container Load (FCL): With FCL, you rent an entire shipping container for your exclusive use. This option is best for large moves.
- Less than Container Load (LCL): If you have a smaller amount of belongings, LCL allows you to share container space with other shippers. Your goods are consolidated into a container with other shipments heading to the same destination.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Cost-effective for large volumes | Longer transit times |
Secure transportation | Potential for delays |
Suitable for most types of goods | Less flexible pickup and delivery schedules |
Air freight
Best for: When you need to ship urgent items quickly or ship smaller volumes of essentials.Air freight offers a significantly faster alternative for shipping belongings overseas compared to sea freight. Your possessions are transported via cargo planes, making it ideal when speed is a priority. While generally more expensive, air freight can be the best solution for certain types of shipments.Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Faster transit times | Higher cost |
Ideal for urgent shipments | Weight and size restrictions |
Potentially lower risk of damage | Additional fees for oversized items |
International courier services
Best for: Shipping small personal items, documents or gifts.International courier services, such as USPS, FedEx, DHL and UPS, provide a convenient option for shipping items overseas, particularly for smaller packages and individual items. These services offer door-to-door delivery and often have efficient tracking systems, making them a reliable choice for specific needs.If you’re opting to buy a vacation home rather than committing to a full-time move, you may use this option to ship small items to your destination.Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Convenient | Higher cost per unit |
Fast transit times compared to sea freight | Size and weight restrictions |
Reliable tracking systems | Not suitable for large household goods |
DIY
Best for: Highly organized individuals who are looking for the cheapest way to ship personal belongings overseas and who can handle all the labor and logistics themselves. For the most budget-conscious and hands-on individuals, a DIY approach to moving overseas shipping involves renting your own shipping container and managing all aspects of the move yourself. This includes packing, loading, arranging for transportation to and from the port and handling customs clearance.Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Potentially lowest cost | Significant time and effort required |
Maximum control | Complex logistics and paperwork |
Flexibility in timing | Physical labor involved |
How to choose a shipping provider
Choosing the right shipping company is a critical decision that can significantly impact the cost and ease of your international relocation. Researching and comparing different providers will help ensure a more stress-free experience.Get multiple quotes
To secure the best possible price, get quotes from several different shipping companies—ideally at least three to five. Comparing these estimates will help you gauge the average moving overseas shipping costs and the range of services offered.When requesting quotes, be sure to provide the following information for the most accurate estimates:- A detailed inventory of all the items you plan to ship.
- Your exact origin and destination addresses.
- The specific level of service you require (e.g., door-to-door, port-to-port, packing services).
Read and understand the quote details
Once you receive quotes for your move, don’t just focus on the bottom-line price. Review the breakdown of charges so you know exactly what’s included and avoid any unexpected costs. Some common charges you might encounter include:- Shipping costs: This is the base cost for transporting your belongings.
- Packing services: These are fees for professional packing materials and labor.
- Insurance: This is the cost to protect your belongings against loss or damage.
- Customs fees and duties: These are taxes and charges from the destination country's customs authority.
- Port charges: These are fees associated with handling your container at the origin and destination ports.
- Delivery charges: These are costs for transporting your belongings from the destination port to your new home.
- Reputation and reviews: Check online reviews and ask for references to gauge the company's reliability and customer satisfaction.
- Experience with international moves to your specific destination: Providers with experience shipping to your new country will be more familiar with regulations and potential challenges.
- Insurance options and coverage: Understand the insurance plans offered and ensure they provide adequate protection for your belongings during transit.
- Customer service and communication: Choose a responsive, communicative company that provides clear information throughout the moving abroad shipping process.
- Transit times and tracking options: Ask about estimated transit times and the availability of tracking services to monitor your shipment's progress.
- Licensing and accreditation (if applicable): Verify if the company holds the necessary licenses for international shipping belongings overseas.
Tips for packing your belongings for international shipping
Taking the time to pack carefully and strategically can prevent damage during transit and simplify the unpacking process.- Using appropriate packing materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper and strong tape designed for large-scale moving and shipping.
- Pack everything properly: Wrap fragile items individually, fill empty spaces in boxes to prevent shifting and seal all boxes securely.
- Create a packing list: Record the contents of each box, which will be helpful for customs and when unpacking in your new home.
- Note the box’s condition: Before packing, inspect boxes for any existing damage that you can document.
- Use specialty crates when needed: Fragile or high-value items like artwork or antiques may require custom-built crates for maximum protection.
- Be aware of prohibited items: Research any items that can’t be shipped internationally before packing. This can vary by country and shipping company.
- Label boxes clearly: Label each box with its contents and mark those containing fragile items clearly with "FRAGILE" warnings on all sides.
Navigating customs
One of the most complex aspects of moving overseas is navigating the customs regulations of your destination country. These rules dictate what items you can bring into the country, what duties and taxes you might need to pay, and the necessary documentation required. You’ll want to thoroughly research the specific customs requirements of the country you’re moving to well in advance of your departure. This may involve checking the country's official customs website or consulting with your chosen shipping provider.Duties and taxes
Unlike simply buying a house in another state, many countries impose duties and taxes on imported goods, although personal items being moved for relocation may sometimes be exempt or subject to reduced rates, depending on the specific regulations and circumstances.The amount of duties and taxes owed will depend on the destination country's policies and the value and nature of your shipped items. Check the country’s official customs website to determine any duties or taxes you’ll owe.Essential documentation
Successfully clearing customs when you move requires submitting the correct documentation. Gather all necessary paperwork ahead of your shipment's arrival. These could include:- Passport and visa
- Detailed inventory list
- Customs declaration forms (usually provided by the shipping company)
- Proof of ownership (may be required)
- Other country-specific documents, like residency permits (remember that a second home can’t be a primary residence) or specific declarations
Work with your shipping company
A reputable shipping company will be valuable in helping you navigate the complex customs procedures. They can guide you through the necessary paperwork and help ensure your shipment complies with the regulations of your destination country.Be sure to provide your shipping company with accurate and truthful information regarding your inventory and personal details to avoid potential delays or penalties with customs.Types of insurance coverage
With an international move, there’s always a risk of your belongings being damaged or lost during transit. Protecting your items with adequate insurance coverage is highly recommended for peace of mind. Your options typically include:- All-risks coverage: This more comprehensive option typically covers loss or damage from a wider range of causes.
- Total loss coverage: This less comprehensive option usually only covers the complete loss of your entire shipment due to events like a total loss of the vessel or aircraft.
Tracking your shipment
Once your belongings are en route, most overseas shipping companies provide tracking options so you can keep up with their progress. This way, you can monitor your shipment’s journey and get an estimated delivery time frame. There are a few different tracking methods:- Online portals and tracking numbers: Your shipping provider will typically provide a unique tracking number you can use on their website or a dedicated tracking portal to follow your shipment's location.
- Tracking devices: For added peace of mind, consider placing personal tracking devices like AirTags in some of your boxes (be mindful of any restrictions on such devices by the shipping company or destination country).
What to do once your shipment arrives at the overseas destination
Before you sign off on the final delivery of your shipment, carefully inspect your belongings for any signs of damage that could have happened during transit. If you notice any damage, make detailed notes on the delivery receipt and take clear photos and videos as evidence. Notify the shipping company immediately to begin the claims process if necessary.Your successful moving overseas shipping journey starts with PacasoPlanning your overseas journey involves careful consideration of decluttering, inventorying, budgeting, researching shipping options and navigating customs. Thoroughly researching your options will ensure a smoother transition to your new chapter abroad. Maybe the dream of an overseas escape appeals to you, but the thought of moving your belongings overseas feels daunting. Consider the ease of shared ownership in a beautifully furnished Pacaso vacation home, where you can enjoy extended stays without the complexities of international shipping.Moving overseas shipping FAQ
01: What is the cheapest way to move internationally?
The cheapest way to ship personal belongings overseas is typically via sea freight, utilizing a shared container (LCL - Less than Container Load). While it's the most budget-friendly option for larger moves, be prepared for longer transit times than air freight or courier services.
02: Is it worth shipping furniture overseas?
Whether it's worth moving belongings overseas — specifically furniture — depends on several factors, including the value of your furniture, the cost of shipping versus buying new furniture at your destination and your sentimental attachment to your pieces. Gather cost estimates to compare with the price of replacement to help you decide what makes the most financial sense.
03: How much does it cost to ship my belongings overseas?
The cost to ship belongings overseas varies significantly based on the size of your shipment, the origin and destination countries, the chosen shipping method (sea vs. air), and the level of service you require (e.g., door-to-door, packing services). Get quotes from multiple moving companies for an accurate estimate.