An international move can be one of the most exciting times for couples and families looking to relocate abroad and start a new life in a new country of their choosing.
However, the journey can become daunting when you need to consider how to get your household items safely to your new destination country, and if there are any restrictions you need to be aware of in other countries in terms of prohibited goods that are not allowed during international removals.
Also, you will likely be considering what the fastest method would be to move personal effects to your new address overseas – assuming that the process will still take some time.
Luckily, with Marriott Removals‘ international moving experts in your corner, you can get all the assistance you need on what to expect when working with the best international moving and removal companies.
In this article, we provide tips for international removals, and what you need to know about international shipping.
Let’s begin by looking at what to expect when moving abroad.
What are international removals?
A straightforward definition of international removals is the process of moving your personal belongings from one country to another where you have likely secured a new house and new job.
The final step of your overseas relocation will involve securing moving services from a trusted international removals company for your big move.
How do I choose the right international removals company?
1. Start your research early
When you need to start narrowing down which removals team would best suit your needs, you cannot start the process early enough.
Top companies who are skilled in long distance international removals services would be your first port of call, especially those who have experience in both air freight and sea freight removals services.
Add companies to your list that have extensive experience in overseas removals, especially to the country that you are relocating to, and who have proven great reviews – have a look at what their past customers have said in online testimonials and what they highlighted in their reviews.
2. Consider the service types that an overseas shipping company offers
Together with sea freight and air freight expertise, most reputable overseas removals companies can offer packing services to their customers.
Ensure to check with the removals company of your choice whether insurance for your goods will only be provided if the company team themselves handle all packing of items.
Also, check with your removal company what your total service fees will be, as you will need an accurate cost estimate to make it easier to budget for your move.
3. Choose overseas removals services that are backed by customs expertise
Customs expertise is one area where you need top international removals knowledge – especially when it comes to the regulations that could impact your relocation and the moving of goods.
Typical charges could include both customs clearance and port fees, and you will also need clarity on how the customs clearance process works.
This usually involves that all documents pertaining to goods arriving from international shipping are checked, followed by the relevant tax and duty payments.
Once this part of the process has been completed, a shipment can be released and further transported.
4. Discuss details such as transit times and the allowed consignment size for your move
Each international move and its logistics will vary depending on which new country you are relocating to.
Therefore, it is important that you discuss all important details upfront to ensure you are properly prepared for your chosen transit method.
So, discuss aspects such as whether you will have a dedicated shipping container just for transporting your belongings, or whether you will use a shared container to move your belongings overseas.
Check with your moving company what the expected arrival time of your goods would be, and what the allowed size of your consignment could be when you plan an overseas move.
Also, if you are moving with pets, check what the requirements are for safely transporting them, and which rules apply to the country that you are moving to.
It is best to make a list of all the questions that you might have about your international move – even if some items might seem irrelevant, it is still important to raise any concerns that you might have, as this will give you peace of mind to make your relocation easier.
Have you chosen your ideal international removal services? These are your next steps
Once you have secured your free quote and signed with your chosen international moving company, it is time to start the process of getting your belongings ready for your international removal move.
Here are some considerations to remember.
1. Start getting rid of items that you no longer need and will not be moving with
Carefully go through old documents and other items that no longer serve a purpose.
In some cases, you could recycle stacks of paper (instead of sending them to landfill), which means you will not contribute a lot of waste as part of your moving process.
On the other hand, if you have old clothing items that are still in good condition, you can consider donating these items to charities or thrift shops where they can still be used.
If you are not planning to move with all of your furniture, start making arrangements to sell items you have earmarked. This could also be an opportunity to donate pieces to worthwhile causes, such as couches that can be given to old age homes or even schools that have a need for furniture.
2. Make arrangements for storage, if needed
In some cases, for example if you plan to return to your country of origin in a couple of years or only moving abroad for studies, you might want to hold on to some of your belongings and store them safely until you return.
Storage services are often provided by international moving companies, and they will be able to advise you on available facilities where you can store items.
As a rule of thumb, keep these considerations in mind:
- Know how much you need to budget for, and if discounts apply for long-term storage. Check with your removal company if any discounted fees could apply.
- Look for climate-control facilities that will be better equipped to protect valuable items and momentoes.
- Get durable, sealable containers for the items that will be in storage for long periods. This will ensure they are protected from dust and even insects that could damage items such as paper or clothing.
- Work closely with your removable company to ensure that all stored items are carefully stacked and that items are stored compactly and safely.
- Don’t forget about insurance or security – only choose a facility that is carefully monitored.
- Remember that there might be restrictions when it comes to storage. Items such as potentially dangerous chemicals, perishable items and expensive items might not be allowed at storage facilities in some cases.
- Once you start packing, ensure that you keep items that will be put in storage separate from those that you will be moving overseas.
3. Check what the weight limit for luggage is
Together with your planning for packing your personal effects, you also must check what you are allowed in terms of luggage, and what your weight restrictions are.
Although it might be tempting to pack as much as possible in your suitcase, you cannot simply pack everything but the kitchen sink.
So, prioritise essential items and important documents above all.
4. Other considerations
As mentioned, if you are relocating with pets, you will need to work closely with a pet relocation expert team that will help ensure you follow the correct protocols.
Make sure you are fully prepared and know what to expect, as well as what the rules are for international pet relocation in the country that you are moving to.
Also, if your overseas removals shipping involves moving a car overseas, it is important to check with your international removals company what the logistics for shipping entail, including cleaning and where the depot will be where you need to drop off your car.
Last but not least: Make sure your international moving services provider knows your arrival date in the new country you are moving to, and plan together to ensure everything goes smoothly for your journey.
What you need to know about packing items for overseas shipping for your international move
1. Never leave packing until the last minute
Even if you will only be packing some of your personal belongings, you still need to be ready for moving day when your boxes need to be loaded for transport by your removals company.
Make sure you and your team of international moving experts are on the same page regarding what they will be responsible for packing, and have your own list ready of what you will need to pack.
Often, removals companies will pack fragile as well as bulky items (such as furniture) and they will have the necessary training to ensure items are safely packed for long-distance travel.
They will also advise you on any items that might not be allowed at customs.
2. Ensure that you have a clear inventory of all boxes that will be included in your move
Having your own list of everything that will be moved is about more than just keeping track of what is heading to your new home overseas.
It is also about making it easier to unpack belongings once your goods arrive at your new destination.
If all your boxes and containers look exactly the same, it might take hours to find cutlery or even bedding, so ensure each moving box is properly marked and labelled.
3. Keep this in mind for the items you will be packing
- Only use strong moving boxes that are specifically designed for moving. Used boxes might seem like a cheaper option, but they might easily break or ruin during a long-distance move. The same applies to bubble wrap and packing paper, as well as tape.
- Use packing paper in between items in boxes, especially fragile items, which will also need to be wrapped in bubble wrap.
- Consider getting wardrobe boxes to make it easier to move clothing.
Not sure whether you can use both air freight and sea freight?
Both options are possible, but do keep in mind that air freight might have a shorter delivery time than sea freight.
Check with your removal company which option would be best for your destination as well as the size of your full move.
What are the benefits of using international moving companies?
Vetted international moving companies often have several years of experience in assisting customers with moving overseas.
They have specific processes in place for international shipping and can make moving abroad a stress free experience from the start.
So, if you want a reliable solution for an overseas shipment, an international relocation expert, such as Marriott Removals, will certainly help ensure that your household goods have the maximum protection and that you will not be caught off-guard by customs documentation or any other process associated with international moves.
Vetted moving companies will have experience in moves to destinations worldwide, and with their sound knowledge of various international removals requirements, they will ensure that your final delivery is perfectly handled as you settle into your new country.
Ready to work with one of the UK’s top providers for international removals?
Our expert team would happily provide you with an accurate quote for your overseas move.
Simply get in touch with our team today and let’s discuss what your requirements are.
FAQ
How do I choose a reliable international removal company?
Check out reviews and testimonials – this will give you a good idea of efficient, international removals companies with proven customer satisfaction.
Also, have a look at the services that are offered per company, as well as if they are affiliated with the British Association of Removers, which is especially important when it comes to international removals services.
How much does it cost to move overseas?
Each shipping will depend on the size of your move – check in with your removal company for a free quote to determine whether a specific service will suit your budget.
Will I need to pay any duty or taxes on arrival?
Your removals company should be able to assist you with information about the fees you can expect when moving abroad.
Can I pack myself when moving overseas?
In some instances, your removals company might want to pack specific items, or could provide a packing service for you. Check in with them if this service is provided and if the cost will be included in your full removal quote.
What is the cheapest way to move overseas?
Always work with a trusted, professional moving company that will ensure your personal belongings will be moved from one single point to another with minimal disruption.
They will provide the best quotes to ship internationally and guide you every step of the way of your international relocation.
