What are Your International Shipping Options?

Uprooting yourself and your family to move internationally is a major life change that requires planning and organization. This not only involves locating movers but you may have to learn a foreign language and the news rules and laws of the country as well as its differing social norms.

Locate a Reliable International Shipper. The first step is to locate a reliable and reputable international moving company. In order to do this, you can start by contacting the  local embassy or nearest consulate of the country you are moving to. In general, they will often have lists of reputable and professional international movers. Such international moving companies listed will generally be licensed to operate in both the country of departure and the country in which you are moving to.

The moving company that you choose must also be completely familiar with all the laws of that country with regard to exactly what you are not allowed to bring. Each country has its own rules and regulations and they are all very complicated to decipher.

Obtain a Moving Quote. The next step is to have the international shipping agent come to your home to assess what has to be shipped and to advise you of the best methods available. In general, this will be to use a container and you will be informed if you will need a 20’ or a 40’ container to pack your possessions. In most cases your entire household will be professionally packed by a team of international packers.

Know the shipment options. Finally, when it comes to international shipping options, it would be best to select a very well known company which operates many ships on regular trips to your destination. This will ensure that your shipment will not sit in storage at the docks for weeks on end, incurring costs. You should consider choosing a company that is well-known and has a good reputation. If you budget stretches that far, it is advisable to pay not only for the container to be delivered, but for the contents to be unpacked as well and the packing materials removed from your new home.