How to Ship Your Entire Home Overseas: All You Need to Know

Are you planning to start a new life and move overseas? One thing many worry about is moving your main furniture and other big necessities. You want to make sure that all your belongings will be taken care of, from your bed frame down to any electrical appliances. 

I know how intimidating moving all your things to another country can be, from choosing international home movers – sdcinternationalshipping.com down to the costs. So read on as I show you some tips on choosing a good company to work with and how to move overseas successfully! 

Choosing the Best Shipping Company for Your Household Goods 91

The first thing you need to do is to find a shipping company to transport your belongings to a whole new country!

There are many companies that offer international moving services. To help narrow down your choices, consider the following factors:

The Move Size 

Before anything else, consider the belongings you need to take with you overseas. Take note that while you’d like to bring your entire home, you also have to think about the general regulations on what you’re allowed to take overseas. There is also the space issue with your new home and the overall shipment price, which can be expensive when bringing a lot of times!

Shop for international movers and ask if they are able to transport your belongings to the specific area. Then ask about any rules and regulations of the specific country about what you can’t bring. They will also give you some information on their available move sizes and options.

Additional Services

When getting accurate quotes from shipping companies and movers, you should have an in-house survey with them. Company representatives will visit your home to assess whatever will be moved, also asking additional questions. You will review a quote based on their assessment. 

They may also ask if you’d like or need any extra services that can be useful, such as:

• Packing and unpacking
• Surveying the items
• Disassembling and reassembling items
• Disconnecting and connecting appliances and electronics
• Hoisting and handling heavy items from your old home to your new one
• Vehicle moving
• Warehouse handling and/or storage services 

Reviews and Certifications 

Make sure that you do your research with the company and check legitimate customer reviews and testimonials. Don’t rely on their website reviews alone and look at other websites for more genuine reviews with both positive and negative points. You can also ask around your community for suggestions and comments about certain companies they have hired in the past. 

Another important factor is to ask and search for certified and licensed companies. With certified and licensed movers, they can provide insurance, provide warehouse services, and will be liable for your belongings. Furthermore, they have the expertise to ensure a high standard of moving.

And of course, it’s required by law for such companies to obtain certification and licensure for huge moves like these.

Quotes and Insurance

Usually, when you talk with a shipping company or international mover about your move size and belongings to move, they can already provide specific quotes. It’s best to shop around and request for AT LEAST three quotes, which can save up to 50% on the move.

I recommend that you speak with more than just one company to secure the move and get the best possible rate.

But remember, price isn’t everything! You will need to measure and get the best price-to-quality ratio. Not only should they provide great services and add-ons to get your money’s worth, but the expertise and insurance. 

Shipping companies should provide moving insurance appropriate to what you’re moving and its declared price. This secures your items in case of any accidents along the moving process. 

Plan Ahead 

Besides the move size, you should also plan ahead and look into the other details shipping companies need. Ask yourself these questions:

Do you need your belongings at a certain time? If so, when is it needed and will the shipping company be able to deliver it on time? 

• Will you need to be present at the country’s customs office on a certain date?
• What arrangements do you need to make with the new landlord to move in on a certain date and time? 

Consider the time and set an exact date, leaving no room for error for a smooth move. 

Tips on Moving All Your Belongings Overseas

Once you chose a reputable shipping company or mover, how else should you start preparing for your move? Here are tips to help you get started:

Create an Inventory and Inspect Your Belongings

Before you begin packing, check with your new place to make sure that the items you’ll bring fit.

Then, create an inventory of all the furniture you plan to bring. Also, inspect it and take note of any damage, taking photos for existing damage.  

Doing this will ensure that you can claim insurance in case of any losses or bumps from transit.

Select Good Packing Materials

Prepare the appropriate packing materials to ensure all your items are safe for moving if you didn’t avail of packing services. Here are what you need:

• Cardboard sheets and boxes of appropriate sizes
• Bubble wrap and plastic shrinkwrap
• Furniture blankets and covers
• Sealable plastic bags
• Rope and tape 
• Labels and pens

Extra Smart Packing Tips 

When you begin packing, make sure that you use all the space in your plastic bags and boxes wisely, making use of cabinets or drawers to place your items in. Do NOT overfill the boxes though, as they shouldn’t weigh over 30 pounds to avoid injuries lifting them.

Furthermore, look after all the fragile items and protect the corners of your furniture to ensure that nothing gets damaged. 

Wrapping It Up

It’s daunting to move all your personal belongings and furniture overseas. But it doesn’t need to be an impossible task with the right packing tips and reputable movers by your side. For best movers, you can visit their website!

So prepare ahead with all the materials you need and begin listing and packing everything you need now. Good luck!