Pre-Planning Your International Move

Why International Moves Require Extra Lead Time

• Customs documentation and approvals can take weeks.
• Ocean freight schedules, container availability, and port congestion affect transit times.
• Many countries require detailed inventories, specific forms, or proof of residence/employment.
• Certain items (food, plants, alcohol, medications, vehicles, antiques, etc.) face restrictions or additional permits.
• Packing standards for overseas transit are higher; fragile and high-value items need extra care.
• Delivery at destination may involve local agents, customs clearance, and secondary transport.
• Your personal travel plans and the arrival of the shipment rarely line up perfectly, so buffer time is important.

Starting early reduces stress and helps avoid costly last-minute changes or demurrage charges.

Suggested Timeline for an International Move

1. 3–4 months before (or earlier if possible)

   • Confirm approximate departure and desired arrival windows.
   • Review the IAM Country Guide for your destination.
   • Note restricted or prohibited items, required documents, and any duty or tax implications.
   • Begin a detailed inventory (many countries require itemized lists with approximate values).
   • Research IAMTrusted international movers experienced with your origin-destination pair.
   • Request surveys and written estimates that clearly outline origin services, ocean/air freight, destination services, and any customs-related fees.

2. 2–3 months before

   • Select and book your mover.
   • Decide on shipping method (full container, shared/groupage, or air freight for smaller or urgent shipments).
   • Confirm packing approach: professional packing is strongly recommended for most international moves.
   • Start decluttering aggressively. Moving less reduces volume, cost, and customs complexity.
   • Gather personal documents (passports, visas, work permits, proof of residence, etc.).
   • Ask your mover what specific forms or inventories they will need from you.
   • Ask your mover about visa and immigration rules that may affect duty-free entry of your household goods.

3. 6–8 weeks before

   • Finalize inventory and high-value item list.
   • Confirm insurance / valuation coverage for the international transit.
   • Begin packing non-essentials or schedule professional packing dates.
   • Arrange any required export or import permits.
   • Plan your own travel (flights, temporary housing, pet relocation if applicable).
   • Notify banks, insurance providers, and key accounts of the international address change.

4. 3–4 weeks before

   • Complete packing or confirm final packing dates with the mover.
   • Prepare a hand-carry bag with critical documents, medications, jewelry, and essentials.
   • Confirm origin access, parking, and elevator arrangements.
   • Review the estimated sailing or flight schedule and expected arrival window at destination.
   • Ensure someone (you or an authorized party) will be available for customs clearance and delivery coordination at destination.

5. Final weeks and transit

   • Be present for the origin inventory and loading.
   • Keep copies of all shipping documents, inventories, and insurance papers with you (not only in the shipment).
   • Track the shipment and stay in contact with both the origin mover and the destination agent.
   • At destination, be prepared for customs inspection and possible additional local delivery arrangements.

Customs, Documentation, and the IAM Country Guides

Customs rules are country-specific and change over time. Do not rely on general advice alone.

Start here: Review the official IAM Country Guide for your destination country.

These guides typically cover:

• Required documents for household goods and personal effects
• Restricted or prohibited items
• Duties, taxes, and possible exemptions (for example, for returning citizens or temporary residents)
• Vehicle import rules
• Practical tips and common pitfalls

Important: Ask your mover about visa and immigration regulations that may affect duty-free (or reduced-duty) entry of your household goods. Eligibility for duty-free importation is often tied to your visa type, residency status, length of stay, or whether you are a returning citizen. Your mover can help explain the typical requirements for your destination and what supporting documents you may need to provide.

Share the relevant Country Guide information with your mover early so they can prepare the correct paperwork and advise on packing or inventory format. Always double-check current requirements with your mover and the destination customs authority, as regulations can change.

Shipping Methods and Packing Considerations

Common options:

• Full container load (FCL)Best for larger shipments; the container is dedicated to your goods.
• Groupage / shared container (LCL)More economical for smaller volumes; transit times can be longer.
• Air freightFaster but significantly more expensive; usually reserved for smaller or time-sensitive shipments.

Professional packing is strongly recommended for international moves. Overseas transit involves multiple handling points, temperature and humidity changes, and longer durations. Sturdy export-quality cartons, proper cushioning, and clear labeling reduce the risk of damage.

Discuss with your mover:

• Whether they supply export-grade materials or reusable crates
• How high-value and fragile items will be packed and documented
• Any items that should travel with you rather than in the shipment (documents, medications, jewelry, irreplaceable keepsakes)

Insurance and Valuation

International shipments face higher risk exposure than domestic moves. Review valuation and transit insurance options carefully. Understand what is covered, any deductibles, and the claims process. Keep a detailed inventory with approximate values and photographs of high-value items.

An IAMTrusted mover has committed to professional standards and a structured consumer support process if issues arise.

Access, Timing, and Destination Coordination

• Confirm parking, elevator, and building access at origin well in advance.
• At destination, customs clearance and final delivery often involve a local agent. Clarify who handles clearance, any additional fees, and how delivery will be scheduled.
• Build flexibility into your personal arrival plans. Shipments can be delayed by weather, port congestion, or customs processing.
• If temporary storage is needed at origin or destination, discuss costs and conditions early.

Quick International Move Checklist

Next Steps

1. Open the IAM Country Guide for your destination and note the key customs and documentation requirements.
2. Use the timeline and checklist above to map your planning calendar.
3. Contact one or more IAMTrusted international movers experienced with your origin and destination for a survey and detailed written estimate.
4. Once booked, share the relevant Country Guide information with your mover and begin the documentation and packing process early.