Household Goods Shipping
Shipping household goods can be a seamless experience with the support of international moving experts at International Sea & Air Shipping.
Get a Free Moving Quote Now!
Start Your International Moving Journey
The decision to move abroad is indeed adventurous, but the task of relocating comes with its own challenges. Whether you are planning to relocate to a new destination with family, for work, or to settle permanently, there is so much you want to take along from your current household. So, household goods shipping is vital to your move, and you don’t want it to go wrong.
International household goods shipping generally involves professional packing, secure transport, and compliance with destination customs regulations.
Why Opt for Professional International Household Goods Movers?
While it is possible that you can move your household goods by yourself, the process can be complex and may involve risks if not properly planned. For this reason, professional international movers are commonly used. Here are a few major reasons why opting for professional movers nearby can be of benefit for you:
Safe and Secure Shipping for Household Goods
One of the primary benefits of international moving company services over self-moving is that your items are moved with standard safety measures in place. Movers possess expertise in perfect packing, transportation, and moving, along with decades of experience. The task is less challenging for them, and they understand the intricacies of the process better than an individual would.
Documentation and Customs Clearance
A reputable international mover will help you understand the documentation required. Furthermore, as they are aware of the changing customs rules, they will guide you accordingly. However, while the guidance of paperwork can be obtained from movers, it is the responsibility of the individual to gather all the necessary documents.
Expert Solutions for Stress-Free Moves
Every move is different. As there are a range of products in a household, starting from furniture, electronics, fine arts, and clothing to a lot more, one cannot decide on how to move each of the required elements and the potential damage risks at the slightest error.
But international movers simplify the process. From custom-based packing to using high-quality materials, from choosing the right kind of international container shipping to coordinating logistics, movers propose solutions that are better coordinated and beneficial at every step. In addition, professionals use high-quality materials and offer packing services for overseas shipping, ensuring the safe transport of your items.
How to Opt for The Best Shipping Service
It is important to choose an effective international shipping company, and it is more essential to select the right kind of shipping type. In this aspect, you may come across three major options.
- The ocean freight, which is most commonly used for shipping large shipments. This option ships items slower but can be beneficial if you are willing to go ahead with a more cost-effective shipping method.
- Air freight offers a faster transit time, but it often comes with high costs.
- You can also opt for ocean freight shipping combined with land transportation for nearby countries.
Choosing the right shipping method depends on several practical factors. Some aspects to keep in mind while choosing the type are
- Budget: First decide on how much you are willing to spend on your shipment process. Sea freight will cost you less, but air freight offers faster delivery.
- Item fragility: Item fragility may also help you choose the right shipping method. As some fragile items require special handling, custom crating, and additional padding, the type may be chosen.
- Delivery time: If you want your items to arrive soon at your new destination, the options differ, and so does the shipping type.
Step-by-Step Guide to Shipping Household Goods Internationally
Preparing your personal household belongings for international shipping requires a methodical process. The following considerations apply for your move:
- Prepare a List of Inventory: To stay organized, it is best to list your boxes. It will also help you have a handy list for the customs.
- Opt for The Right Material for Packing: Depending upon the fragility of the item, choose the right packing material. For instance, bubble wrap and cushion packing are most recommended for fragile items, and sturdy boxes are best for packing lightweight items. In fact, sometimes custom crating may also be used to pack electronics and artwork.
- Do Not Miss to Label Items: When packing items, label every item and every box clearly. Having labels with names, destinations, and contents avoids confusion and helps prevent delays.
- Work With Professional International Movers: Working with an established international household goods moving company helps ensure that packing, coordination, and transport follow standard international shipping procedures.
- Request a Pre-Move Survey: This survey is a pre-move service that helps the moving family assess their shipment and get a custom quote accordingly. Additionally, this survey will confirm the mover’s plan and their ability to execute it effectively.
- Plan for Customs: As stated earlier, documentation is a vital step of the process. Talk to your mover to help you with a customized checklist of documents required based on your household goods shipping and the type of shipment you choose.
- Seek Insurance Before Moving: There are many risks involved in shipping household goods abroad, damage or loss being among them. Insurance is based on the idea that coverage helps reduce financial risk in the event of loss or damage.
Benefits of Personalized International Moving Assistance
No two international moves are the same. This is why personalized assistance is important in making the process successful. Some of them that can be personalized based upon every move are
- Crating and Packing: Based on the fragility of your items, you can choose to crate them during the packing process.
- Temporary Storage: In case you want to store some of your household goods for a later delivery, you can opt for storage services.
- International Piano Moving: If you love a piano and want to take it with you, some movers can do this job well.
- Shipping with Pets: Along with your household, some movers can customize your shipping and provide all necessary assistance in moving your pets along.
Cost to Ship Household Goods
When planning an international move, in particular, you want to be sure to account for every single expense—from packing materials and plane fare to the cost of moving your stuff. Budget planning for an international move typically accounts for packing materials, transport method, destination charges, and customs-related costs.
Avoiding Common Mistakes in International Moves
When it comes to shipping your household goods, you have a wide range of options with few restrictions. You can ship almost anything, whether domestically or internationally. However, some items, like large quantities of alcohol or brand-new electronics, could potentially trigger red flags as commercial imports.
Don’t ship expensive items like guns, military records, jewelry, or corrosive material. Also, do not transport dangerous goods or contraband such as alcohol and gasoline containers, firearms, and radioactive materials. The more travel gear you can carry with you on the plane, the less chance there will be of it being lost or destroyed in transit. Other common errors include:
- Failing to check customs regulations
- Incorrect paperwork
- Choosing the wrong freight option
Experience in International Household Goods Shipping
International Sea & Air Shipping is an established international moving company in household goods shipping, with extensive experience dating back 75 years. The company handles household goods shipments using established packing, transport, and documentation procedures for international moves.
In addition, door-to-door service, custom storage, and comprehensive insurance options are available depending on shipment requirements.
FAQs
Can you ship household goods?
Yes, you can ship household items domestically and internationally. Many individuals choose to work with professional international movers to manage packing, transport, and customs requirements.
What is household goods in shipping?
“Household goods” are usually the personal property that is found in a home and may include furniture, artwork, decorations, curtains, and linens, for example.
How long does a household goods move take?
The time it takes to ship household goods will vary if they are shipped domestically or internationally. International packages typically take 2–8 weeks to be delivered, but they can be held up in customs in addition to the above time frame.
The shipping method also has an influence on the delivery time; you can choose what you like. Various transportation methods, such as tracking number, distance, customs clearance, insurance, and mode of transportation, will affect the arrival time.
What is the cost of moving household goods?
The cost of shipping is based on variables such as distance, weight and volume, and method of transport. Ocean freight is generally more cost-effective than air freight for international household goods shipments. Prices can cost anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the details of the shipment.
How to pack a shipping container with household goods?
Containerize, declutter, and organize first. Pack your things securely in robust materials such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. Mark each box so it’s easy to unpack once you get there.
What is the best way to ship household items?
The perfect shipping option will depend on your timeline, budget, and the size of your shipment. When moving abroad, ocean freight is cheaper than air, and for smaller or domestic shipments, it may be a better option to choose trucking.
What documents are required for international household goods shipping?
For international shipments, you generally must submit an inventory list, customs declaration forms, as well as permits or visas, if appropriate to your destination.
