The Ultimate Guide to Shipping Belongings Abroad

Many people consider moving abroad—it is a life experience like no other—but the prospect of shipping belongings abroad puts many off!

Relocating abroad offers an exciting opportunity for personal and professional growth, cultural enrichment, improved quality of life and, in many instances, financial benefits.

However, there is a big difference between moving home to a new place in the UK and relocating to a European or International location.

Embarking on an international move is a significant life event that requires meticulous planning and execution.

Proper preparation not only ensures the safe arrival of your belongings but also provides peace of mind during this transformative journey.

Our comprehensive guide offers insights into the essential steps for successfully shipping your possessions abroad, helping you understand and navigate the complexities of international relocation with confidence.

Choose your Removal Company Wisely

Selecting the right removals company will make your overseas move much easier.

Relocating abroad can be a complicated business, and not all removal companies are equipped to undertake such moves.

Choosing the right removal company will be the difference between a positive removal experience and a nightmare scenario.

The vast majority of people planning this type of move will want to take all their belongings with them. After all, it costs a fortune to replace everything.

A reputable mover such as White & Company can make the transition to your new home abroad a positive experience.

Having shipped to pretty much every country in the world, we know what needs to be done, leaving you to concentrate on more personal issues.

White & Company will be there for you every step of the way, from packing to transporting to customs issues. We can provide a service that is perfectly built around you.

Use a Removal Company with Long Time Connections to International Affiliations

Check that your removals company has the right connections and affiliations.

When you move internationally, you pay for a door-to-door service.

So how can you be sure that your belongings are in safe hands on the other side?

It is imperative that your chosen movers are members of BAR, FIDI, and OMNI because their members will take as much care of your effects as we do.

OMNI members work together to offer expertise in customs regulations, logistics, and cultural considerations in your destination country.

FIDI accreditation requires companies to meet rigorous criteria through the FAIM quality certification, which is recognised as the gold standard in international moving.

BAR ensure that members are highly regulated so that you have someone to turn to if things go wrong.

Choosing a removal company affiliated with the above organisations ensures you’re working with trusted professionals who prioritise safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, making your move abroad smoother and less stressful.

You can rest assured that White & Company has been a long-term member of all three organisations for many years, providing you with the peace of mind that your belongings will be handled with care door to door.

Choose the Shipping Method Best for You

There are a number of different shipping options that will suit different needs.

Though most people tend to ship all their personal belongings abroad, which requires an FCL shipment, there are other options, depending on factors such as budget, timeline, and the volume of goods.

Full Container Load (FCL): This is generally considered the most popular option. Ideal for large shipments, sea freight is cost-effective but slower, typically taking 2 to 16 weeks, depending on the destination.

Less than Container Load (LCL): Individual shipments from different customers are consolidated at a freight forwarder’s facility and sent to various destinations.

It’s ideal for smaller loads and offers flexibility.

Groupage (shared container): This is similar to LCL, but all consignments in the container are headed to the same destination. Again, this is a slower service, but it’s often organised for efficiency, saving costs and time for grouped deliveries.

Air Freight: Suitable for smaller, urgent shipments, air freight is faster but more expensive, with stricter regulations on consignment size and prohibited items.

By Road: The fastest, most affordable, and most efficient option for relocating to mainland Europe. A moving truck will arrive at your property, allowing your items to be securely packed and loaded directly into the vehicle. This streamlined process ensures your belongings are safely contained for the journey ahead.

Typically, road shipments from the UK to mainland Europe take approximately 2-6 days, depending on the specific destination.

Chat with the surveyor undertaking your home survey; they will advise you on the best choice for you.

Assess Your Belongings

Take some time to review which items are essential to take and which you could leave behind.

If you’re shipping household effects abroad for the first time, it’s essential to understand that removal companies charge based on the volume of your belongings, not their weight.

This means the more space your items occupy in a shipping container, the higher the cost.

To save money, start by carefully evaluating what you truly need in your new home.

Items that are outdated, unused, or impractical for your destination can be sold, donated, or stored.

This not only reduces costs but also simplifies the logistics of your move.

Think practically about your new environment.

For example, will large furniture fit your new home?

Will winter clothing be necessary in a tropical climate?

Cultural differences may also influence what items are worth bringing along.

Additionally, creating an inventory list early can help you stay organised and ensure you only ship what’s essential.

Thoughtful planning leads to a more economical move.

Understanding Customs Regulations

Each country has unique customs regulations, including restrictions on specific items and required documentation.

FIDI has a page dedicated to world customs regulations, providing detailed customs information for the import and export of household goods for over 140 countries, totalling over 240 guides.

Plus, your reputable moving company can also provide assistance in navigating these requirements.

It pays dividends to familiarise yourself with these rules to avoid delays or additional charges, which, in some cases, can even lead to best-case scenario fines or, worst-case, criminal convictions.

Secure Adequate Insurance

Make sure you select the correct insurance for your move.

Another area of shipping your belongings is making sure that they are adequately covered with an insurance policy.

Even the most dedicated removal company cannot account for unforeseen circumstances beyond their control.

Protect your belongings by obtaining comprehensive insurance coverage that accounts for potential risks during transit.

Discuss options with your moving company or insurance provider to ensure your possessions are adequately covered.

At White & Company, we provide Marine Insurance for all our international consignments, though it is not compulsory, it is well advised.

You will need to complete an Overseas Valuation Form declaring the value of your goods so that we can lodge this with our insurers.

Just ask our surveyor about it when she/he carries out your comprehensive home survey.

Pack Strategically

Taking the time to pack your items correctly will help to make your move easier.

A word for those who intend to undertake a self-pack.

If you choose to pack your items yourself, use high-quality packing materials and label boxes clearly with their contents and destination rooms.

Proper packing minimises the risk of damage and facilitates an organised unpacking process.

You must carefully pack and wrap fragile items such as glass, ornaments, and high-value goods in bubble wrap or tissue paper, and do not overpack boxes.

You may be surprised to know that packing for international shipping is a skilled job.

Our highly trained staff have been doing this work for many years and know exactly how to do it to avoid any breakages.

You must also provide customs with a complete inventory of your consignment, or it will not be customs-cleared.

Be advised that any self-pack moves are subject to closer scrutiny by customs to ensure they do not contain anything that contravenes import regulations.

Unless it is absolutely necessary, packing is best left to the professionals.

Arrival of Your Belongings

Make sure you are prepared for the arrivals of your items.

Though you may have rough dates in mind, predicting an exact arrival date is complex and good coordination is key.

You may want to arrive at your new destination and arrange temporary accommodation before you find something more permanent.

Unfortunately, shipping belongings by sea is not exactly science time-wise.

Weather conditions, geopolitical events, shipping line timetables, port congestion, and port strikes are just a few of the things that cannot be foreseen.

Fortunately, for most shipments, there are few delays, and things have run smoothly.

As discussed earlier, depending on the destination country, transit times vary from 10 days to 12 weeks.

Your removal company will provide you with a rough estimated time of arrival.

Upon arrival, local customs authorities inspect your belongings. Any duties or taxes must be settled before items can be released.

Once cleared, your belongings are delivered to your new home.

Some services include unpacking and furniture assembly.

At White & Company, we entrust your consignment to one of our international partners, who will contact you regarding a convenient delivery date.

You can then start to settle into your new life abroad surrounded by familiar belongings.

Consider Storage Solutions

Placing items in storage may be a good option for you.

If your new residence isn’t ready upon arrival or if you have items you won’t need immediately, exploring storage can be a good solution.

Storage can be a very convenient way to temporarily store your possessions until you find a more permanent home.

Just like the UK, many moving companies offer short-term and long-term storage solutions to accommodate such needs.

Stay Informed and Flexible

As there are so many incidences where delays could occur, it is wise to maintain open communication with your moving company.

Stay adaptable to changes in schedules or procedures as being too rigid will cause you unnecessary stress.

By following these steps and leveraging the expertise of professional movers, you can facilitate a smooth transition to your new home abroad.

Moving Overseas With White & Company

Yes, shipping your belongings abroad can seem overwhelming, but with careful planning and the proper support, it can be a smooth and manageable process.

From assessing what to take, choosing the best shipping method, and understanding customs requirements to ensure proper packing and insurance, each step plays a crucial role in a successful move.

Partnering with a reputable international moving company such as White & Company ensures expert guidance, reduces stress, and helps navigate challenges like paperwork and transit logistics.

By preparing thoroughly and staying organised, you can focus on settling into your new home, knowing your belongings are in safe hands.

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.