How to Move by Shipping Your Possessions

Consider shipping your possessions to your new home, especially if you're moving across international borders.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Insurance
• Moving Companies

1. Locate a professional moving company, moving agent, freight handler or shipper by referring to Internet sites or the yellow pages of your phone directory.
2. Consult with the moving agent or shipping company to help you determine the best method of shipping your possessions to your new home - such as air, rail, ship, motor carrier, or a combination of transportation methods.
3. Understand that the location of your new home may determine the method of shipping, especially if you're moving across international borders.
4. Find out if any or all household items will need to be crated for shipment.
5. Inquire about insurance protection for your goods during shipment; consider purchasing insurance from the shipper or an insurance company that provides full replacement coverage for lost or damaged items in your country of destination.
6. Ask the shipper about any duties, taxes and customs clearances in your country of destination if you're moving overseas; inquire about the approximate length of time between shipment and delivery.
7. Obtain a written estimate, based on estimated weight and volume, for packing, crating, loading, shipping and delivering your goods to your new home.
8. Schedule to ship your possessions with your selected shipper; carefully review all paperwork before you sign any shipping contracts.
9. Realize that your final shipping costs will be determined after the actual weight and dimensions of your shipment are confirmed; understand that most shippers require payment before your goods are shipped.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult the embassy or consulate of your destination country to find out about customs procedures and to obtain information on duties or taxes that may be due upon entering the country with your possessions.
• Customs laws of foreign countries can be confusing and complex, so consult the embassy or consulate of your destination country to obtain official customs information before you move.