Frequently
Asked Questions
How long does an international move take?
An international move takes a few weeks or even six months, depending on origin and destination. A good planning will help minimize surprises and allow you to enjoy the move.
How do international moves work?
- The total volume of the shipment to be moved;
- The distance to your new home;;
- The number and nature of additional services you request, such as packing, furniture disassembly and re-assembly, temporary storage, etc.;
- The transport mode: via air, sea (FCL/LCL)
Can you move without a new address?
Are you certain of an upcoming move but do you not yet know where you are moving to? It is actually quite common. A moving service does not need an address to finalize plans and we can even start your move and store (in transit) everything until you have found a new place. Once you know the destination, the shipment can be scheduled for delivery.
What items can I ship internationally?
The good news is that you can ship most personal and household items internationally. This includes furniture, clothing, and other household goods.
Before your goods are being packed, it is recommended to critically look and choose the items you do not need, or can easily replace in the destination country. That way you will not pay to take the things that you do not need at the other end. Depending on the destination country, the rules for certain items vary e.g. alcohol, art etc. We can clarify and provide the information regarding rules in the destination country.
Who will be responsible for picking up my shipment at the destination port and unloading?
When you are using our service to load and transport your goods to the nearest port for shipping overseas, a partner company will be waiting in the destination country to receive your shipment. Your personal move manager will be your point of contact and will be assisted by our agents in China and at destination.
Do I have to be present to clear customs of my goods?
This varies from country to country, so it is a very important question before your move. Some countries require the customer who is responsible for the shipment to be present at customs in order for the goods to be cleared. If the customer is obliged to be present and fails to show up, they will often keep the shipment at the port until it clears customs, which can potentially cost you hundreds dollars more in port fees.
Do I need storage service?
When you move internationally, you may need to store some of your goods, even if it is only temporarily, while you get settled and find a place to live. We offer storage services in our own facility in China but we can also provide storage via partners at destination. It is always a good idea to ask about this beforehand, even if you are not sure you will need storage – a backup plan if things change during the relocation.
Do I need insurance?
This is one of the most important questions to ask, since moving your belongings overseas will put them at a greater risk of being damaged. It is necessary to have adequate insurance coverage for your goods. Make sure to cover your goods and protect them in the unfortunate event that they are lost or damaged. While purchasing insurance for an international move can be quite costly in comparison with a domestic move, it is worth it in the long run. Obviously, we can inform you about the options for insurance.
Which are the shipping methods?
Moving by road
Road transportation is very common in domestic moving, usually using vans to ensure that your belongings are not afraid of rain and snow.
Moving by sea
Sea freight is one of the most popular shipping methods for relocations overseas. It takes relatively long time before the container arrives at the destination country, especially when it is on the other side of the world which should be taken into account. Whether you want to ship a just few boxes or an entire household, we assist you with multiple options so you can make the right decision for your relocation.
Moving by air
Airfreight is the most expensive but fastest method for smaller shipments. It might be a good solution for you in case you need some items urgently at destination, perhaps the essentials to maintain your family while waiting for the main sea shipment. A small consignment can be cost effective. Airfreight is charged based on size or weight, whichever is the greater the costs will be calculated by the airlines.
What is the main difference between shipping by sea and by air?
Smaller shipments that should arrive at the destination faster are good to ship by air. If you need to ship larger items, sea shipping is better for you. The biggest difference between air and sea shipping is the time and cost factors.