International Moving Services

What we handle when you move abroad

A move to another country isn't just a longer version of a local shift. Your cartons get handled at ports or airports, checked by customs at both ends and often held for a while before they reach you. So the packing has to be stronger, and the paperwork has to be right the first time.

Here's what we take care of:

• Planning. A free survey of your goods, an upfront written quote and a timeline worked around your flight dates.
• Export packing. 4-layer packing by our own trained staff, with every carton entered on a detailed inventory.
• Paperwork. We tell you which documents customs will ask for and help you get them in order.
• Freight. Air or sea, picked to suit your volume, budget and deadline. You can track the shipment.
• Storage. Short or long-term warehousing if your new place isn't ready yet.
• Delivery. Door-to-door delivery at the other end, with transit insurance if you choose it.

It isn't only homes. We also ship office goods and commercial cargo, and we can arrange for a car to go from one country to another.

Should you send your goods by air or by sea?

Air is quicker, but you pay by weight, so it gets expensive the moment furniture comes into the picture. It works well for a small load of clothes, documents and the things you'll need in your first few weeks.

Sea freight is slower. It's priced by volume or by container, and for a full household or office it usually works out much cheaper. A lot of families do both. Essentials fly out with them or soon after, and the furniture and remaining cartons follow by sea. Your move manager will explain the cost and time difference for your particular destination before you decide.

How the move runs, step by step

1. Survey and quote. We look at how much you're sending and what it is, then give you a written quote.
2. Document check. We go over what your destination usually asks for, such as your passport, visa or residence permit and a signed inventory.
3. Packing. Our team packs and labels each item and prepares the packing list.
4. Export clearance. The shipment is cleared for export and goes out by air or sea.
5. Import clearance. Customs in the destination country clears the goods.
6. Delivery. Everything is brought to your new address.

A few things to sort out before you fly

Customs rules differ from country to country, so look them up early. Food, plants and seeds, some medicines, alcohol and anything flammable are the usual problem items. Don't put cash, jewellery, passports or important papers in the shipment. Keep them in your hand baggage.

If you're an Indian coming home after living abroad, you may be able to claim Transfer of Residence concessions under the baggage rules, subject to conditions. When you want to start planning, get in touch with us and we'll fix a date for the survey.