The International Moving Process Step by Step

International Moving Process

1. Pre-Move Survey

Once you contact us, we begin the international moving process with a pre move survey. In most cases, this is conducted virtually through a secure video call, allowing us to assess your move efficiently while saving you time. If you prefer an in person survey, we are happy to arrange a visit to your home.

During the survey, one of our experienced international moving specialists will review your household goods with you and create a detailed inventory of the items to be shipped. Using this information, we accurately calculate the volume and estimated weight of your shipment, which allows us to provide a clear and reliable quotation.

Your moving specialist will also walk you through the entire relocation process, including packing methods, transit timelines, and what to expect on moving day. Visual tools are used during the survey to clearly explain how your belongings will be prepared, protected, and handled by our professional packing and removals teams.

Following the survey, you will receive our quote and contract proposal, which outlines important customs requirements for your destination. This includes information on restricted or prohibited items, as well as details about our Transit Cover that protects your household goods while in transit.

Your surveyor and dedicated move coordinator will guide you through all required documentation and paperwork. If you plan to store any items either short term or long term, we will also review secure storage options to ensure your relocation is smooth and well organized from start to finish.

2. Quote

Following the survey, your moving specialist will forward the completed inventory and volume calculations to our international moving team. You will then be assigned a dedicated move coordinator, who will contact you with a formal written quotation and an introduction to their role in managing your relocation.

Your quote clearly outlines the total estimated cost of your move, including the calculated shipment volume and the applicable rate per cubic foot or cubic meter. It also specifies all service inclusions and exclusions so you know exactly what is covered. Available Transit Cover options are detailed separately, allowing you to choose the level of protection that best suits your needs.

Your move coordinator is available to answer any questions about the quotation, explain pricing details, and assist with required paperwork. They can also provide guidance on customs documentation and help you review insurance coverage before you make a decision.

Our quotations are valid for 60 days and can be adjusted during that period if your shipment details change. Once you confirm your booking, your coordinator will schedule your packing date and finalize logistics with our trained packing crew. After booking, changes are limited to cancellations in accordance with the terms outlined in your agreement.

From quotation through completion of your move, your coordinator remains your primary point of contact. They will keep you informed of key dates, coordinate each stage of the process, and ensure your international relocation proceeds smoothly and on schedule.

3. Transportation

On the scheduled packing day, our professional packing crew will arrive at the agreed time. The foreman and crew will introduce themselves and complete a walkthrough of your home with you to confirm the items being shipped, identify fragile or high value belongings, and finalize the packing checklist.

Before packing begins, protective coverings are placed on floors and access areas. Your belongings are then packed using proven international packing techniques and purpose built materials designed to minimize movement and reduce the risk of damage during transit. Throughout the process, the foreman prepares a detailed computerized inventory. Each item is labeled with a bar coded identifier and recorded with key shipment details. The completed inventory is reviewed and signed as a formal record of the goods being transported.

Depending on your destination, your shipment will travel by road, sea, air, or a combination of these methods. Every stage of transportation is tracked within our internal system, allowing your dedicated move coordinator to monitor progress and provide regular updates on transit timelines. This structured approach helps ensure a controlled and reliable moving experience.

Packing Materials and Containers

Protecting your belongings is a critical part of international transportation. We use a range of specialized packing materials and custom containers designed for overseas shipping.

Wrapping

We use heavy duty six ply padded blankets, rather than standard four ply materials, along with additional protective wrapping for delicate surfaces and high value items.

Custom Made Cartons and Crates

Our packing solutions are tailored to the specific items being shipped, including:

  • Telescope cartons for artwork and framed pieces to maintain shape and protection
  • Wardrobe cartons that allow clothing to be transported upright to reduce creasing
  • Wooden crates for fragile or high risk items requiring extra structural support
  • Oversized cartons for large or irregular items such as bicycles and sporting equipment

Every item packed is treated with care and attention. Our experienced crew members record their initials on the inventory for each carton they pack, ensuring accountability and reinforcing our commitment to handling your belongings with the highest level of professionalism.

4. Customs Clearance and Delivery

When your belongings arrive at your destination country or city, they will be collected by one of our trusted destination partners. We expect the same high standards from our partners as we do from our in-house staff, assessing them thoroughly based on strict criteria to ensure they deliver the service that meets your and our expectations.

We take care of everything for you at your destination. This includes customs clearance, delivering your belongings to your new home, and performing final unpacking into the rooms of your choice marking the end of your relocation process.

If you’re moving to Canada, for official information on Canadian border offices, customs procedures, and service locations, visit the CBSA Directory of Offices and Services

5. Unwrapping at Your New Home

Once your shipment arrives in your destination country, one of our trusted local partners will deliver your household goods to your new home. Their trained crew will unpack your belongings on a flat surface and place items in the appropriate rooms as agreed. When recycling facilities are available, packing materials are removed for responsible disposal.

Throughout transit and delivery, your dedicated move coordinator will keep you informed of estimated arrival dates, delivery windows, and the local partner assigned to your move. This ensures you know exactly when to expect your shipment and who will be handling delivery at destination.

To maintain consistent service standards worldwide, we work exclusively with partners that are certified members of leading international moving organizations such as IAM and FIDI. These certifications reflect adherence to strict operational, financial, and service quality requirements.

Our goal is to remove the complexity from international relocation, allowing you to settle into your new home with confidence while we manage the logistics from door to door.