International Moving with Orbit
International moving involves more than transportation: it requires planning, documentation, coordination, and clear communication at every stage. At Orbit International Moving, you’re supported by a dedicated coordinator who manages your relocation from packing to final delivery, helping you avoid surprises and delays.
Trusted by thousands of customers, Orbit is an IAM-accredited and FIDI-FAIM certified international moving company, operating under the industry’s highest audited standards for professionalism, transparency, and customer care worldwide.
Who Orbit Is Best Suited For
Orbit specializes in full household relocations, long-term moves, and complex international shipments involving customs clearance and documentation. Our services are best suited for families, retirees, corporate transferees, and returning citizens who require professional packing, coordinated transport, and door-to-door delivery.
What to Expect When You Move Internationally
From origin to delivery, we manage every step of your relocation with trained professionals, personalized coordination, and international documentation expertise, so your move is predictable, transparent, and stress-free.
- Orbit International Moving assigns a dedicated moving coordinator to every international relocation, giving you a single point of accountability responsible for scheduling, documentation, carrier coordination, and clear communication from start to finish.
- Your household goods are professionally packed using export-grade materials and proven international packing standards, reducing the risk of damage, delays, or customs complications and ensuring full eligibility for comprehensive all-risk insurance coverage when packed by Orbit’s certified crews.
- We help to select and manage the most appropriate transportation option (land, sea, or air) based on your destination, timeline, and priorities. Coordinating through our established global partner network while preparing all required export and import documentation and handling customs clearance to keep your shipment moving without disruption.
- At destination, Orbit oversees customs release, delivery, and any required storage, working with vetted local agents to ensure your shipment arrives safely, on time, and exactly as promised.
What’s Typically Included
in a Full-Service International Move
All services are customizable based on your needs. Your dedicated international moving coordinator will review all included services, exclusions, and potential variables in advance, so you understand the full cost before your shipment moves.
- Pickup from your residence
Professional collection of household goods from your home. - Packing, wrapping, and preparation
All packing and wrapping materials, professional packing, protective wrapping, detailed inventory preparation, loading and/or container bracing, and preparation of required shipping documentation. - Standard furniture disassembly and reassembly
Disassembly and reassembly of used beds and kitchen or dining tables with 8 screws or fewer. - International transportation and customs clearance
Transport of your shipment to the destination country, including standard export handling and normal destination customs clearance. - Delivery to residence
Delivery into the residence at ground level or one level above, provided the distance from the truck or container to the residence entrance does not exceed 50 feet. (Excludes large or heavy specialty items such as pianos or safes.) - Delivery services and basic setup
Verification of the packing inventory, unwrapping of items, and basic furniture setup as defined above. - Removal of used packing materials
Removal of packing debris on the day of delivery.
What’s Typically Not Included or May Incur Additional Charges
Your dedicated international moving coordinator reviews all applicable exclusions, destination requirements, and potential cost variables in advance, so you can plan accurately and avoid unexpected charges.
Furniture Assembly & Specialty Handling
- Extensive or complex furniture assembly, including:
- Bookcases, wall units, armoires
- Exercise equipment
- Bunk beds, cribs
- IKEA or similar modular furniture
- Beds with multiple components or new furniture
- Specialty handling for oversized or heavy items, such as:
- Pianos, safes
- Items requiring rigging, hoisting, or exterior elevators
- Custom-built wooden crates, unless specifically quoted
- Reassembly of furniture dismantled for access or volume reduction purposes
Access Conditions & Delivery Constraints
- Long carries beyond the first 50 feet
- Stairs beyond ground level or one level above
- Difficult or restricted access at origin or destination
- Parking permits, parking tickets, or after-hours, weekend deliveries
Customs, Duties & Government Fees
- Import duties and local taxes
- Customs inspections, fines, penalties, or related government fees
- Destination-specific port or terminal charges
- Unforeseen customs delays
- Force majeure events (including strikes, port or border congestion, pandemics, or war)
Storage and Port-Related Charges
- Origin or destination storage and warehouse handling, unless specifically included
- Port or warehouse storage and handling charges
- Container demurrage or detention charges (as assessed by carriers)
- Container deposits required by steamship lines at destination
Financial Variables
- Fuel surcharges resulting from unexpected increases in fuel rates
- Currency exchange rate fluctuations
(Quotes are based on exchange rates in effect on the date of quotation)
Items and Services Outside the Shipment Scope
- Handling or disposal of items not included in the shipment
- Additional handling of articles remaining at origin
Expert Tips for a Successful International Move
Confirm Shipment Volume Before Booking
Accurate volume assessment is one of the most important factors in international moving costs. A professional mover should verify shipment volume transparently before shipping, not after. Clear confirmation upfront helps prevent unexpected adjustments, delays, and disputes once your belongings are already in transit.
Understand How Packing Affects Cost and Coverage
Packing is only one part of international origin services, which also include protective wrapping, loading, export handling, and documentation. While self-packing may appear to reduce costs, it can limit insurance eligibility and increase the likelihood of customs inspections. Professional packing ensures proper documentation and helps protect both your shipment and your coverage.
International Moves Require Export-Grade Packing
Overseas shipments are exposed to extended handling, container movement, and environmental stress. Export-grade materials and standardized packing methods are designed specifically for these conditions. When items are packed and inventoried by trained professionals, they are better protected during transit and typically eligible for comprehensive insurance coverage.
Plan for Realistic Transit Timelines
International moves involve multiple stages, including customs clearance and port handling, all of which affect transit time. While schedules are carefully planned, delays can occur due to regulatory processing, weather, or port congestion. Understanding this in advance helps set realistic expectations and ensures a smoother, less stressful relocation.
