The lead time going into an international move is going to be longer than your typical local or even long-distance move. You should begin reaching out to an international moving company at least 10 to 12 weeks before your overseas move date. Quality overseas moving companies are typically in high demand especially during the summer months.

There are some general items that cannot be shipped, international or otherwise. For example, plants, paint cans or ammunition, to name a few. Make sure you understand what cannot be shipped ahead of time and speak with your Suddath move coordinator for any items that may be specific to the country or region you are relocating to. For example, places like Australia, Singapore and China have stricter rules than others, and ignoring these rules can create delays at customs or even hefty fines. This is why it’s important to have an experienced international moving company advising you.

Typically, your goods can be moved on any date you choose, especially if you are planning ahead of time and reach out to a moving company early on in the overseas moving process. Weekdays are best, as there can be additional costs associated with weekend or holiday moves. Try to plan accordingly and work closely with your move coordinator for more ideas on how to avoid additional costs, and please note that some countries require two weeks or more to secure an international shipping container.

The delivery date at destination will depend on the size of your shipment, sailing schedules of the steamship lines between ports and finally, customs clearance procedures and the destination agent’s availability. Once a pack date is determined at origin, estimated transit time will be calculated and advised.

Yes, we can absolutely move your pet internationally. Suddath coordinates with trusted pet relocation companies who we know can provide quality services for your furry family members. Alongside them, we can advise you on the best timelines that allow extra time for vaccinations, health certificates, chips, etc. as every country is different and some may require quarantines for your pet as well.

It is highly recommended to procure a comprehensive international moving insurance policy to protect your goods during transit. Although extreme care is taken when packing, loading and moving your items to your new location, it is a long journey, and your goods aren’t always in our care. Depending on the country, they will spend some time in the customs process.

A good policy should cover your door-to-door for full replacement value at destination. This value is based on your assessment of what your items would cost to replace. Inquire with your Suddath move coordinator for more detailed information.

A high value inventory form is an insurance form where an individual item, pair or set in excess of $3,000 (or whatever the individual insurance policy dictates) is specifically identified for coverage during the international move.

Yes. Suddath has a network of trusted, accredited partners with approved household goods storage facilities around the world. Your household goods can be held for just a few days or as long as you need.

As a true, specialized international moving company, Suddath provides password protected access to our online tracking system to view the status of you move.

Tracking your overseas move online is something to help you feel at ease with the status of your move at any one time but is of course only part of a personalized experience. Your Suddath move coordinator will keep you fully up-to-date with key milestones and you will be proactively prompted to complete all tasks required for a seamless experience.

Yes, we can arrange auto transport services and vehicle transport services. It’s as simple as providing your Suddath move coordinator with the year, make and model of the vehicle and from there, we can check to ensure your car is authorized and allowed to be shipped to your country of destination.

If it is allowed, we can secure a vehicle transport quote and advise you of your costs and regulations. One thing to remember is to make sure your vehicle is cleaned and clear of any personal items. It needs to be empty of everything other than the standard items it came with from the dealership when first purchased.

As this is considered an international service, you do not pay local state taxes on your expatriate move if it is out of the United States. Your Suddath move coordinator will provide additional information on the overseas moving process and rules at your country of destination, to help you understand if you will be subject to any taxes or fees in your country of origin or destination.

It’s a good question, but it’s one that is difficult to answer. Move cost is determined based on weight/volume, and everyone’s shipment is different. There are many factors that go into determining the cost of your move abroad, but the weight of your items is the biggest.

Other factors that might influence cost are:

• Specialized moving services that may be required
• If any of your items need custom crating
• Shipment destination
• Specialized access needs

Your move coordinator can discuss these costs with you and determine if there are any factors that would put additional cost onto your move.

It depends on where you are moving. In most countries, if you have owned items for more than six months, or sometimes a year, you do not. However, some countries have different rules for expats vs returning nationals. Your Suddath move coordinator will provide specific, up-to-date customs regulations for your country of destination.