Try to book a moving company at least 10 to 12 weeks before your international move date. Remember, overseas moving companies are in especially high demand during the summer months. Especially as the global pandemic has caused delays in some areas, starting the moving process earlier is best.

Purchasing a comprehensive international moving insurance policy to protect your goods during transit is highly recommended. Extreme care is taken when packing, loading and moving your items to your new location, however accidents do happen.

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, as we can help facilitate international moving insurance.

Suddath has been moving people and families across borders for more than 50 years. Our experience means we can take care of everything for you or give you the best international moving tips and advice for navigating this journey. Moving to a new country offers a life-changing experience that’s full of excitement with new cultures to explore. But it’s important to prepare for your overseas move so you can settle in your new home with as little stress as possible.  That’s why we have put together this blog full of tips to help people relocate to a different country with ease, and also compiled this documentation checklist.

A high value inventory form is an insurance company 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, we can move your pet. Suddath coordinates with various specialist pet relocation companies that provide a quality relocation service for your furry family members. Allow extra time for vaccinations, health certificates, chips, etc. as every country is different and some may require quarantine. Suddath can provide all this information, just allow extra time. With pets, sometimes six months or more of planning is required in advance of packing for an international move.

International moves are not all the same. There are many different variables that go into accurately calculating moving cost, as well as understanding what companies will be able to give you peace of mind during your move abroad.
 
For example:
 
·       Look for a true international mover. You can tell a company that has experience and history in overseas moves with their accreditations and awards, with industry standards such as PAIMA, IAM, FIDI FAIM-Plus and EMMA awards.
·       Inclusive door to door costs
·       Destination Terminal Port Charges (DTHC) included in quote
·       Volume/weight container size indicated
·       Insurance rate and percentage  
·       Inclusion of any additional packing costs
·       Estimated transit time
·       Exclusive use or consolidated service
·       Potential additional cost at destination
·       Storage costs at destination
 
Most importantly, read the estimates in detail and do not just look at the bottom-line price. Compare weights and volumes with transit times and services both included and excluded. Use your Suddath representative as a resource and they will help you compare.

Your goods can be moved on any date you choose. 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.

Move cost is determined based on weight/volume. 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.