Moving away is not easy. It is physically draining, emotionally exhausting and overall, stressful. If you are planning to make an international move, consider calling an international moving company to help you pack, store and ship your belongings overseas. This is a popular choice for international travelers who are looking to save money. International shippers work with reliable affiliate carriers (via ocean and air travel) to guarantee that your unharmed boxes will warmly greet you at your destination. But, before the carriers can ship your belongings, you will need to sign some documents including a Commercial Invoice and a Certificate of Origin.

Your country’s destination will determine the number of documents that you will need to sign. The first document to be signed is a Commercial Invoice. Prepared for you by the exporter, this is the foundation document for future documents, and is vital for shipping household goods overseas. The document should contain thorough information regarding your shipment including: a description of the goods, shipper’s address, and payment information. After the document is signed and dated, you are one step closer to making your big international move.

Commercial Invoice

Depending on the country, you may be required to sign a Certificate of Origin form. This document contains manufacturing information about each individual product you are shipping. Important information in this document consists of: importers and exporter’s information, contents in the shipment and country of original manufacture for each item. You will need to sign this document and have it notarized at your local Chamber of Commerce.

Other documents that may be requested include an Export Declaration (B13A form) and a Free Trade Agreement form. Before your move, find out in advance if you will be required to sign them. You will also need to learn more about duties and taxes that will need to be paid by first identifying the Harmonized System code for each of your products. This code is used for custom purposes. Shipping overseas usually requires tax fees so expect a bill for them.

This process takes a bit of time, so be prepared months in advance. But, once you have crossed the “T’s” and dotted the “I’s,” your things are ready for safe travels and will be waiting for you upon your arrival.

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Having the right tools will make the moving process run smoother. First, make sure you have all the essentials: difference size boxes, scissors, knives, foam peanuts and rolls of tape. Keeping a notebook handy is also a great way to check-mark items or jot down notes. And, be sure to boldly label boxes.

Packing from room to room will ensure that nothing gets left behind and will be helpful during the unpacking phase. If you have breakable items, such as dishes or collectors pieces make sure you gently wrap them using crumbled tissue paper (or place them in foam peanuts) for safe handling. Beware of using newspaper: this could damage your goods if the ink bleeds on the items. Label the boxes as ‘Fragile’ or ‘Breakable’ to guarantee they are properly cared for, as well. Be sure to take batteries out of all electronic goods to guarantee that the batteries do not leak acid on your goods. It is also strongly advised not to pack too many items into a box. The box being too heavy to carry will be the least of your worries. If it breaks, say goodbye to your treasured household goods.  If you are shipping overseas, be sure to choose a reputable carrier. An international moving company will help you find the right carrier for your shipping needs without going over your budget.

With these helpful packing tips in mind, you are ready to make your move. Don’t forget to have on hand your passport, visa or any other important documentation.

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Moving overseas can be a tad tricky. It’s not as easy as ‘I’m moving to the UK- Bye.’  First and foremost, you must make sure you have proper documentation such as passports, original signed ‘C’ forms (household goods, pets and motor vehicles), work permits, and keys. Without these vital documents, you might as well start unpacking. If you are shipping household goods overseas to the UK, remember that they must arrive within twelve months after you or up to six months prior to your arrival.

Although the wheels are in motion for your big move, make sure you read up on the UK’s policies toward motor vehicles. Your automobiles may be subject to import taxes. They also must meet with both the Department of Transportation (DOT) and with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. Be prepared to provide a copy of your driver’s license as well as the make and model of the car, title and purchase invoice, as well.

Firearms, drugs and counterfeit currency are among the things not allowed into the UK. And, there are strict rules and regulations for bringing your furry friends along with you. Usually, most animals (dead or alive) are prohibited; but they can come too as long as you make the necessary arrangements. Proof of vaccinations and certificates will be required to show.

Follow these guidelines and you’ll be well on your way to moving into your new home in the UK along with your household goods, motor vehicles and pets.

Click  here to view the list of customs in the UK

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There are times when for reasons beyond the control of FID International Inc (i.e. acts of God, fire, hijacking, etc.) when your goods may be damaged or lost. For this reason we suggest you always insure your goods (Note: The All Risk Marine Insurance includes war insurance, which covers hijackings.) While the cost of insurance is not covered by our estimate, your representative will be glad to guide you in the matter.

FID International Inc. recommends purchasing marine insurance. There are two types of marine insurance to ship your Household goods, cars, trucks, cargo, freight and other items overseas either to or from the US:

All risk insurance covers damage and or loss of goods. This insurance is only available if, and only if, your goods are professionally packed and stowed for shipping. A packing list with values or commercial invoice must be tendered prior to the shipment sailing.

Total loss insurance only covers your cargo if the entire shipment is lost. A packing list with values or commercial invoice must be tendered prior to the shipment sailing.

Insurance is inexpensive and will give the peace of mind you’ll want so you can concentrate on the rest of your move. To insure your shipment, the process is very simple. You will need to make two packing lists. One packing list with the replacement values listed for the insurance company (VIL), and the second list without any values listed for customs at your destination country. You send us the list with the replacement values, and keep the list without values for when your shipment arrives so you can clear customs at your destination country. For shipping an automobile with insurance, we simply need the replacement value of your automobile.

There are often strict restrictions on what you can and cannot take across the host country’s borders. Guns, alcohol, controlled substances, and even certain types of literature are strictly prohibited in certain nations. Your F.I.D International relocation coordinator can discuss this with you well in advance of your move.

Visit http://www.fidshipping.com/customs.htm for more information.

Prior to moving day, you will be involved in preliminary packing (the consolidation and packing of your belongings mostly unbreakable such as linens, books, pots, toys, etc.) into cartons.

On moving day our professional team of packers will arrive at your home with specially designed cartons, padded materials and, if necessary, custom-built boxes to safety pack your furniture, the remainder of goods, including breakables.

F.I.D INTERNATIONAL assures you a safe and reliable transport of your belongings. Our Carriers are specially trained in packing and crating and we are able to offer unsurpassed packing services.

When all items are packed a detailed inventory will be made, the goods will then either be loaded to a container or delivered to our warehouse or carrier warehouse for crating / palletizing. From our warehouse the crates and or pallets will be delivered to a NVOCC terminal to be consolidated in a container for ocean or air freight

DOING YOUR OWN PACKING?

• Make a master list of all household items and your belongings
• Number boxes when they are packed
• Inventory – Write on the master list the contents of the numbered boxes.
• Remove all items such as money, vital documents, jewelry, guns, etc. We suggest that  you move these items personally.

HELPFUL PACKING INSTRUCTIONS
Materials needed for your International Move: (these items can be purchased at a hardware or moving supply store)

• Boxes of different sizes.
• Waterproof markers
• Bubble wrap
• Corrugated cardboard for wrapping furniture and protecting furniture
• Wrapping paper (Helpful tip: newspaper can transfer ink to your contents. Clean wrapping paper can be purchased at an office supply or moving supply company. 1-2 large rolls  should be enough for your packing needs)
• Old sheets, towels and blankets for wrapping furniture. [Helpful tip: if you do not have a  supply yourself, these can be purchased inexpensively at thrift stores]
• An inventory form which your sales consultant can provide you by e-mail or fax
• Strapping Tape 1.5″ – 2″ wide.

PACKING GUIDELINES
Helpful Tips for your Inventory:

• A complete inventory will be required for your shipment
• Each box and piece of furniture must be marked with a number (removable stickers are  the best) and listed on an inventory
• The contents of boxes should read “kitchen supplies”, “books”, “clothes” etc. on the inventory.
• Boxes packed by our customers should also be labeled “PBO” (packed by owner).

Helpful Tips for Packing Boxes:

• Make sure the contents of all boxes are carefully wrapped
• Seal the seams of all boxes with strapping tape top and bottom
• Pack room-by-room, keeping similar items together
• Try to distribute weight evenly amongst boxes Place heavier items in the bottom of the  box and lighter items on top
• Pack heavy items in small boxes. Tape the bottoms well.
• Make sure your boxes are strong enough to support the weight of other boxes being stacked on top of them.
• Label your boxes as you pack them with where they belong in your new home.
• Mark the boxes on the sides, not on the top
• Any item that can be put in a box should be placed in a box.
• Pack boxes firmly to prevent the contents from shifting during your move.
• Bubble wrap all fragile items
• Never pack matches, flammables (such as propane tanks), dangerous articles or hazardous materials. Empty, defrost and dry refrigerators and freezers.
• All stereos, computers, printers, fax machines, televisions, speakers, etc. should be disconnected.
• All cords should be removed and packed or taped to the item.
• All packing should be completed before the movers arrive.
• Any items not being moved should be clearly marked.

Helpful Tips for Furniture:

• Furniture should be wrapped with corrugated cardboard and/or old sheets, blankets and/or towels.
• Pay particular attention to delicate areas such as the tops of furniture and legs.
• Bookshelves should be removed and wrapped separately.
• Dresser, desk, cabinet drawers should be emptied and the contents should be boxed separately. This makes moving the piece easier, and is required for custom clearance at port of destination.
• Glass shelves and tops should be wrapped with plastic bubble wrap.

STORAGE

• Our company warehouse is able to accommodate duly packed household goods for any period of time, on both a short or long-term basis. Your stored items are kept safe and secure in our facility. Our warehouse is served by employees trained to keep your belongings safe, dry and clean.
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• Check with your local City Hall to see if you need a permit to have a 20’ or 40’ container positioned at your home or facility. Some trucking companies may require a copy of the permit prior to delivering the container. If you fail to acquire a permit where permits are required, any charges that incur will be billed to you.
• When the container arrives at your door, inspect it. Make sure there are no holes in the container BEFORE the driver leaves. Sweep out the container to remove any debris, dirt or dust.
• The container comes to your door 4 feet off the ground. There are no ramps or lifts to assist you when loading. You can make your own ramps, rent your own ramps or hire labor to help you load your container.Packing and loading your container well is the key to minimizing damage during transit. Start at the front of the container (opposite of the container doors) and work your way back. Load all heavy items on the floor and load all light items on top. To save space and load to the max capacity of your container, please be sure to fill in all the open spaces between your furniture with boxes, light items etc….
• There are several ways to secure your items inside the container: There are rings or loopholes throughout the container located on the container walls near the floor. You can use rope, ratchet straps, etc. to secure your items.
• The walls of the container are corrugated or have grooves. You can use plywood and 4’x4’s to make partitions or to keep things from shifting frontward or backward.
• The floor of the container is wood. You can nail items down to the floor or you can nail wood to the floor to keep things from shifting.

When you are done loading the container we do suggest using 2’x4’s or 4’x4’s to brace the back of the container. The key to a successful load is a tight fitting load. If your items can easily shift, damage is more likely to occur.

BEFORE the driver leaves your premises with your container, make sure to acquire the driver’s signature as proof that the driver has picked your container. Record the container# and seal# for your records.