International shipping quotes are given by volume, not weight. The price of moving depends on how much is being moved, the value of the goods and the distance to be moved.

If possible, ship only the truly indispensable items and try to buy when you arrive to abate some of the cost, and notice that if you are thinking of having the company pack your belongings, they will ask for an additional quote.

Be aware that if you pack your own belongings, companies may not take responsibility for their safe arrival. So pack carefully, label fragile items and have clear moving instructions written on each box.

Most companies offer a free quote for the move if you submit your information to their webpage. Therefore, feel free to compare companies because the prices and assurances they offer can be quite different.

The first step is ascertaining that the company is approved by an international remover network, like the International Unions of Move, so you will have recourse if something is damaged. Also, be meticulous in keeping records of what you are shipping and their values.

Shipping Size

Basic shipping costs are calculated on the amount of volume (cubic feet) that your packed goods will take up in one of our shipping containers. Volume is calculated by multiplying the length x depth x height.

• Full Container Load (FCL): You will have exclusive use of a shipping container for your goods. The standard sizes for ocean freight containers are 20' x 8' x 8' 6" (1172 ft) and 40' x 8' x 8' 6" (2392 ft). Based on your estimated cubic footage you'll be able to decide which one you'll need.
• Less than Container Load (LCL) (also known as also known as "groupage"): Your things will be packaged and sent overseas in a shared container. If you don't have a lot of items to ship, then LCL might be right for you. Keep in mind that the container might make multiple stops before it arrives at your destination. It is also likely that your things will be loaded and unloaded more than once, placed into new containers on different ships, and might take quite some time to get to you.

Common Additional Costs

Note that the final price is almost always slightly more expensive than even the best estimates. Be knowledgeable about basic costs and budget more than the cost of the estimate. Thinks to be considered are:

• Access at collection or delivery point may be difficult, so a smaller van has to be brought in or hired.
• Collection or delivery on higher floors, with or without a lift, it requires extra men and additional costs.
• Parking permits may be required at collection or delivery addresses (the customer usually has to arrange these - a local council will advise if they are necessary).
• The final destination might be several hundred kilometres from the location of entry, such as a port.

Moving Insurance is a valuable investment when transferring such volumes and values of items. This should be around 2% to 3% of the value of the goods being transported. Insurance for owner packed moves is extremely limited.

Nonetheless, in case of damages during moving, notify the company clearly in the discharge letter as soon as you receive the furniture, and confirm the complaint within three days in a registered letter. If the remover doesn't indemnify you, you have a one-year delay, from the delivery day, to bring an action.

Shipping Options: Ground, Sea or Air

The three basic shipping options are: by ground, sea or by air, or a combination of the three. Most companies offer all options, so inquire about the price difference and decide which method is best for you.

• Ground: Moving with only ground travel is uncommon unless moving a short distance. This is much slower than flying, but much less expensive. This method is often done in conjunction with sea or air shipping.
• Sea: Move by sea takes about 6-8 weeks, but costs less than traveling by air. If moving by sea, your household goods will be packed into containers that are usually loaded at your residence. Once your home is packed into the containers, they are then shipped by rail or transport to the port where they are then loaded on to a steamship container. The container is then loaded on the boat as cargo. Once your goods have arrived in the new country, the container is unloaded and must pass through customs.
• Air: Moving household items by air is becoming increasingly popular, despite a much higher price tag. Heavy cardboard boxes are normally used to pack your goods, although some airfreight companies will use containers. You may find that shipping items by air is less expensive than renting a furnished place to live in or hotel costs while waiting for the sea shipped containers to arrive. Most companies offer both options so inquire about the price difference and decide which method is best for you.

To calculate the volume weight of a given item we multiply the length, breadth and height in centimetres and divide by 6,000 to obtain the volume weight in kilos. Some other basic factors in determining the best shipping method are:

• Volume - This is important for road and sea shipments
• Weight and Volume - Evaluate the weight of items for air shipments.
• Final Destination
• Moving Schedule - How soon do you need to receive your personal belongings at your destination? Do you already have accommodation (temporary or permanent)? Will you need to store some items until you find permanent accommodation?
• Budget - Who is paying for your move? Your company or yourself? What is your allowance for the move?

Finding a Reputable Company
It is a good idea to consider hiring a local relocation consultancy to assist you with arranging your international move, as well as many other practical matters such as dealing with bureaucracy, finding accommodation, and getting a health insurance. Some of them are:

• Moving Home Company
• Grospiron International
• International Moving
• Gentle Moving
• Bekins
• U-Pack Moving

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