Moving Internationally from Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a city with deep international ties, from Fortune 500 companies with overseas operations to a large academic and research community with regular exchanges abroad. SDC International Shipping provides licensed, door-to-door international moving services for Philadelphia households relocating overseas, whether for a job transfer, a degree abroad, or a permanent move. Call 877-339-0267 to get started.

Philadelphia’s international relocations come from a mix of sources: pharmaceutical and biotech professionals transferring to research hubs in Europe, university faculty and graduate students heading abroad for fellowships or joint appointments, and corporate employees relocating for multinational employers with a presence in the region. Each situation has different priorities. A pharmaceutical transfer often needs to ship lab notebooks or specialized equipment alongside household goods, while an academic move on a semester timeline usually needs a faster, leaner shipment. We ask about your specific situation during the consultation so the plan matches what you actually need, rather than defaulting to a one-size-fits-all quote.

Moving from Philadelphia to the United Kingdom

London Eye, a common destination for Philadelphia clients moving to the UK.

Shipments from Philadelphia to the UK typically route through the Port of New York and New Jersey, one of the busiest container ports on the East Coast, with ocean transit generally running two to four weeks depending on the destination port and sailing schedule. Most U.S. citizens and returning UK residents can bring used household goods in duty-free under the UK’s Transfer of Residence relief, known as TOR01, but only if the application is submitted to HMRC and approved before the goods arrive. We prepare and submit that documentation as part of your move rather than leaving it for you to navigate on your own.

Moving from Philadelphia to Europe

Florence Duomo, Italy, a common destination for Philadelphia clients moving to Europe.

For moves to continental Europe, we offer both air freight for time-sensitive or smaller shipments and sea freight for full households, with sea freight typically the more economical choice for larger volumes. Customs requirements vary by country: Germany, for example, requires a detailed household goods inventory and proof of at least twelve months of prior residence to qualify for duty-free import, while Italy requires a codice fiscale (tax identification number) before certain shipments can clear. We confirm the specific requirements for your destination country during the planning stage, not after the container has already shipped.

Moving from Philadelphia to France

Arc de Triomphe, France, a common destination for Philadelphia clients moving to France.

Shipments to France generally take four to six weeks by sea from the East Coast, with faster options available by air for smaller or time-sensitive shipments. French customs require an itemized inventory in French or with a certified translation, along with proof of residency status, before your shipment can clear. We handle that documentation directly, and we offer marine insurance to protect your belongings during the crossing.

Moving from Philadelphia to Australia

Sydney Harbor, Australia, a common destination for Philadelphia clients moving to Australia.

Moves to Australia are among the longest we handle from Philadelphia, with ocean transit typically running six to eight weeks given the distance and limited direct sailings from East Coast ports. Australia’s biosecurity rules are especially strict on wood, plant material, and used outdoor or gardening equipment, and items that aren’t declared properly can be held or destroyed at the border. We flag anything that needs cleaning or documentation before it’s packed, not after your shipment has already landed.

Cost Factors for Your Move from Philadelphia

Cost depends mainly on shipment volume, freight method, and destination. A single traveler shipping a few boxes pays substantially less than a family shipping a full household, and groupage service, where your shipment shares container space with other clients heading to the same region, can meaningfully reduce cost for smaller volumes. We provide a written estimate based on your actual inventory rather than a flat rate, so you know what’s included before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be present for customs clearance?
No. We prepare and submit the required documentation on your behalf, both at origin and at your destination.

Can I ship part of my household now and the rest later?
Yes. Staggered shipments are common for clients who want essentials to arrive first while the rest of their belongings stay in storage until they’re settled.

What if my new home isn’t ready when my shipment arrives?
Your belongings can be held in secure storage at the destination until you’re ready to receive them.