International Moving From Los Angeles: What You Need to Know Before You Go
For many in Los Angeles, the idea of moving abroad has gone from distant dream to exciting reality.
Rising living costs, remote work flexibility, and a growing appetite for cultural adventure are leading more Angelenos to take the leap — from Venice Beach to Valencia, from Santa Monica to Sydney.
Whether it’s the search for a lower cost of living, a slower pace of life, better work-life balance, or simply a fresh start, international relocation is on the rise among Californians.
You might be:
- A young professional embracing remote work from abroad.
- A retiree seeking Mediterranean sunsets and lower healthcare costs.
- A family ready to give your kids a global education.
- Or someone craving a fresh start in a place that aligns more with your values.
Whatever your reason, one thing is clear: the world is more accessible than ever — and it starts right here in LA.
At SDC International Shipping, we’ve helped thousands of Angelenos make the jump to a new country with confidence and clarity.
We know the ports, the neighborhoods, the local challenges — and we understand what it takes to move your life overseas from the City of Angels.
Choosing a Local Moving Company That Specializes in International Relocation
Here’s something most people don’t realize until they’re knee-deep in logistics:
Moving overseas is very different from moving across town — or even across the country.
Many moving companies in Los Angeles claim to offer “international moving services,” but what they really provide is a domestic moving experience followed by a handoff to a freight broker — often with little communication, no tracking, and no coordination on the other side of the globe.
You deserve better.
When you’re relocating your life — not just your furniture — you need a partner that understands the nuances of both your local community and your global destination.
That’s where SDC International Shipping makes the difference.
Why Local Knowledge in LA Matters for International Moves
Los Angeles is vast. The city’s geography, zoning, traffic patterns, and property access points can create surprising logistical challenges for international moves.
Here’s how local experience helps:
- Port Expertise:
With proximity to the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach — two of the busiest ports in the country — a local mover needs to know how to efficiently book container access, avoid bottlenecks, and meet sailing schedules without delays. - Neighborhood Nuance:
Moving out of a West Hollywood apartment? Parking restrictions.
Beverly Hills estate? Tight scheduling with building managers.
Santa Monica bungalow? Narrow streets and limited loading space.
We’ve seen it all — and planned for it all. - Packing and Surveying Access:
Our LA-based teams can come directly to your home for packing prep, in-home surveys, and loading coordination — no third-party guessing.
Why International Moving Experience Is Non-Negotiable
Moving internationally isn’t just longer — it’s a completely different industry from domestic moving.
Here’s what international expertise brings to the table:
- Proper Licensing:
SDC International Shipping is fully licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) — which means we’re legally authorized to ship household goods overseas via ocean freight. Not all “movers” can say the same. - Customs Compliance:
Every country has its own import rules, documentation standards, and restricted items lists. Our team helps you navigate these regulations early to avoid clearance delays or penalties. - End-to-End Logistics Coordination:
We don’t just pick up your belongings — we manage the full journey, including:- Export paperwork
- Insurance
- Container transport
- Customs clearance
- Final delivery and unpacking in your new country
- Global Partnerships:
We have vetted destination agents in over 100 countries — not just random overseas contractors.
Real Question to Ask Any Mover Before You Hire Them:
“Can you walk me through the entire door-to-door process — including what happens after my shipment leaves LA?”
If they pause or talk around the answer, keep looking.
✅ At SDC International Shipping, this is our specialty.
We’ve helped Angelenos move to London, Tokyo, Barcelona, Auckland, and everywhere in between. We understand the details — and we know what peace of mind feels like.
What to Expect: The International Moving Process from LA
Moving internationally from Los Angeles involves multiple moving parts — but with the right company guiding the way, the process can feel surprisingly smooth and well-orchestrated.
Here’s what you can expect when working with a trusted international mover like SDC:
1. In-Home or Virtual Survey
To start, we’ll schedule a professional survey of your belongings to estimate your volume, determine packing requirements, and identify special handling needs. This can be done in person at your LA home or virtually.
2. Quote and Move Planning
After the survey, we’ll provide a detailed, written quote outlining services, shipping options, estimated timeline, and insurance. We’ll also build a custom moving plan based on your desired schedule and destination requirements.
3. Professional Packing and Crating
Our LA-based team will arrive on your scheduled day to:
- Pack and label your belongings.
- Build custom crates for delicate or high-value items.
- Prepare detailed inventories required for customs.
We use only international-grade packing materials — including double-walled boxes, stretch wrap, moisture protection, and reinforced crates.
4. Container Loading and Port Transport
Your belongings are securely loaded into a shipping container (full or shared) and transported to the Port of Los Angeles or Port of Long Beach. We handle port bookings, scheduling, and documentation.
5. Ocean Freight and Customs Clearance
Your container departs by sea and arrives at the port nearest your destination. During transit, we’ll track and coordinate customs clearance, document submission, and destination protocols.
6. Final Delivery and Unpacking
Once your shipment clears customs, it’s transported to your new home overseas. Depending on your service level, we can:
- Deliver door to door.
- Unpack and set up your furniture.
- Remove debris and packing materials.
Pro Tip: Moving from Los Angeles gives you access to major West Coast ports and faster sailing routes to Asia, Australia, and parts of Europe — a logistical advantage that can shorten transit time by several days.
With SDC, you’re supported from end to end — from your LA front door to your new home abroad.
How to Prepare for Customs, Paperwork, and Documentation
One of the most important — and often most misunderstood — parts of any international move is customs.
If your paperwork is incomplete or your inventory is inaccurate, your shipment could be delayed, fined, or even held indefinitely at the destination port.
Here’s how to prepare the right way:
1. Inventory Everything
You’ll need a complete list of all household goods being shipped. This includes:
- Item names
- Quantities
- Estimated values
- Categories (e.g., kitchenware, clothing, electronics)
Our team will help you prepare this during packing — and make sure it meets your destination country’s requirements.
2. Complete Required Customs Forms
Every country has different forms and rules. We’ll guide you through the required customs documentation based on your destination, such as:
- Transfer of residency forms (e.g., UK’s TOR1)
- Visa or residency permits
- Passport copies
- Proof of address or employment
Visit our Customs Clearance Guide for destination-specific details.
3. Know What You Can (and Can’t) Ship
Commonly restricted or prohibited items include:
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Aerosols and flammables
- Perishable food
- Plants and soil
- Prescription medications
Some items may be allowed with proper permits — others should not be shipped at all. We’ll advise based on your country’s rules.
4. Keep Important Documents With You
Never pack critical items like:
- Passports
- Bank documents
- Jewelry
- Medications
- Personal devices
These should travel with you, not in your shipping container.
Customs Tip:
Many delays come from missing or inaccurate documents — not the shipment itself. Working with a mover who knows how to prepare and submit paperwork properly can save you weeks of frustration.
At SDC, our customs experts walk you through the entire process, helping you avoid delays and get your belongings released quickly at your destination.
Packing, Insurance, and Protecting Your Belongings Overseas
When you’re relocating from Los Angeles to another country, your belongings are about to travel thousands of miles — across highways, oceans, ports, and customs inspections. That journey demands more than ordinary packing.
Here’s how to ensure your shipment is protected from pickup to final delivery:
Use International-Grade Packing Materials
At SDC, we don’t use generic moving supplies. Our packing services are built specifically for international conditions, including:
- Double-walled boxes to withstand stacking in cargo containers
- Stretch wrap and moisture protection for upholstered furniture
- Foam and custom crates for fragile or high-value items
- Desiccant packs to guard against humidity during ocean transit
Pro Tip: If you’re shipping antiques, artwork, or instruments, ask about custom crating for maximum protection.
Inventory and Labeling
We create a full inventory during packing — not just for customs, but to ensure your items are tracked and arrive intact. Every box is clearly labeled with:
- Destination room
- Contents
- Fragile warnings
- Item numbers linked to your shipping documents
This also helps at your destination — whether you’re unpacking yourself or having our team do it for you.
Get the Right Insurance Coverage
Even with expert packing, the international journey introduces risks. That’s why we offer marine insurance that protects your shipment against loss or damage.
You’ll choose from:
- Total loss coverage (budget-friendly for select shipments)
- Full replacement value coverage (recommended for household moves)
- Itemized or blanket policies based on your shipment
Not all insurance is created equal — and some policies only apply if your goods were professionally packed. Let our team help you select the right option based on your needs and budget.
Insurance Tip:
Always ask what’s covered, what’s excluded, and how claims work. We’ll explain it all clearly — no jargon, no confusion.
Why SDC International Shipping is the Best Choice for Angelenos Moving Abroad
Los Angeles is our home — and international moving is our specialty. At SDC International Shipping, we’re proud to offer unmatched service to clients across Southern California who are ready to take their lives global.
Here’s why Angelenos trust us with their most important moves:
Local Expertise
- Our teams live and work in LA — we know the streets, the permits, the traffic, and the unique quirks of every neighborhood from Silver Lake to Santa Clarita.
- We conduct in-home surveys and packing throughout the LA metro area.
- Our logistics team coordinates with the Port of LA and Long Beach daily — minimizing delays and keeping things moving.
Global Reach
We’ve moved families, professionals, students, and retirees from Los Angeles to:
- The UK
- France
- Australia
- Japan
- Mexico
- Germany
- South Korea
- And dozens more destinations across five continents
With an international network of vetted partners and destination agents, we handle customs, clearance, and delivery at the other end — no guesswork.
Full-Service, Door-to-Door Relocation
Unlike brokers or small-scale movers, SDC handles every step of your move:
- Local packing and loading
- Ocean freight coordination
- Documentation and customs support
- Delivery and unpacking overseas
Need storage between homes? We also offer secure, climate-controlled storage in Los Angeles and internationally.
Transparent Pricing, No Surprises
Our quotes are detailed, clear, and built for your move — not some one-size-fits-all spreadsheet. We’ll help you compare quotes the right way — and explain exactly what’s included.
What sets us apart?
Our clients aren’t numbers — they’re families, dreamers, professionals, and adventurers. We treat your move like it matters — because it does.
Conclusion: Start Your Global Move With Confidence
Moving overseas from Los Angeles is a bold, exciting decision — and like any big leap, it comes with a lot of moving parts. From packing up your home in LA to setting down new roots across the world, you deserve a moving partner who treats your relocation with the care it deserves.
At SDC International Shipping, we combine local experience with international expertise to make your transition seamless. Whether you’re relocating for work, retiring abroad, or simply starting a new chapter, we’re here to help you move with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
You bring the vision.
We’ll bring the plan, the packing, the paperwork — and the worldwide network to get you there.
🌍 Ready to take the next step toward your new life abroad?
👉 Request your free international moving quote and let SDC International Shipping help you move forward — from Los Angeles to the world.
