International Moving Company Services for Families and Businesses.
Licensed FMC mover serving all 50 states with door-to-door service worldwide.
Moving your life or business across borders is a big story. In your story, you are the hero, taking a bold step toward a new chapter. Our role at SDC International Shipping is to be your experienced guide, the team that knows the terrain and clears the path so you can focus on what matters. As a licensed Federal Maritime Commission international moving company based in Los Angeles and serving all 50 U.S. states, we specialize in door-to-door relocations to destinations worldwide. Families and corporations choose us for professional packing and crating, secure storage on both sides of the move, expert customs documentation support, and flexible air or sea freight options that fit timelines and budgets. For the big picture, visit our International Movers page.
A guide for families and businesses
When we assign your dedicated move coordinator, you gain a single point of contact who translates your goals into a step-by-step plan. That plan might start with an in-home or virtual survey, continue with professional packing using export-grade materials, and end with white glove delivery at your new residence or office overseas. Along the way, your coordinator keeps you informed and reduces the noise so you are never guessing about next steps.
What sets a true international moving company apart
What sets a true international moving company apart from a local mover is not the truck or the boxes; it is the global logistics behind the scenes. Your timeline, your customs paperwork, your insurance coverage, and your method of transport all have to click together. Our global network, vetted destination partners, and compliance processes are designed to keep your shipment moving smoothly.
Real world examples
Consider a family moving from Chicago to Barcelona with a mix of heirloom furniture, kids’ bikes, and a small piano. They want cost control without compromising safety. We might recommend a consolidated sea shipment for most household goods, paired with a small air freight carton for the first week’s essentials. Their piano is crated on site by our specialty team, their inventory is documented in detail for customs, and their belongings are secured in climate-controlled storage until the vessel sails. The result is a move that balances speed, price, and peace of mind.
Now picture a fast-growing software company relocating a project team from Austin to Dublin for a two-year assignment. The company needs reliable door-to-door service and a predictable budget for multiple employees. We build a repeatable playbook, aligning packing dates across apartments, consolidating shipments where appropriate, coordinating Transfer of Residence documentation for the UK and EU, and providing move management dashboards. The HR leader gets status updates without chasing vendors, and employees arrive with their household goods intact and on schedule.
Choosing air freight, sea freight, or both
Because every move has different priorities, we design around your constraints. If you need the fastest arrival for a few critical items, air freight is ideal for time-sensitive shipments. If you are moving a full home or an office with furniture and equipment, sea freight offers excellent value with options for full container loads or shared containers. For many clients, the most efficient approach is a hybrid, sending the urgent items by air while the bulk of the shipment sails by sea. Your move consultant will explain trade-offs in simple terms and recommend a plan that fits your timeline and risk tolerance.
The details you do not see
Trust also comes from the details you do not see. We source the right packing materials to satisfy international standards and protect wood items from humidity. We build custom crates for artwork and fragile pieces. We coordinate with vetted destination agents who know local building access, parking rules, and elevator reservations. We assemble a compliant inventory list and ensure your documents are complete so your shipment clears customs without unnecessary delays. If your plans change, our storage options on both the origin and destination sides keep your move flexible.
How to begin
If you are new to overseas relocation, start with a conversation about scope. Which rooms are you taking, which items must arrive first, and what is your expected move-in date. From there, we provide a clear proposal that outlines packing, transport, delivery services, and insurance options. You will understand the timeline from the first box packed to the final placement of furniture in your new home.
Professional Packing and Crating Services
When your belongings cross oceans and borders, the difference between a smooth arrival and a stressful claim is almost always the quality of the packing. As your guide, SDC International Shipping treats export packing as a craft. We build a plan around your home, your timeline, and the way your shipment will travel, then we execute it with trained crews who specialize in international household moves. Explore our professional packing services for international moves, then return here to build your plan.
Export grade materials for overseas conditions
International packing has different physics than a local move. A carton that rides in a truck for a few hours experiences limited vibration and handling. A carton that travels by sea is lifted by forklifts, stacked in a container, and faces changes in temperature and humidity over several weeks. That is why we use export-grade cartons, double-walled book and china boxes, custom foam in place for delicate items, and moisture barriers where needed. For furniture, we wrap in multiple layers, first a soft protective blanket, then a shrink wrap membrane that locks padding in place and adds a barrier to dust and humidity. For cabinet doors and drawers, we secure hardware so nothing shifts during long transit.
Custom crating for fragile and high value items
Crating is where a true overseas moving company earns your trust. Pieces that are fragile, high-value, or unusually shaped are measured and assessed for risk. Our carpenters build custom wooden crates that fit each piece precisely, with internal cushioning that controls shock and vibration. All export crates are constructed from ISPM 15-compliant lumber and stamped for international acceptance, which helps prevent issues during inspections. Whether it is a glass top dining table, a marble sculpture, or a high-end turntable and amplifier, the crate becomes a micro environment that protects the item from pressure and movement inside a container.
What to expect from survey to inventory
We begin with a virtual or in-home survey to record item counts, materials, and access details. Your move coordinator explains what will be packed in cartons, what will be pad wrapped, and what we recommend for crating. On packing day, the crew arrives with a labeled set of materials chosen for your shipment, book cartons, dish barrels, wardrobe boxes, mirror cartons, picture crates, corner armor, and foam sheets. As each box is packed, we create a detailed inventory that assigns a number and a description, like 27, kitchen, dish barrel, glasses, and bowls. We photograph select high-value items before sealing the carton. That documentation reduces questions at customs and keeps your valuation straightforward for insurance.
Owner packed cartons and insurance considerations
Owner-packed cartons can seem like a cost saver, yet they often complicate customs and insurance. Many destination customs authorities reserve the right to open owner-packed boxes for inspection, which can slow clearance. Insurance underwriters sometimes limit coverage on items the mover did not pack. If there are a few personal items you prefer to pack yourself, your coordinator will advise on the best approach, and for everything else, our export packing removes doubt and keeps the schedule moving.
Real world packing examples
A family moving from San Diego to Singapore had a modern glass dining table, a collection of wine glasses, and two framed canvases. We designed three custom crates, one for the tabletop with foam-lined channels that prevented lateral movement, one for the stemware using a honeycomb cell system inside a small crate, and a flat crate for the canvases with breathable wrap that avoided condensation. The shipment traveled by sea, and everything arrived ready to use in their new apartment on Orchard Road.
In another case, a couple relocating from Boston to Lisbon needed a fast departure and asked if partial packing could work. We built a hybrid plan, our team packed the kitchen, artwork, and all fragile items, while they finished clothing and books. The container was sealed on schedule, and the detailed inventory kept customs questions minimal in Portugal.
Containerization choices affect packing
If your move will join a shared container, items must be stable for additional handling at consolidation warehouses. We often use liftvans, wooden shipping cases roughly the size of a small wardrobe, to secure loads inside a groupage container. If you are shipping a full container load, we block and brace larger items inside the container to prevent shifting at sea. Your coordinator will describe these differences in simple language and help you choose the combination that fits your budget and risk tolerance.
Efficient crews, tidy homes
We assign the right crew size so the home remains livable during multi-day packs. We protect floors and doorways, manage elevator reservations, and clear away debris at the end of each day. When we finish, your home looks tidy, your inventory is organized, and your timeline is intact. See our export packing and crating services to choose materials and methods, then ask your consultant to build a room-by-room plan that fits your move.
International Moving Insurance That Protects What Matters
International moving insurance is not about fear, it is about finishing the journey with confidence. In your story, you want to arrive and get back to life quickly. Our role as your guide is to make sure your shipment is protected in a way that matches your priorities, your budget, and the way your goods will travel. SDC offers flexible coverage that works with either sea freight or air freight and with both full container and shared container options. Learn more on our International Moving Insurance page, and review our dedicated Marine Insurance resource.
Two coverage paths that fit most moves
Every shipment is unique, yet most families and businesses choose one of two approaches. All Risk, sometimes called comprehensive cargo, protects against loss or damage to listed items from door to door. It is the broadest protection for an overseas move and pairs naturally with our professional packing and crating. Total Loss covers you if the entire shipment is lost or destroyed, for example, a catastrophic event that affects the whole container. It is a targeted, budget-friendly safety net when you are comfortable self-packing some items or you want simple protection for a smaller shipment.
What each option covers
Both options are designed to make you whole according to your declared values, but they work differently. All Risk responds to partial damage and single item issues, a scratched armoire, a cracked mirror, or a TV that does not power on at the destination, while Total Loss responds when the shipment as a whole cannot be recovered. Your move coordinator will help you weigh these tradeoffs against transit mode, destination, and how the shipment will be handled along the route.
Coverage at a glance
| Feature | All Risk Coverage | Total Loss Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Professional packing not required, works with mixed or self-packed cartons | Budget-conscious moves, small shipments, self-packed cartons |
| What it addresses | Loss or damage to listed items from door to door | Catastrophic loss of the entire shipment |
| Packing requirement | Professional export packing recommended and often required for full coverage | Itemized valued inventory, scheduled high-value items as needed |
| Valuation method | Itemized valued inventory, scheduled high value items as needed | Lump sum value for the shipment |
| Documentation | Detailed inventory during packing, receipts or appraisals for select items | Basic inventory and shipment value declaration |
| Claim examples | Single chair damaged, framed print cracked, TV fails to power on | Container stack collapse, vessel incident, warehouse fire |
How valuation works without jargon
Valuation is simply declaring what your goods are worth for insurance purposes. For All Risk, we create an itemized valued inventory during packing. High-value pieces like artwork, guitars, or camera equipment can be scheduled with supporting documents. For Total Loss, you declare an overall shipment value that reflects replacement in your destination country. Your coordinator will coach you through realistic ranges so you neither underinsure nor overpay.
Keys to eligibility and smooth claims
Because insurers rely on packing quality to manage risk, many underwriters limit coverage on owner-packed cartons. If you plan to self-pack some boxes, we can still design coverage, and we will recommend that our team professionally packs fragile items, electronics, and anything you cannot easily replace. Keep photos of high-value pieces, note serial numbers where available, and keep receipts for specialty items. If something is not right at delivery, note it on the delivery record and contact your coordinator promptly so we can guide you through the claim filing steps.
Real world scenarios
A couple relocating from Miami to London chose All Risk because they were shipping a designer sectional, several large framed photographs, and a high-end espresso machine. We performed export packing, created a valued inventory, and scheduled the photographs with appraisals. During delivery, one photograph had a cracked frame. The claim was straightforward, the frame was replaced, and the print was unharmed.
In another case, a graduate moving a studio apartment from Seattle to Melbourne wanted a lean budget and planned to self-pack most boxes. We recommended Total Loss plus professional packing for the TV and glassware. The container sailed and arrived as planned, and the graduate had cost control without sacrificing essential protection.
Where to start
If you prefer a side-by-side explanation tailored to your shipment, your consultant can compare coverage with the rest of your move plan and show how insurance interacts with packing and timelines. When you are ready to price scenarios, use our guide to comparing international moving quotes, and we will include insurance options so you can see the total picture before you decide.
Secure Storage Options Before and After Your Move
International moves rarely follow a perfect timeline. You might secure a flight date before you sign a lease, or your container might arrive earlier than your building’s elevator schedule. In moments like these, storage is the safety valve that keeps your story on track. As your guide, SDC International Shipping offers secure, climate-controlled storage on both origin and destination sides, coordinated by your move coordinator so you do not have to juggle extra vendors or paperwork. See storage services for availability.
Why storage matters during an international move
The gap between packing day and move-in day can stretch for many reasons. Ships sail on fixed schedules, customs inspections can add a few days, and landlords overseas often release keys later than expected. Storage bridges those gaps. By placing part or all of your shipment into a monitored warehouse, you protect your belongings from unnecessary handling, and you gain control over delivery dates.
Origin versus destination storage, choosing what fits
Origin storage is ideal when you need to clear your home by a certain date. We pack, create your export inventory, and move your goods into our warehouse until the vessel sails. Destination storage shines when your goods are already en route or have landed, but your home is not yet ready. We can move the container to a bonded facility for short-term port-side storage, or we can transfer liftvans into our destination warehouse and schedule final delivery when your keys and elevator reservation are confirmed.
Climate controlled protection for sensitive items
Temperature and humidity swings are real during overseas moves. Climate-controlled storage preserves wood furniture, protects lacquer finishes, and keeps electronics and artwork stable while you transition. Our facilities maintain consistent environmental conditions and use palletized storage or wooden liftvans to keep items off the floor and away from dust.
How storage integrates with packing, freight, and delivery
During your survey, we identify items likely to be stored and select materials accordingly. If you are using groupage to Europe, your goods will be packed into liftvans that double as secure storage cases and later load into a shared container. If you are moving a full container, we can stage the load over two days, sending early packed rooms to the warehouse while we finish the rest at your home.
A quick comparison of storage options
| Storage option | Best used at | Typical duration | Access considerations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term, climate controlled storage | Origin or destination | A few days to a few weeks | Scheduled access through your coordinator | Ideal buffer for sailing dates, customs, or elevator windows |
| Preserves high-value items during extended assignments | Origin or destination | Several months or more | Limited routine access to preserve packing integrity | Preserves high value items during extended assignments |
| Port side storage | Destination | A few days to a couple of weeks | Restricted access due to port security | Useful when keys are imminent for fast final delivery |
| Liftvan storage | Origin and destination | Weeks to months | Access by appointment | Wooden cases act as mini vaults that travel and store |
Real world examples
A family moving from Los Angeles to London needed to leave their house two weeks before school ended. We packed the entire home, created a photo supported inventory for insurance, then placed everything into climate-controlled origin storage. Once school finished, the container was loaded and sailed. In London, their landlord needed an extra week to finish renovations, so we shifted to port side storage until keys were released. Delivery happened over two mornings to match elevator reservations.
A biotech firm relocated engineers from Boston to Zurich with staggered start dates. We packed each apartment, loaded liftvans, and held shipments in origin storage until visas cleared. The liftvans traveled in a shared container, then transferred to destination storage for timed deliveries that matched temporary housing checkouts.
Getting started
If you expect any timing gaps, mention them during your survey. Your coordinator will price origin and destination scenarios and explain how storage interacts with packing, insurance, and freight schedules. When you are ready to add flexibility to your plan, explore our climate-controlled storage services and ask for a storage ready timeline that shows how your goods flow from home to warehouse to final delivery.
Vehicle Shipping With Your Household Goods
Moving a car or motorcycle overseas is easiest when it is part of your household goods shipment. SDC International Shipping is not a car-only shipper; our focus is on door-to-door household relocations, and we ship vehicles when they are containerized with your furniture and personal effects. This approach keeps logistics simple under one coordinator and one customs file, and it gives your vehicle the protection of a sealed container. If you are comparing methods, start with our primer on RoRo vs container shipping for your car, then let your consultant tailor a plan around your timeline and destination.
How containerized vehicle shipping works
Your vehicle is inspected, photographed, and its condition noted before loading. We then build a secure plan inside the container, using wheel chocks, tie-down straps, and blocking and bracing techniques that prevent movement. For sedans and small SUVs, we typically use a standard 20 or 40-foot container with space planned for crated or palletized household goods. For larger families or when you are shipping two vehicles, a 40-foot high cube may be the best fit. Because the car ships with your goods, customs clearance and delivery are coordinated together, reducing extra handoffs and keeping status updates in one place. To understand the container itself, see our guide to international shipping containers.
RoRo versus container, choosing what fits your story
Roll on Roll off, often called RoRo, is a ferry-like service where vehicles are driven on and off the vessel. While some companies may use this method for car-only shipments, at SDC International Shipping, we exclusively ship vehicles in containers alongside your household goods. This approach provides a sealed environment, protects personal effects, and keeps everything in a single export and import file. It also allows you to add packing materials, spare parts, and household items that RoRo services usually restrict. If you are debating the options, review our comparison of RoRo vs container shipping and ask your coordinator to weigh cost, sailing frequency, and delivery access at the destination—we’ll always guide you toward the secure container method that best suits your full relocation needs.
Shipping a motorcycle to Europe, and beyond
Motorcycles require careful preparation because they are lighter and more sensitive to vibration. We drain or lower fuel according to carrier rules, disconnect the battery when required, and secure the bike in a custom crate or on a pallet with fork-friendly base runners. Many riders choose Europe for touring or relocation. If that is your plan, see shipping a motorcycle to Europe from the USA for timelines, documentation, and how crating works. Similar methods apply to scooters and e-bikes, and your coordinator will confirm local regulations on registration and emissions.
Documents, prep, and destination rules
Vehicle paperwork varies by country, yet most destinations require proof of ownership, registration, and identification, sometimes with an apostille or certified translation. If you are using a Transfer of Residence relief in the UK or EU, there are extra forms and eligibility windows. Your move coordinator will outline exactly what is needed and will synchronize the vehicle file with your household inventory. Prior to loading, remove personal items and non-factory roof racks unless we are crating them separately, photograph both keys, and document aftermarket modifications. On delivery day, we perform a condition check against the original report before handing over the keys.
Insurance and valuation for vehicles
Vehicles can be included in your overall cargo policy. Many clients choose All Risk coverage when we perform export packing and container loading, while others select Total Loss protection for a budget-friendly safety net. Your consultant will explain how vehicle valuation works, how deductibles apply, and how accessories like roof boxes or child seats are treated.
Real world examples
A family moving from Houston to Amsterdam shipped a compact SUV with a 40-foot container of household goods. We built a two-tier plan, the vehicle rode on wheel chocks along the container wall while liftvans with furniture occupied the remaining space. The container cleared customs together, and delivery occurred over two mornings to match the canal house access window.
In another case, a couple relocating from New York to the UK shipped a classic motorcycle with a shared container of household items. The bike was crated with a vibration damping base and strapped inside a liftvan. It unloaded cleanly in London, and registration proceeded on schedule.
Where to begin
Tell your coordinator the exact make and model, any modifications, and whether you need the vehicle immediately on arrival. We will propose container layouts, review RoRo versus container tradeoffs, and include vehicle coverage in your quote. To compare scenarios and build one, all in plan, use comparing international moving quotes.
Specialty Shipping for Pianos, Artwork, and Antiques
Some belongings are more than things, they are part of your family story, or they are assets that demand expert care. In your move, you are the hero protecting what matters most. Our role is to design a plan that treats pianos, fine art, and antiques with the right combination of packing science, custom crating, and careful handling from door to door.
International piano movers, from uprights to concert grands
Each piano starts with a technical survey. Uprights are wrapped, padded, and crated or loaded into a liftvan with the action locked and the casters protected. Baby grands and grands are professionally disassembled, the lid, lyre, and legs are removed, wrapped, and cushioned, and the body is mounted to a skid or a purpose-built crate. We stabilize the harp and soundboard, block and brace the instrument inside the container, and coordinate destination access so stairs and elevators are planned in advance. Explore our dedicated page for International Piano Movers to see methods and options.
Artwork and high value collectibles, museum style solutions
Paintings, framed photographs, sculptures, and mixed media pieces receive a case-by-case treatment. For framed works, we use glass skin or poly protection, corner armor, and a wrapped floating mount inside a rigid crate that prevents surface contact. For canvases, we add breathable wraps and internal spacers to reduce moisture swings. Sculptures and ceramics are cradled with custom foam densities so the weight path travels into the crate, not through delicate protrusions. When you need more background, our guide to overseas artwork shipping explains packing physics in plain language.
Antiques and heirlooms, respecting age and finish
Antique furniture and heirloom pieces require soft wraps against the finish, then a moisture barrier and a rigid layer that protects corners, legs, and escutcheons. We stabilize doors and drawers, protect glass panels, and float marble tops in cushioned channels. If your piece includes regulated materials like ivory or certain exotic woods, we coordinate documentation and advise on restrictions in advance so customs clearance proceeds without surprises. Climate-controlled storage is available when dates shift. See secure storage services for options.
Crating choices at a glance
| Item type | Typical crate | Internal protection | When to choose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upright piano | Liftvan or custom piano crate | Rigid foam blocks, action immobilization, caster cups | Sea freight and long transits | Fast destination setup, tuning scheduled after delivery |
| Baby grand or grand | Custom skid with lid/leg cases | Shock absorbing mounts, body skidding, brace points | Any move with stairs or limited elevators | Reduces lift stress, safer cornering in buildings |
| Framed art with glazing | Double-walled, foam-lined crate | Glass protection film, corner armor, floating rails | Glass or acrylic over artwork | Prevents contact with glazing under vibration |
| Canvas painting | Climate aware art crate | Breathable wrap, spacers, humidity buffer | High humidity or seasonal swings | Helps maintain tension in canvas fibers |
| Antique cabinet or chest | Reinforced furniture crate | Padding layers, corner cleats, moisture barrier | Fragile veneers or loose joinery | Doors and drawers immobilized to prevent racking |
Insurance, valuation, and documentation
High value pieces should be listed on a valued inventory with supporting documents or appraisals where available. Many clients choose All Risk coverage when SDC performs export packing and crating, so partial damage to a single item can be addressed. If you prefer a leaner approach, Total Loss protection can be paired with select professional packing for fragile items.
Real world examples
A family moving from San Francisco to Paris shipped a baby grand piano, a series of large-format photographs, and a 19th-century display cabinet. The piano traveled on a custom skid with separate lid and leg cases, the photographs were glazed and floated inside slim art crates, and the cabinet rode in a reinforced furniture crate with a moisture barrier. Delivery in Paris required a narrow staircase, so we scheduled an exterior lift and coordinated elevator reservations for the remaining items. Everything arrived ready for tuning and rehang.
An avid collector relocating from Chicago to Sydney needed two bronze sculptures and a mixed media canvas to travel by air, while the rest of the home went by sea. We built flight-ready crates with vibration isolation for the bronzes, used breathable wraps for the canvas, and documented values with appraisals. The art landed quickly for a gallery opening, and the household container followed on its standard sailing.
Getting started
Tell your coordinator which pieces require special care and whether you have certificates, appraisals, or provenance paperwork. We will design packing and crating, schedule any building access constraints, and align insurance with your priorities.
Customs Clearance and Documentation Support
Crossing a border with household goods or office equipment is more than shipping, it is compliance. In your story, you want to arrive and settle in quickly. Our role as your guide is to remove the guesswork, prepare documents correctly, and coordinate with licensed brokers and trusted destination partners so your shipment clears customs without unnecessary delays. For the big picture of rules by country, start with our International Customs Regulations guide, then use the steps below to plan your paperwork.
How we simplify customs, step by step
Your move coordinator builds a document timeline the day you book. We confirm your passport and visa status, your destination address, and any duty relief you may qualify for, such as Transfer of Residence in parts of Europe and the UK. During packing, we create a detailed inventory that lists cartons and furniture with plain language descriptions, which helps destination officials understand what you are bringing and why. When the vessel or flight departs, we submit the export file, and before arrival, our destination partner pre-alerts customs and schedules an inspection if required. You receive updates without chasing agencies, and you know exactly what is expected from you and when.
The inventory, your most important document
A clear inventory is the backbone of a smooth clearance. It should avoid ambiguous terms, for example, “kitchen, cookware, and dishes” communicates better than “miscellaneous.” High-value items can be listed with make and model, and artwork can be referenced by title or artist where available. When SDC packs your shipment, we produce a numbered inventory as we seal each carton and we photograph select items before they are boxed or crated. This level of detail supports your insurance valuation and reduces the chance of questions at the border.
Essential forms and what they do
Most destinations require a core set of documents, identity, rights to import, and a description of goods. Each country has its own forms and relief programs, yet the purpose is similar, to document who you are, why you are moving, and what you are bringing. When you want a walkthrough of common fields and mistakes to avoid, use our practical guide on how to fill customs forms for international shipping.
Documents at a glance
| Document | Who issues it | What it proves | When needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport and visa or residency proof | Government authority | Identity and right to reside | All household goods imports | Some countries require passport copies to be certified |
| Inventory, valued or non-valued | Prepared by mover with shipper input | Contents and quantity | All shipments | Country-specific, coordinator provides current version |
| Proof of residence change | Employer letter, lease, utility bill | Relocation purpose | Duty relief programs | Often requested for Transfer of Residence claims |
| Customs declaration form | Destination customs | Legal declaration of goods | All imports | Country-specific, coordinator provides current version |
| Power of attorney for broker | Customs broker | Permission to act for you | Brokered clearances | Allows filing on your behalf to expedite release |
Duty relief, what qualifies and what does not
Many countries allow returning residents and new long-term residents to import used household goods duty-free when conditions are met. Typical criteria include living outside the destination for a period of time, owning and using items for personal use, and importing within a set window after arrival. Goods that look new or are still in retail packaging can attract attention, and commercial quantities may be flagged as merchandise. Your coordinator will confirm eligibility for relief in your lane and will advise on items that are better sold stateside to avoid fees at destination.
What inspections look like in real life
Customs inspections vary. Some shipments clear on paperwork only, others are opened for a brief visual check, and a small percentage are fully deconsolidated for a detailed exam. When an inspection is ordered, our destination partner schedules the exam and attends on your behalf. Because your cartons are numbered and your crates are labeled, officials can review sections quickly and reseal with minimal disruption. If your shipment is part of a shared container, the exam may focus on a specific liftvan and not the entire container, which shortens the time your goods spend on hold.
Restricted and sensitive items
Most household goods pass without issue, yet every country has items that require extra steps. Alcohol, tobacco, new electronics in quantity, untreated wood, certain cultural artifacts, and some batteries can trigger additional checks or permits. Firearms and ammunition are highly regulated and are not included in standard household shipments. If you own artwork with restricted materials, such as ivory in antique pieces, tell your coordinator early so we can review documentation needs or recommend alternatives. Our packing teams label crates and cartons clearly and will isolate sensitive goods as needed to support compliance.
Real world examples
A family moving from New York to Madrid had an appointment to register residency two weeks after arrival. We prepared their inventory with Spanish-friendly descriptions, secured proof of residence change from the employer, and aligned their shipment to arrive just after their residency appointment. Customs requested a short visual check at the bonded warehouse, then released the liftvans the same day. Delivery was staged over two mornings to match their building’s elevator window.
A biotech manager relocating from Austin to Dublin qualified for Transfer of Residence relief. We gathered lease and employment letters in advance, completed the application, and flagged two new in box appliances for separate discussion. The client chose to leave those behind to simplify clearance. The remainder of the shipment cleared on paperwork, and delivery proceeded on schedule.
Where to start
Share your destination, expected arrival date, and any special items with your coordinator. We will build your document checklist, create an export ready inventory, and coordinate with a licensed broker at the destination. Review country level rules in our customs regulations guide, then follow our step-by-step walkthrough on how to fill customs forms. If you want the broader logistics context, ask for a custom plan that ties paperwork, packing, storage, and transport into one timeline.
Air Freight vs. Sea Freight: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between air and sea is one of the biggest decisions in any overseas move. In your story, you are aiming for the right mix of speed, budget, and peace of mind. As your guide, SDC International Shipping explains the tradeoffs in plain language and builds a plan that fits your timeline. If you want a deeper primer before deciding, review our comparison of air freight vs ocean freight, then use the scenarios below to map your shipment to the best method.
When air freight makes sense
Air freight moves fast and is ideal when time is critical. Most families use it for a small essentials shipment that bridges the gap while the main container sails, bedding, a starter kitchen kit, work equipment, car seats, and clothing for the first weeks. Businesses lean on air when a team needs to be productive on day one, laptops, monitors, demo kits, and sensitive instruments. Air is also a strong choice for destinations with limited port access or for items that do not tolerate long humidity swings. Our crews custom pack air cartons with rigid protection and moisture buffering, then we coordinate airport handling and delivery at the destination so your first-day box arrives when you need it.
When sea freight is the better value
Sea freight offers the best cost per cubic foot for full homes, offices, and vehicles traveling with household goods. If you are moving furniture, bikes, outdoor gear, and everything that makes a home comfortable, a container is the right foundation. We offer full container loads for single shipments and less than container loads, often called groupage, where your goods travel in liftvans inside a shared container. Groupage works especially well to the UK, Europe, and South Africa when you want value without giving up the structure of professional export packing. Containers also allow vehicle shipping alongside your household goods, which keeps customs and delivery under one file.
Transit times at a glance
Transit ranges help you plan the story arc of your move. Your coordinator will confirm current schedules for your lane and season. These are typical door-to-door windows for well planned moves.
| Route | Method | Typical door to door timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA to Europe, direct container | Sea | 6 to 12 weeks | Fastest when elevator dates align and paperwork is complete |
| USA to UK or Europe, groupage | Sea | 8 to 16 weeks | Extra time for consolidation and deconsolidation, strong value |
| West Coast USA to Asia | Sea | 7 to 13 weeks | Varies by port, sailing frequency, and customs |
| East Coast USA to Asia | Sea | 6 to 12 weeks | Often similar to West Coast due to routing |
| USA to Australia | Sea | 7 to 13 weeks | Plan for quarantine checks in some cases |
| USA to Canada | Sea | 3 to 7 weeks | Shorter lanes with coordinated inland moves |
| Most global lanes | Air | 1 to 3 weeks | Includes export prep, flights, import, and last mile delivery |
Cost, speed, and sustainability
Think of cost and speed as a slider you can set. Air moves fast and is priced by chargeable weight and volume, so it is best for smaller, high-priority shipments. Sea moves slower and is priced by container size or volumetric space in groupage, which makes it ideal for a full home. Many clients choose a hybrid approach, a lean air shipment for essentials, then a sea container for everything else. This strategy improves comfort on arrival and keeps the overall budget efficient. If carbon impact is part of your decision, sea freight has a lower emissions footprint per pound than air, especially when you consolidate into a single container. Your coordinator can outline options that align with your values and your schedule.
Packing and storage strategies by mode
Packing methods adapt to the mode you choose. Air cartons use rigid internal protection and moisture buffering, then travel in airline-compliant pallets or crates. Sea shipments rely on export-grade cartons, multilayer furniture wraps, custom crating for fragile pieces, and proper blocking and bracing in the container. If dates shift, climate-controlled storage on either side keeps your plan flexible without repacking. For a deeper look at materials and techniques, visit our packing services.
Real world scenarios
A family relocating from Los Angeles to Singapore wanted day-one comfort without overspending. We packed a small air carton with uniforms, basic cookware, bedding, and school supplies timed to reach them a few days after their flight. The rest of the home shipped in a 40-foot sea container. We held the container in origin storage for two weeks to match the lease start, then delivered everything over a single weekend.
A design team moving from New York to Berlin needed certain monitors and prototypes right away, with desks and household items to follow. We sent the high-priority gear by air with export-compliant packing and serial numbers recorded on the inventory. The balance of the shipment traveled in a shared container. Both files cleared on schedule, and the team hit project deadlines without breaking the budget.
Where to start
Tell us your earliest and latest acceptable delivery dates and which rooms you want comfortable on day one. We will model air only, sea only, and hybrid plans with clear ranges and explain how each option affects cost and convenience. Review our side-by-side overview, then ask for a customized plan that ties mode, packing, storage, and insurance together. When you are ready to compare providers, use our guide to comparing international moving quotes.
Why Families and Corporations Trust SDC International Shipping
Trust is earned in the details you do not have to chase. In your story, you want clear communication, careful handling, and predictable outcomes. Our role as your guide is to make complex moves feel organized and calm. SDC International Shipping is a licensed, experienced international moving company that serves all 50 states and destinations worldwide. We combine export-grade packing, vetted global partners, and compliance know-how so your shipment, your timeline, and your budget stay aligned. For a deeper look at our philosophy and proof points, visit Why Choose SDC International Shipping?.
Dedicated move coordinator and single point of contact
From the day you book, you have one coordinator who learns your priorities, builds your timeline, and keeps you informed from survey through delivery. That person orchestrates packing crews, storage dates, sailing schedules, and customs paperwork so you are never left guessing. Families appreciate having one name to call, and corporate HR teams value consistent reporting across multiple employee moves.
Vetted partners at destination
Your experience at the destination matters as much as the origin. We work with trusted destination agents who understand local buildings, elevator time slots, parking restrictions, and cultural norms. This local knowledge turns delivery day into a smooth finish rather than a scramble. When a building requires a certificate of insurance or an exterior lift, your coordinator arranges it in advance.
Packing craftsmanship and specialty care
Good outcomes start with good packing. Our teams use export-grade cartons, multilayer furniture wraps, and custom crating for fragile pieces. Pianos, framed art, and antiques receive specialty handling designed for vibration and humidity changes.
Compliance, insurance, and documentation done right
We align your paperwork with country rules and duty relief programs, produce a clean numbered inventory, and coordinate with licensed brokers so customs clearance stays on track. You can select coverage that fits your priorities, either Total Loss or All Risk, and we make valuation simple.
Clear expectations, honest timelines
We set expectations with real ranges, then update you as milestones are hit, survey complete, packing complete, container loaded, vessel departed, customs pre-alert, and delivery scheduled. When dates shift due to port congestion or building access, we use climate-controlled storage to keep your plan intact without repacking.
Corporate relocation, scalable playbooks
Companies choose SDC for repeatable processes, consistent employee experience, and budget control. We document service levels, build city-by-city playbooks, and consolidate reporting. Shipping vehicles with household goods, coordinating liftvans for groupage lanes, and aligning deliveries with lease starts are standard parts of our program design.
What you get and why it matters
| What you get | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Dedicated coordinator | One plan, one contact, fewer handoffs and faster answers |
| Export grade packing and crating | One plan, one contact, fewer handoffs, and faster answers |
| Trusted destination partners | Delivery that respects building rules, neighbors, and schedules |
| Transparent schedules and updates | Accurate expectations and fewer surprises at the port and at home |
| Integrated storage options | Flexibility when keys or flights shift without repacking |
| Documentation and customs support | Reduced risk of in-transit damage, smoother insurance outcomes |
Real world examples
A family moving from Miami to Lisbon had a school start date that could not slip. We packed over two days, placed the shipment in origin storage for one week, then loaded a shared container bound for Portugal. Their coordinator pre-alerted customs with a clean inventory and proof of residence change. The liftvans cleared quickly, and delivery was scheduled across two mornings to match a narrow elevator window. The kids started school on time and slept in their own beds on night two.
A medical device company relocating engineers from Chicago to Dublin needed predictable costs and status visibility across five apartments. We built a standard playbook, aligned packing dates, grouped shipments into shared containers, and delivered a dashboard with milestones and documents. HR received consistent updates, employees arrived to set up homes on schedule, and the program expanded to additional lanes the following quarter.
For more on how we work, explore our Why Choose SDC page, then ask us to tailor a plan to your timeline and destination.
Request Your Free International Moving Quote
Every great move begins with a clear plan. In your story, you want confidence about timing, packing, and total scope before a single box is sealed. Our role as your guide is to listen first, then present a simple, transparent proposal you can trust. Start by requesting your free quote, and we will tailor options for packing, storage, air or sea freight, insurance, and customs so you can compare scenarios side by side. Use our step-by-step guide to comparing international moving quotes, or jump straight to a consultation, and we will build it with you.
How the quote process works
First, we schedule a brief virtual or in-home survey to understand the household or office scope. Your dedicated coordinator notes room-by-room contents, special items like pianos or artwork, vehicle details if applicable, and any access constraints such as stairs, elevators, or distance to parking. Next, we align your timeline and preferred mode, air, sea, or a hybrid, and discuss storage needs if dates are still shifting. Finally, we present a clear written proposal with ranges for transit windows and service options you can select or adjust. When you are ready, we reserve packing dates and begin your document checklist for customs and insurance.
What we ask and why it matters
| Information we request | Why it helps your quote |
|---|---|
| Origin and destination cities | Determines routing options, sailing frequency, and last mile delivery planning |
| Approximate room count and inventory highlights | Right sizes the crew, packing materials, and container or groupage space |
| Specialty items (pianos, artwork, antiques) | Ensures proper crating, handling, and insurance valuation |
| Vehicle details (make, model, modifications) | Confirms container layout and customs documentation |
| Target dates and flexibility | Aligns schedules, storage options, and realistic door to door windows |
| Building access notes | Prepares for elevator reservations, COI requirements, or exterior lifts |
| Insurance preference | Includes All Risk or Total Loss options that match your priorities |
What your proposal includes
Your proposal outlines professional Packing Services, crating for fragile items, either full container load or shared groupage by sea, or a small air shipment for essentials, and climate controlled storage if needed on either side. It details International Moving Insurance choices, explains customs paperwork with links to our Customs Regulations guide, and confirms delivery services at the destination. You will also see a door-to-door timeline range based on current sailings or flights for your lane.
Real world examples
A family moving from Seattle to Barcelona requested a quote with two options. Option one was a full container with piano crating and no air shipment. Option two added a small air carton for school supplies and bedding. After reviewing both, they chose the hybrid plan and used destination storage for a short delay while their lease was finalized. Their coordinator managed customs and scheduled delivery across two mornings to match the building’s elevator reservation.
A consulting firm relocating team members from Austin to Dublin needed predictable benefits for multiple employees. We created a repeatable quote template with liftvan groupage for household goods, standard insurance language, and a playbook for customs documentation. HR received status updates in one report and extended the program to a second city the following quarter.
Ready to begin?
If you want a fast start, request a consultation using our guide to comparing international moving quotes. For a service overview first, review International Movers. We will help you decide between air or sea freight, set your packing and storage plan, and align insurance to your comfort level. When you are ready, we will lock in dates and keep you informed from survey to delivery.
International Moving Company FAQ
How far in advance should I book an international move?
Most families and businesses book 6 to 10 weeks before packing so we can secure survey time, building access, sailing or flight schedules, and any storage needed. If you are on a tighter timeline, we can often compress steps, especially for small air shipments.
What is the difference between full container load and groupage?
Full container load dedicates a 20 or 40-foot container to your shipment and tends to move fastest once packed. Groupage, also called less than container load, places your liftvans in a shared container for value. It usually adds time for consolidation and deconsolidation, but keeps costs efficient for smaller moves.
Can I ship a car or motorcycle with my household goods?
Yes. We are not a car only shipper, however, we routinely ship vehicles when they are containerized with household goods. Your coordinator will confirm container layout, securing methods, and destination rules.
Do I need international moving insurance?
Insurance protects your investment across long distances and multiple handoffs. Most clients select either All Risk coverage when we perform export packing or Total Loss coverage for a budget-friendly safety net. Compare options on our International Moving Insurance page.
How are fragile items like artwork and pianos protected?
Fragile and high-value items receive custom crating and climate aware packing. Pianos are immobilized and skidded or crated, artwork is floated inside rigid crates, and antiques get layered protection.
What documents do I need for customs clearance?
Requirements vary by country; however, common items include a passport, a visa or residency proof, a detailed inventory, and a customs declaration form. Some countries require proof of residence change for duty relief. Use our Customs Regulations guide.
Should I choose air freight or sea freight?
Air is fastest and best for small, high-priority shipments. Sea offers the best value for full homes, offices, and vehicles. Many clients choose a hybrid plan, a lean air carton for essentials and a sea container for everything else. Review Air Freight vs Ocean Freight for a side-by-side look.
Can you store my goods if dates change?
Yes. We offer climate-controlled storage on both origin and destination sides to bridge gaps between packing, sailing, and move-in dates.
Can I pack some boxes myself?
You can pack personal items, however many insurers limit coverage on owner packed cartons. For the best protection and smoother customs, we recommend professional export packing for fragile items, electronics, and anything valuable.
How do I start the process today?
Begin with a quick survey and a conversation about timing and priorities. Then request your quote and we will build a plan that fits your life.
