Pasadena International Movers
* Updated July 2026
International Movers in Pasadena, CA
Moving overseas from Pasadena involves more than finding a truck. Between narrow streets in Old Town, hillside properties in the San Rafael and Linda Vista neighborhoods, and proximity to two of the busiest ports in the country, a Pasadena move has its own logistics to plan around. SDC International Shipping is licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission for international household goods moves, and we coordinate the full relocation from pickup in Pasadena through delivery at your new home overseas.
Many of our Pasadena clients are relocating for work with Caltech, JPL, or one of the area’s corporate offices, and need a coordinator who can work around a fixed start date. Others are longtime residents downsizing from a craftsman home with decades of belongings to sort, pack, and ship. Either way, we tailor the survey, timeline, and packing plan to what you’re actually moving, not a generic estimate.
Shipping Methods for Household Goods
Most Pasadena households ship by ocean freight, using a shared or full container depending on volume. For time-sensitive shipments, or a smaller load that needs to arrive quickly, air freight is available as well. We can also split a shipment, sending essentials by air while the bulk of your household goods travels by sea, which is common for families relocating on a work visa with a fixed arrival date.
Because Old Town Pasadena and several residential streets in the hills have limited truck access, we plan pickup logistics in advance, including permit requirements for street parking where needed. This is the kind of local detail that prevents delays on move day.
Vehicle Shipping from Pasadena
If you’re shipping a car alongside your household goods, Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) is generally the most cost-effective method, while container shipping offers more protection and is often preferred when the vehicle travels with the rest of the shipment.
Our vehicle shipping team handles the export documentation and destination-country compliance requirements, so you’re not left coordinating a separate vendor for the car.
Packing and Specialty Items
Our professional packing team uses export-grade materials designed for weeks at sea, not standard moving-day supplies. This matters most for craftsman-era furniture and built-in pieces common in Pasadena’s older homes, which need custom crating rather than standard box packing.
For a piano, we build a custom crate sized to the instrument and handle climate considerations for the voyage. Our piano shipping team can walk you through what to expect.
Fine art and antiques get the same treatment. If you’re shipping pieces that need museum-grade handling, our artwork shipping team can advise on crating and documentation for customs.
Insurance for Your Shipment
Ocean transit carries real risk: vessel incidents, rough weather, and handling damage at ports of call. Marine cargo insurance covers your shipment against these events, and we’ll walk you through coverage levels so you can choose what fits your shipment’s value.
Shipping to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East from Pasadena
SDC ships household goods from Pasadena to destinations across Asia, including China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, and India, as well as European destinations including Germany, Italy, France, and Portugal. Shipments route through the Port of Los Angeles or Port of Long Beach, both a short drive from Pasadena, which keeps inland transport time and cost down compared to shipping from farther inland.
One Pasadena family we worked with relocated to Munich on a two-year work assignment. Because their start date was fixed, we shipped a small air carton with essentials, clothing, kitchen basics, and their children’s school supplies, timed to land within a few days of their flight. The rest of their household, including a full craftsman-style dining set, went by ocean freight in a shared container, arriving about six weeks later. Splitting the shipment this way is common for families on a visa-driven timeline who need the essentials fast but don’t want to pay air freight rates for an entire household.
Documents and Customs Requirements
Every international shipment needs a detailed inventory and packing list, which customs officials at your destination use to assess duties and confirm the shipment matches what was declared. Most countries treat used household goods as duty-free personal effects, provided the items were owned and used for a period before the move, typically six months or longer, and are not being imported for resale.
Beyond the inventory, you’ll generally need proof of residency or a valid visa for the destination country, and in some cases a passport copy. Requirements vary by country: Germany and other EU destinations require an accurate, itemized inventory in the local language for customs clearance, while several Asian destinations require the shipment to arrive within a set window of your own arrival to qualify for duty-free treatment. We flag country-specific requirements during your consultation so nothing catches you off guard at the destination port.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does shipping from Pasadena to Europe or Asia take?
Ocean freight typically takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on the destination port and customs processing. Air freight can arrive in a matter of days, which is why many clients split larger moves between the two methods.
Do I need to be present for the in-home survey?
Not necessarily. We offer both in-person surveys and virtual video walkthroughs, so if your schedule is tight or you’ve already relocated, we can still put together an accurate estimate.
Can I ship a car along with my household goods?
Yes. Vehicles can travel in the same container as your household goods, which is often more cost-effective than shipping the car separately through a standalone RoRo service.
What items can’t be shipped internationally?
Restrictions vary by destination, but common exclusions include firearms, perishable food, plants, and certain electronics or batteries. We’ll review your inventory ahead of time and flag anything that needs special handling or can’t be included.
What if my move-in date changes after my shipment leaves Pasadena?
We offer short and long-term storage at origin and at destination, so a delayed lease or closing date doesn’t leave your belongings stranded in transit.
What Affects the Cost of Your Move
Cost depends on shipment volume, destination, shipping method, and any additional services like packing or storage. We provide a detailed quote broken down by these factors rather than a flat estimate, so you can see exactly what you’re paying for and adjust if needed.
Call 877-339-0267 for a personalized estimate, or fill out our online quote form to get started.
Also Serving Other Southern California Areas
In addition to Pasadena, we regularly serve clients relocating from Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose, Oakland, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Riverside, and Malibu.
