Moving overseas is a major life change. Our team helps make the process easier to understand, from your first consultation and packing day to shipping, customs clearance and delivery at your new home.
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Every international relocation is different. Your shipment size, destination, customs rules and chosen services determine the exact schedule and process. iLines International coordinates the moving stages and works with destination representatives to help you prepare for arrival.
Below is a practical overview of what you can expect during a typical door-to-door international household goods move.
From initial planning through the final delivery, here is how the international relocation process generally unfolds.
Tell us where you are moving, your preferred dates and what you plan to ship. We review your origin and destination, estimated volume, access conditions and any special items to prepare a tailored estimate.
Helpful tip: Prepare an approximate inventory and identify large furniture, fragile items and vehicles.
We confirm the shipment size and services required, explain the available shipping options, and review the quote, transit expectations and booking terms. Once you are ready, we schedule your move and introduce the next steps.
Helpful tip: Review the written estimate carefully, including what is included and excluded.
International moves involve export and import requirements. We guide you on the documents typically needed, such as passports, identification, a detailed packing inventory and destination-specific forms. Eligibility for duty or tax relief depends on local rules.
Helpful tip: Check visa, residency and customs requirements early; restrictions vary by country.
On the agreed date, the packing team prepares and protects your household goods according to the booked service. Items are inventoried, labeled, packed and collected for loading or consolidation. Special crating can be arranged when needed.
Helpful tip: Separate passports, medication, valuables and essentials that should travel with you.
Your shipment is loaded into a dedicated container or prepared for consolidated groupage service, depending on the plan selected. We coordinate export handling and transportation by ocean or air as applicable.
Helpful tip: A full-container move and a shared-container move have different schedules and handling steps.
During transit, our team and destination offices coordinate shipment milestones, arrival preparations and the information needed for import clearance. Transit and arrival dates are estimates and may change due to carrier schedules or customs processing.
Helpful tip: Keep your contact details current and respond promptly to document requests.
At destination, the shipment goes through applicable import formalities and may be subject to inspections, duties, taxes or local fees. The destination representative will coordinate the clearance process and any required paperwork.
Helpful tip: Do not assume every personal-effects shipment is duty-free; local rules apply.
Once the shipment is released and delivery can be scheduled, the destination team arranges transportation to your new residence. Unloading, placement, unpacking and debris removal depend on the services included in your agreement.
Helpful tip: Inspect items at delivery, check the inventory and promptly report any visible loss or damage.
For larger household moves, a full container provides dedicated space for your shipment. Common container sizes include 20-foot and 40-foot options, subject to suitability and availability.
For smaller moves, consolidated shipping lets your goods share container space with other shipments. Collection, consolidation and delivery timing may vary.
For urgent essentials or smaller shipments, air freight may offer faster transport, typically at a higher cost. Size, weight and destination restrictions apply.
Compare 20ft, 40ft, 40ft High Cube & shared groupage options →
Explore 23 destination guides with personal shipping solutions, country highlights, useful customs information and advice on settling into a new home.
Start as early as practical, especially if you need packing services, a specific collection date or destination documentation. We can review your preferred dates and available options during the quotation process.
Transit time depends on origin, destination, shipping method, vessel or flight schedules, customs processing and final delivery arrangements. We provide estimated timing for your particular route, not a guaranteed arrival date unless expressly agreed.
Our team and destination offices help explain the applicable documentation and coordinate customs-related steps. You remain responsible for providing accurate information and documents, and local authorities make final clearance decisions.
Vehicle shipping can often be coordinated with a household move, depending on container space, vehicle dimensions, destination import rules and the selected shipping service. Ask us for a combined quotation.
Coverage options and conditions depend on the service and policy selected. Ask our team about available protection and review the terms, exclusions and packing requirements before booking.
Included services and fees vary by quotation and destination. Your written estimate should specify included charges and any potential exclusions. Customs duties, taxes, inspections or other charges may apply.
Tell us where you are moving and what you plan to ship. We will help you explore the next steps and available relocation services.
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