Preparing for Your International Move
Whether you're making a permanent or temporary move, international relocations can be stressful and challenging. There are more steps that go into the process to ensure you and your belongings safely arrive at your new location. If you're ready to wave goodbye to sunny San Diego to make Melbourne, London, or Sydney your new home, we're here to help.
North American Van Lines is one of the best international moving companies in San Diego. Our team is here to help you create a custom international moving plan that ensures your belongings are safe and secure in transit. We'll also help you navigate customs and ensure you have all the correct paperwork to legally clear customs.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote to get started.
Packing and Shipping to and From San Diego
Whether your belongings are traveling by sea, land, or air - you want to ensure items are properly packed and prepared to go the distance. Working with a top-rated international moving company in San Diego will ensure your items are handled in a professional manner. Here’s a list of international moving services in San Diego County you can take advantage of:
Packing and Loading
Our experienced international movers will help pack and load your belongings with care. We'll even help you choose the best shipping container for your belongings. Once you arrive at your new location, a North American International representative will also help you reassemble furniture, appliances, or electronics.
Speciality Moving Boxes
If you plan on shipping bulky items, specialty moving boxes, like mattresses and mirror boxes, are the way to go. These boxes are specially designed to keep your belongings protected.
Custom Crating
We also offer custom crating options for the extra fragile items in your life. Our custom wooden crates are safe and secure and come in various sizes. It's the perfect packing solution for chandeliers, family heirlooms, or oddly shaped items.
Storage Solutions
Are you temporarily moving overseas or relocating for the military? Ask us about our storage solutions available in San Diego and other major U.S. cities. All of our units are climate-controlled, safe, and affordable. We also offer flexible short—and long-term solutions.
Moving Valuation
Most reputable San Diego international moving companies offer valuation coverage. The amount of coverage may vary, so it's best to check the contract and ask about the level of coverage before moving.
Legal and Administrative Considerations
You'll need to complete some legal and administrative tasks before you relocate internationally. If you don't complete these tasks in a timely manner, you may be denied at the border. You may also run into problems with customs. Some things to consider:
- Custom clearance requirements for the country you're moving to
- What you can and can't bring into the country
- Custom forms you need to fill out
Check for Export/Import Laws
North American Van Lines has comprehensive guides on customs clearance requirements for Australia, the U.K., and the U.S. We also have PDF downloads of custom forms for each country. These moving resources are readily available online. Contact us today for additional guidance and information if you have any questions or concerns about these documents.
Moving Tips for an International Move from San Diego
International moves can bring new challenges. To ensure you're prepared to relocate internationally, you must:
Start Early
Start planning your international relocation three to six months in advance. This gives you enough time to secure a visa, fill out customs forms, find moving coverage, and hire an international moving company in San Diego.
Protect Your Shipment
All items must be packed accordingly for an international shipment. Every item will require different packing and packaging. Working with an international moving company in San Diego will ensure you have the paper padding, corner pads, 3-ply paper pads and shipping containers you need.
Know What You Can't Pack
Understanding what items are prohibited from packing is crucial to avoid potential delays in the customs clearance process. Firearms, alcohol, narcotics, pornographic materials, politically sensitive materials, and agricultural products should be left behind in your country of origin, as they will be seized by foreign customs authorities.
Upon Arrival
Once you arrive at your new destination, you must register with the nearest consulate and call your North American international representative. Once your household items pass customs and arrive at your new home, a North American international representative will help reassemble them for you.