Preparing for Your International Move
Planning an international move from Tacoma, Washington? There are many challenges and obstacles you may face along the way. Whether you're relocating from a suburb in South Tacoma or saying goodbye to your condo in the North End, there's a ton that goes into an international relocation, so you'll need to prepare to ensure your move runs smoothly. Whether your next move is to Europe, Asia, or Central America, North American Van Lines is here to help.
We're one of the best international moving companies in Tacoma. Our team is trained, certified and insured. We develop custom international moving plans for all our clients to ensure every aspect of your relocation is taken care of.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote to get started.
Packing and Shipping to and From Tacoma
As a top-rated international moving company in Tacoma, we've helped successfully move individuals and families by sea, land and air. Our team is here to offer expert recommendations for packing and shipping to ensure your items are safe throughout transit. Here are some of the international moving services in Tacoma County we currently offer:
Packing and Loading
Our international movers can help pack and load your items for you. We use high-end moving supplies to ensure your items are safely packed and prepared to go the distance. Once you arrive at your new location and your belongings make it through customs, we'll send a North American International representative to help you get settled into your new place.
Speciality Moving Boxes
Not sure how to relocate mattresses, mirrors, wardrobes or artwork? We also have high-end specialty moving boxes specifically designed to protect bulky or oddly shaped items in transit.
Custom Crating
Keep chandeliers, grandfather clocks and other family heirlooms safe with our custom crating solutions. Our custom wood-built crates, designed with the utmost care, are made to keep extra fragile items safe and secure during your international move, giving you peace of mind about your precious possessions.
Storage Solutions
Planning a temporary move to a new country? Need a place to store your belongings for just a few months? We offer safe and secure storage units in Tacoma and other major cities in the United States. Our units are climate-controlled and affordable.
Moving Valuation Coverage
Always check valuation coverage when gathering quotes from different international moving companies in Tacoma. Policies may vary from company to company. Learn more about northAmerican’s International's valuation protection.
Legal and Administrative Considerations
There are several administrative tasks you'll need to complete before an international relocation. If you don't have the correct paperwork, you or your belongings may be denied at the border. To ensure everything is going to plan, you'll want to review the following:
- Custom clearance requirements for the country you're moving to
- What items you can and can't bring into the country
- What custom forms do you need to fill out before moving
Check for Export/Import Laws
One benefit of our Tacoma international moving services is that we offer guidance at every part of your move. We've made free online guides on custom clearance requirements for Australia, the U.K., and the U.S. You can also download the custom forms for each of these countries in our moving resources.
Do you have questions or concerns about paperwork, PDF downloads, or the export/import laws for a specific country? Contact us today for more information.
Moving Tips for an International Move from Tacoma
International moves can be a stressful experience to take on by yourself. To ensure you're prepared for your upcoming international move, it's always best to:
Plan Ahead
You should start planning your international move at least three to six months in advance, as this will give you time to fill out the visa paperwork and customs forms. You'll also have enough time to secure insurance coverage and compare quotes between top-rated Tacoma international moving companies.
Protect Your Belongings
Whether you're crossing the Canadian border or moving overseas, you want to ensure your items are safe and secure in transit. Working with a Tacoma international moving company will ensure you have the proper supplies and tools like corner pads, shipping containers, paper padding and more.
Know What You Can't Pack
The last thing you want is for your belongings to get stuck in customs. You'll want to review the list of prohibited items to ensure your items safely arrive at your new destination. Items that may get seized by foreign authorities include:
- Firearms
- Alcohol
- Narcotics
- Pornographic materials
- Politically sensitive materials
- Agricultural products
Upon Arrival
After arriving at your new home, register with the nearest consulate and connect with your North American international representative. After your belongings safely make it through customs, our North American international representative will come to your new home to help reassemble your items.