Moving Logistics Guide

Jan 23, 2026

International moves are not technically that complicated, but they can cause migraines if not thought through.

Pick your shipping method

Full container (FCL): You get a 20ft or 40ft shipping container to yourself. Best if you're moving an entire household. Transit time is 4 to 8 weeks depending on route. Expect $3,000 to $8,000+ depending on origin, destination, and container size.
Shared container (LCL): Your stuff shares space with other shipments. Cheaper per cubic meter but slower, sometimes 6 to 12 weeks, because the container doesn't leave until it's full.
Air freight: Fast (1 to 2 weeks) but expensive. Best for essentials you need immediately. A few boxes of clothes, documents, electronics.

Most people do a combination: air freight for the first two weeks of stuff, sea freight for everything else.

Customs declarations

Every country requires a customs declaration for imported household goods. Most countries offer duty-free import of personal effects when you're relocating permanently.

In the EU, Council Regulation 1186/2009 allows duty-free importation of personal property when transferring residence from outside the EU. The catch: items must have been in your possession and used for at least 6 months, and you need to prove you lived outside the EU for 12+ consecutive months. Similar VAT exemptions apply.

For the US, returning residents can import household effects duty-free using CBP Form 3299. Items must have been used abroad for at least one year.

Across all countries you need an inventory list. Every box, every item. Your moving company will help with this but review it carefully. Customs officers will check it against what actually arrives.

Prohibited items

Every country has restricted and prohibited items. Common ones:

Food and agricultural products: Most countries restrict fresh food, seeds, and animal products. Australia and New Zealand are especially strict.
Medications: Prescription drugs often require documentation. Some medications legal in one country are controlled substances in another.
Alcohol and tobacco: Usually limited quantities, subject to duty.
Weapons: Including items you might not think of, like certain knives or sporting equipment.
Plants and soil: Almost universally restricted. Wooden furniture sometimes requires fumigation certificates.

Check your destination country's customs authority before packing. The EU publishes restrictions through its customs portal. The US lists prohibited items through CBP.

Choosing a moving company

If you're hiring an international mover based in the US, check that they have a valid DOT number through FMCSA's Protect Your Move portal. They're required to provide written estimates based on a physical or virtual survey of your belongings, not a phone quote.

Get at least three estimates. Ask specifically about:

Door-to-door vs port-to-port service
Who handles customs clearance at the destination
Insurance coverage (basic carrier liability is minimal, usually 60 cents per pound)
Storage fees if your shipment arrives before your housing is ready

Timeline

Start planning at least 8 weeks before your move date. Here's a rough order:

8 weeks out: Get estimates, book your mover
6 weeks out: Start your inventory, decide what ships vs what gets sold/donated
4 weeks out: Confirm shipping dates, arrange insurance
2 weeks out: Pack essentials for air freight, final walkthrough of sea freight items
Move day: Movers pack and load. Keep documents, valuables, and first-week essentials with you

Your stuff will arrive weeks after you do. Plan for that gap. See The FRESH Method for how to handle your first 30 days with minimal belongings.