International Moving Basics and Container Options: A Complete Guide

Relocating internationally isn’t like moving across town or even across the country. An international move requires careful planning, documentation, and a clear understanding of your shipping options. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is how to transport your belongings overseas — and that usually involves choosing the right container option.

Whether you’re moving abroad for work, family, or adventure, this guide will help you understand the basics of international relocation and container shipping so your transition goes smoothly.

Why International Moves Require Special Planning

Unlike domestic moves, international relocations involve:

• 🚢 Shipping goods by sea or air
• 🧾 Customs clearance and documentation
• 🏷️ Different packing and labeling standards
• 🌍 Longer transit times and logistics coordination

Because your belongings will cross international borders, proper planning and documentation are crucial to avoid delays, extra fees, or even having shipments held at customs.

Step 1: Understand the International Shipping Process

Here’s a simplified breakdown of how most international household goods shipments work:

1. 🏠 Movers pack your household goods and load them into a shipping container.
2. 🚛 The container is transported to a port of departure.
3. 🚢 Your shipment travels by sea (or air) to the destination country.
4. 🛃 Customs clearance occurs at the destination port.
5. 🚚 The container is delivered to your new residence or storage facility.

Each step involves coordination between movers, freight forwarders, and customs authorities. That’s why choosing an experienced international moving company like United Local Movers is essential.

Step 2: Know Your Container Shipping Options

Most international household goods are shipped using ocean freight containers. The two most common options are:

• 📦 FCL (Full Container Load): You get the entire container to yourself.
• 🧳 LCL (Less than Container Load): You share container space with other shipments.

Choosing between FCL and LCL depends on your budget, volume of belongings, and timeline.

Step 3: FCL — Full Container Load

With FCL shipping, your goods are packed into a dedicated container that isn’t shared with anyone else. Benefits include:

• 🚛 Faster shipping times — containers move directly
• 🔐 Better security — your items aren’t mixed with others
• 🧾 Easier customs clearance
• 📅 More predictable delivery schedule

Common container sizes:

• 20-foot container — suitable for a 2–3 bedroom home
• 40-foot container — suitable for a 3–5 bedroom home
• 40-foot high cube — extra height for bulky items

FCL is ideal for families or individuals moving a full household abroad.

Step 4: LCL — Less than Container Load

LCL allows you to share a container with other customers, making it a cost-effective solution for smaller shipments. Benefits include:

• 💰 Lower cost compared to FCL
• 📦 Ideal for 1-bedroom apartments or partial shipments
• 🌍 Environmentally friendly (shared transport)

However, LCL can have:

• ⏳ Longer transit times due to consolidation
• 📄 More complex customs procedures
• 🧳 A higher risk of minor handling delays

For smaller relocations or shipping personal effects, LCL can be the smarter financial choice.

Step 5: Specialty Container Options

Beyond standard 20- and 40-foot containers, there are specialty options for unique needs:

• 🚢 Reefer containers — temperature-controlled for sensitive items
• 🪜 Open-top containers — for oversized or tall goods
• 🧰 Flat-rack containers — for vehicles or bulky equipment

These are typically used for high-value shipments or business relocations with specialized cargo.

Step 6: Air Freight vs Ocean Freight

While ocean freight is the most common for household moves, air freight is an option for urgent or smaller shipments:

• ✈️ Air Freight — faster but more expensive
• 🚢 Ocean Freight — slower but more economical

Many people combine both: shipping essentials by air and the rest by sea.

Step 7: Packing for International Shipping

International moves require sturdier packing than local relocations:

• 📦 Use reinforced boxes and waterproof materials
• 🧰 Crate valuable or fragile items
• 🪵 Secure everything tightly to avoid shifting during ocean transit
• 📝 Label each item clearly with your name, destination, and inventory number

Professional packing can reduce damage risk during the long journey.

Step 8: Understanding Customs Documentation

Every country has its own customs regulations, but typical required documents include:

• 🧾 Passport and visa copies
• 📑 Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
• 📦 Inventory list (often itemized)
• 💰 Proof of ownership and value
• 🏠 Residence or work permit

Incorrect or incomplete paperwork is one of the most common reasons for delays. A good moving company will guide you through the process step by step.

Step 9: Insurance for International Shipments

International transit carries more risk than domestic moves. That’s why proper insurance is crucial. Options include:

• 🛡️ Total loss coverage
• 📦 All-risk coverage for partial or full shipments
• 📄 Declared value insurance

Ask your mover about coverage limits and exclusions to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Step 10: Delivery and Final Steps

Once your container arrives at the destination port:

• 🧾 It will go through customs clearance
• 🚚 The mover will deliver it to your new home or storage
• 🧳 Unpacking and debris removal may be included
• 📸 Inspect everything upon arrival and note any damage

Be prepared for some variability in delivery dates, especially with shared containers.

Step 11: Tips to Keep Costs Under Control

International relocations can get expensive, but smart planning can help keep costs down:

• 🧭 Ship only what you need — declutter first
• 🚢 Choose the right container size for your volume
• 📅 Book well in advance for better rates
• 🧾 Avoid storage delays at the destination port

Even small optimizations can save thousands of dollars on large overseas moves.

Step 12: Why Hiring an Experienced Mover Matters

Unlike local relocations, international moves involve multiple agencies, legal steps, and logistics layers. Working with an experienced moving company like United Local Movers ensures:

• 📝 Accurate documentation and customs guidance
• 🚛 Secure packing and container handling
• 🕒 Transparent timelines and pricing
• 🛡️ Insurance support and claims assistance

Professional support minimizes delays and stress, making your international move more predictable and cost-effective.

Taking the First Step Toward Your International Move

International relocations can feel overwhelming — but with the right preparation, the process becomes manageable. Choosing the right container, understanding shipping basics, and working with a trusted mover will give you peace of mind across borders.

With United Local Movers, your relocation becomes safer, faster, and stress-free — no matter how far across the globe your new chapter begins.