7 Price Factors that affect shipping to another country

When Shipping and Relocating Internationally, there are potentially quite a few factors that can determine the how much your move will ultimately end up costing. 

7 price factors that affect shipping to another country

1. Volume - How much stuff are you shipping?

The first point to make is international movers charge more and have less flexibility during their busy seasons. A lot of families aim to move around school holidays, especially the long summer break, so ideally avoid summer, Christmas, Easter, mid-term etc.

Secondly, your move is likely to take a number of weeks to move door to door at best; if you able to accommodate a more relaxed schedule, this could open some options and save you money.

2. Timing - When is the best time to move?

The first point to make is international movers charge more and have less flexibility during their busy seasons. A lot of families aim to move around school holidays, especially the long summer break, so ideally avoid summer, Christmas, Easter, mid-term etc.

Secondly, your move is likely to take a number of weeks to move door to door at best; if you able to accommodate a more relaxed schedule, this could open some options and save you money.

3. Services - How much work is involved?

International Movers can provide a number of services – there are the fundamentals such as export packing and wrappinglabeling and loading of your goods, however you also need to think of other services you may require, such as shuttling services (assuming you live in a built up area). 

Some of your goods may need complex dismantling and re-assembly, or perhaps fragile items need additional protection by wooden crates. There are likely to be associated costs so planning ahead is highly advisable.

7 price factors that affect shipping to another country

Movers will often charge for difficult access. I.e (high rise buildings with no lifts)

4. Destination - Be clear on a final delivery address

It may sound obvious but try to be clear on your final destination. If you already have a home address at destination, let the international moving company know at the time of the inquiry or during the pre-move survey.

With modern technology, satellite imagery especially apps like Google Maps, it is easy to access a street view of your new address which will allow the moving company to take logistical considerations into account ahead of time which not only enables a proactive approach to the delivery of your goods, but also takes into account any expenses which may be required at destination such as parking fees or a shuttle fee in a built up or congested area.

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5. Do I need storage facility?

Depending on your circumstances, you may want to consider storage. Some people store items they are simply unable to sell, this might work short term, but is probably best avoided.

If you are moving somewhere long term, then as a rule, avoid storage as it can become very expensive. If you are able to leave larger items of furniture, you don’t want to ship, with friends, this may be a better option

6. Budget - How much can I afford to spend?

Depending on your circumstances, you may want to consider storage. Some people store items they are simply unable to sell, this might work short term, but is probably best avoided.

If you are moving somewhere long term, then as a rule, avoid storage as it can become very expensive. If you are able to leave larger items of furniture, you don’t want to ship, with friends, this may be a better option

7. Import Regulations & Documentation

Most nations have clear policies when dealing with people repatriating or migrating to a new country. It is worth familiarising yourself with these as soon as possible.

In some cases, you may be asked to provide documents which you need time to source, or be required certificates authenticated by consulates/embassies. 

Avoid leaving this to the last minute! IAM is a good source