Residential Shipping Guide for Moving Abroad

Moving abroad is an exciting step, but preparing to ship your household belongings can feel daunting if you are unsure where to begin. From choosing the right shipping method to navigating customs and packing your items safely, there is plenty to plan before your goods leave your current home. This complete guide explains the residential shipping process from start to finish to help you move overseas with confidence.

At Andrews Shipping, we support families, professionals and individuals relocating around the world and make household moves as smooth and straightforward as possible. Below, you will find everything you need to know before arranging residential shipping for an international move.

1. What Residential Shipping Covers

Residential shipping involves transporting personal belongings and household goods when relocating to another country. This includes furniture, clothing, kitchenware, electronics, bicycles, and packed boxes. Whether you are moving permanently, for work or for study, residential shipping ensures your possessions arrive safely at your new home.

If you are planning the wider aspects of your international relocation, you may find it helpful to read this guide on navigating immigration and visa requirements.

Learn more about our residential shipping service here.

2. Choosing the Right Shipping Method

International residential moves usually involve one of three transport methods:

Full Container Load (FCL)

Ideal for full house moves or larger quantities of belongings. You have your own container, giving you more control over timings and ample space for furniture and bulkier items.

Shared Container Load (LCL or Groupage)

A cost-effective option for smaller moves. You share container space with other customers and only pay for the volume you use. This is popular with single professionals, students, and small households.

Air Freight

Suitable for urgent or essential items that need to arrive quickly. Although more expensive, it is often used alongside sea freight when customers want part of their shipment sooner.

Your choice will depend on how much you are shipping, your timeline, and your budget.

For tips on keeping costs under control, see this useful guide on moving overseas on a budget.

3. Preparing Your Household Goods for Shipping

Preparation plays a key role in making your move abroad smooth and organised:

Create an inventory: Record everything you plan to ship. This will be essential for customs processing and insurance.
Declutter before packing: The less you ship, the lower your costs. Downsizing is an important part of any international move and can make packing much easier.
Pack items securely: Use high quality boxes, wrapping materials and labels. Professional packing services can protect your goods from damage during long sea voyages.
Prepare appliances and electronics: Ensure devices are drained, cleaned, and ready for transport. Check voltage compatibility in your destination country too.

Seasonal packing guidance

You may find it useful to read additional advice in our blog post on top tips for hassle free Christmas shipping, which also contains helpful packing insights.

4. Customs and Documentation for International Moves

Every country has its own rules for importing household goods. To avoid delays, you will need to understand:

Import forms for personal belongings
Residence or visa requirements
Restricted or prohibited items
Any duties or taxes that may apply

Although focused on commercial cargo, our blog on customs clearance essentials provides valuable insight into how customs processes work in general.

Your shipping provider will guide you through the paperwork and help ensure your documentation is accurate.

5. Shipping Insurance for Peace of Mind

International journeys can involve long transit times and multiple handling stages. Shipping insurance is therefore an important part of planning your move.

You will normally choose between:

Total loss cover, which protects against complete loss of the shipment
All risk cover, which offers wider protection for individual items

Make sure you declare the value of your belongings correctly and keep receipts or photos for high value items.

6. Shipping Day and Container Loading

Once your shipment is booked, the process may include:

Delivery of your container or collection of your packed boxes
Loading by a professional team who secure your items for transport
Container sealing and transport to the port
Export checks before departure

You will be able to track your shipment as it travels to its new destination.

7. Arrival and Delivery Abroad

Upon arrival, your goods will be unloaded and checked by customs officials in the destination country. Once cleared, your shipment will be delivered either to your new property or a local warehouse, depending on your preference.

Final steps include:

Unpacking
Checking items against your inventory
Recycling packing materials

At this point, your international move is well underway, and your new home begins to take shape.

8. Why Choose Andrews Shipping for Residential Moves

Andrews Shipping has decades of experience helping customers move their belongings across the world. We offer:

Transparent and competitive pricing
Flexible container and air freight options
Professional packing services
Guidance on customs and documentation
Secure handling at every stage

Our aim is to make your move abroad as simple and reliable as possible. Learn more here.

International relocation becomes far more manageable when you understand the shipping process and prepare early. With the right support and planning, you can protect your belongings and enjoy a seamless start to life in your new country.

If you are preparing for a move abroad, Andrews Shipping is here to support you through every stage of residential shipping. Contact us today.