International Removals Checklist
How it works
The checklist covers everything in the right order: 12 weeks before (quotes, insurance, customs paperwork), 6 weeks (declutter, sell furniture, gather originals of documents), 2 weeks (pack-day prep, utility cancellations, mail forwarding), move week (inventory check, payment release), and arrival (customs clearance, unpacking, insurance claim window).
Worked example
3-bed semi to Sydney: declutter 30% of belongings, ship 18m³ part-container at £6,800, marine insurance £450 (3% of declared value), Australian quarantine inspection £550, delivery and unpack £400 = £8,200. Door-to-door: 9 weeks.
Who should use this
- •Families relocating long-haul
- •Anyone shipping high-value or sentimental items
- •People comparing 'ship vs sell' decisions
- •Returning expats coming back to the UK
Common mistakes
- ×Skipping marine insurance to save 3% — single damaged claim wipes out savings
- ×Shipping cheap furniture instead of replacing locally
- ×Not having originals of birth/marriage certificates in hand luggage
- ×Forgetting prohibited items (food, alcohol limits, plants — Australia/NZ are strictest)
Frequently asked questions
Door-to-door or door-to-port?▾
Always door-to-door for first-time movers. Door-to-port saves 15% but you handle customs and onward delivery yourself.
Pet relocation?▾
£3,000–£8,000 to Australia/NZ via specialist; £500–£1,500 to most of Europe.
When can I claim damage?▾
Note all damage on the inventory at delivery, then claim within 7–14 days (check your contract).