When you are relocating a whole household overseas, you have a lot of decisions to make. You need to decide what you are taking with you and how you are getting it there. Relocating can be expensive, but so can replacing all of your furniture and household goods. Sea freight is significantly less expensive than air. Before you make the decision, it’s good to know a few basics about how to send a shipping container overseas.
1. It’s not as complicated as you might fear
You just need to find reputable international shipping companies with experience helping people move their belongings abroad by ship. Spratt Personal Shipping helps people move all over the world with minimal hassle.
2. Not all containers are the same.
Shipping containers come in a few sizes ranging from 20 foot to 45 foot. The most common sizes are 20 foot and 40 foot.
3. Know what you need
What actually fits in a shipping container? Most three-bedroom households can fit into a 20 foot shipping container, although some will need more space.
4. What if you don’t have enough for a small shipping container?
You don’t need to fill a whole shipping container. Spratt can take a partial load of any size shipping container.
5. You do need to pack your belongings in moving boxes
You don’t just put items in the shipping container. Furniture should be protected with suitable covers and packing materials. Remember, the ship will be at sea and it will roll with waves.
6. How long does it take?
Depending on where you are going, sending your belongings by sea can take one to six weeks. We have sea shipments leaving weekly from Dublin for destinations around the world.
7. Collection and delivery details
Spratt can collect your shipment from your home and deliver it to your new home. We offer door to door, door to port, and port to port shipping options.
8. Coping with customs
When you get quotes to send a shipping container overseas, ask the international shipping companies you contact if they offer a full customs brokerage service. Spratt does.
9. Track and trace
Also ask about global track and trace. Spratt offers this service at a competitive rate for your peace of mind and ease of planning.
10. Normal rules still apply
Shipping containers do get checked at entry, so you must be sure that everything you pack is allowed into the country where you are moving.
If you are planning to move abroad, sending a shipping container of your personal belongings might be the best option for you. Depending on your destination, it can be less expensive than replacing everything. It can also give you the comfort of your familiar belongings, which can ease homesickness when it strikes and help you feel at home right away. This can be especially important for families with young children who may feel more secure in a new place with the furniture and toys they know and love.
At Spratt, we have experience helping families send shipping containers overseas. We can help with any questions you might have and we can provide you with a shipping quote and estimated shipping time. Just contact us today for more information.
The post 10 Things to Know about Sending a Shipping Container Overseas appeared first on Spratt Personal Shipping.
