Sandersons International Moving
Located in Singapore
© Sandersons International Moving, 2026
When should we start planning an international move
Ideally, planning should begin three to four months before your intended moving date — and earlier if possible.
This allows time to carry out a proper survey, consider shipping options, confirm documentation requirements, and plan packing and loading dates without pressure. Certain destinations, peak seasons, or specific customs requirements may require additional lead time.
Starting early doesn’t mean committing immediately — it simply allows your move to be planned calmly and properly, rather than rushed.
What actually determines the cost of an overseas move
The primary factor is volume — the amount of space your belongings occupy within a shipping container.
Other factors that influence cost include:
destination country
type of shipment (shared container or sole-use container)
level of packing required
access at origin and destination
customs and local delivery conditions
International moving costs are not fixed tariffs; they are the result of multiple components working together. A proper survey — either in person or virtual — is the most reliable way to establish accurate pricing and avoid surprises later.
How long do international household moves usually take
Transit times vary depending on destination, shipping method, and local clearance procedures.
As a general guide:
Shared container shipments typically take longer, as they rely on consolidation schedules.
Sole-use container shipments are more direct and often faster.
Most international household moves take between six and ten weeks door to door, though some destinations may be quicker or slower. Customs clearance timelines are not always predictable, which is why experience and preparation matter.
Shared container vs sole-use container - what's the difference
A shared container shipment means your belongings are consolidated with other shipments travelling to the same destination. You are charged only for the space you use, making this a cost-effective option for smaller or part-household moves.
A sole-use container shipment means an entire container is packed and loaded exclusively for your move. This offers greater control, faster transit, and simpler handling, making it well suited to full household relocations.
The right option depends on volume, timing, and personal preference — something best discussed during the planning stage of your move.
What paperwork is required for an international household move?
All international household moves require customs documentation to be completed before shipment can be cleared at destination.
While requirements vary by country, this typically includes:
a detailed inventory of contents
passport and visa or residency documents
shipping and customs forms specific to the destination country
Some countries also require proof that the shipment represents a transfer of residence, rather than a commercial import.
We guide you through the documentation process in advance, ensuring everything is prepared correctly and submitted at the appropriate stage of the move.
What items typically cause delays at customs?
Customs delays are most often caused by items that are:
restricted or prohibited in the destination country
insufficiently declared on the inventory
new, high-value, or commercially packaged
Alcohol, food items, plants, and certain electrical goods are common examples, though rules differ widely between countries.
Clear inventories and proper preparation significantly reduce the risk of delays — one of the key reasons experience matters in international moving.
What does “Transfer of Residence” mean?
Many countries allow household goods to be imported duty- and tax-free when they are part of a genuine relocation, known as a Transfer of Residence.
To qualify, you must usually:
be moving your primary residence
have owned and used the items for a specified period
submit the required declaration or application
For example, the UK requires a Transfer of Residence (TOR) application to be approved before customs clearance can take place.
We explain these requirements clearly and help ensure the correct process is followed from the outset.
Why customs rules vary so much between countries
Each country sets its own import regulations, documentation standards, and inspection procedures.
What may clear smoothly in one destination can require additional scrutiny in another — even for identical shipments. Changes to regulations are also common, particularly around restricted items and personal effects.
This is why international moves benefit from careful planning and destination-specific knowledge, rather than assumptions based on previous experience alone.
Customs requirements can seem complex, but with proper preparation they are rarely problematic. We guide you through the process at every stage of your move.
What should be packed professionally — and what can be self-packed
Many families choose a combination of professional packing and self-packing.
Professional packing is recommended for:
fragile items
artwork, mirrors, and glass
larger furniture
items of sentimental or monetary value
Self-packing is often suitable for:
clothing
books
personal items you’re comfortable packing yourself
We’re happy to advise on what should be professionally packed and what can be self-packed, ensuring everything is protected appropriately for international transit.
What not to ship internationally
Certain items are restricted or prohibited in most countries and should not be included in an international household shipment.
These commonly include:
food and perishables
plants and organic materials
flammable or hazardous items
certain electrical appliances depending on destination
Shipping restricted items can lead to customs delays, inspections, or penalties. Clear guidance at the planning stage helps avoid these issues entirely.
Preparing furniture and appliances for overseas shipment
Furniture should be clean, dry, and free from soil or organic residue prior to packing. Appliances typically need to be fully emptied, cleaned, and dried before shipment.
Some destinations have strict biosecurity requirements, and items that are not properly prepared may be subject to inspection, cleaning, or delay at destination.
Professional packing ensures furniture and appliances are prepared correctly and protected for the duration of the journey.
How can we prepare our household in the weeks before the move?
Preparing early makes a significant difference to how smoothly a move runs.
Helpful steps include:
sorting and reducing belongings well in advance
separating items you’ll travel with from those being shipped
keeping important documents accessible
confirming access and parking arrangements for packing day
A well-prepared household allows packing and loading to proceed calmly and efficiently.
Good preparation removes much of the uncertainty from an international move. With clear planning and the right support, packing and shipping your household can be a straightforward process.
How to prepare children for an international move
An international move can be a major adjustment for children, particularly when routines and surroundings are changing.
Where possible, involve children in the process by:
explaining what will happen in simple terms
allowing them to choose items to pack themselves
maintaining familiar routines before and after the move
A calm, well-organised move helps reduce stress for the entire family — children included.
What does a well-planned international move actually look like?
A well-planned international move is one where decisions are made early, expectations are clear, and nothing is rushed at the last minute.
This typically includes:
a proper survey before pricing is agreed
realistic timelines based on destination and shipping method
clear guidance on packing, documentation, and customs
consistent communication throughout the process
When these elements are in place, international moves tend to run smoothly — even when circumstances change.
What are the most common mistakes families make when moving overseas?
Most problems arise not from shipping itself, but from lack of preparation.
Common issues include:
starting the process too late
underestimating volume
packing restricted items unknowingly
relying on assumptions rather than destination-specific guidance
These are understandable mistakes — and largely avoidable with proper planning and advice at the outset.
Why does experience matter in international moving?
International moving involves multiple stages, countries, and regulations — many of which sit outside a family’s direct control.
Experience helps by:
anticipating potential issues before they arise
understanding how different destinations operate
selecting reliable overseas partners
responding calmly when circumstances change
It’s not about doing things differently — it’s about knowing what matters, and when.
How do we help ensure a move stays on track?
We take a measured, planned approach to every move, focusing on clarity and preparation rather than speed alone.
From initial planning through to delivery at destination, we guide you through each stage — ensuring decisions are informed, documentation is correct, and expectations remain aligned throughout the process.
The aim is simple: a move that feels manageable from start to finish.
International moves don’t need to feel overwhelming. With the right preparation and experienced guidance, they can be handled calmly, clearly, and with confidence.