Skip to main content

Our Process

Everything you
need to know

The Process

Moving overseas is a complicated process that takes a lot of careful planning. It’s important you work with a company who understands this and will do everything to make sure your possessions get from your old home to your new home safely. At Overseas Packers & Shippers, we follow a careful process that has been tried and tested for 40 years.

International Removalists

Step 1: Get an Estimate

The first step in your moving journey with Overseas Packers & Shippers is to receive an estimate from our friendly team. Firstly, fill out our ‘Quick Estimate’ form detailing your:

  • Full Name
  • Email address
  • Country, suburb and state you’re moving from
  • Country, suburb and state you’re moving to
  • A rough moving date (but if you have a specific date, even better!)
  • List of items to be moved

The estimated is based on the average size of the items you list (e.g. fridge, lounge suite, queen sized bed etc.), so the more detail you provide, the more accurate your estimate will be.

After submitting your enquiry form, a member of our team will be in touch via email or phone within approximately 24 hours Monday to Friday.

Get an Estimate

Step 2: Survey

If you are happy with your initial estimate then then next step is to organise a survey – either in person or online – at the end of the survey we will be able to provide you with an accurate quote.

Option 1: In-Home Survey

To provide you with the most accurate quote, our experienced team visit your home so that can go through every item you want to bring overseas with you. From there, we provide you with a quote detailing the items in each room and how much it will cost to ship your belongings. We price based on volume, so the volume of your possessions will always be included on your quote. As we understand that plans and preferences change, we can also give you the option to say “I’ll bring this if there’s room in the container on the day.”

During the in-home survey our team can also offer advice on insurance and give you the best options to suit your circumstances.

Option 2: Online Survey

For clients who are unable to do the in-home survey, we also offer an online survey service. This process is similar to our in-home survey, except we tour your home via video chat.

As our team won’t physically be there, we suggest having a very clear idea of what you want to take with you before we begin the survey. You will be required to open cupboards and draws, and show us the contents that you want packed and shipped as we move through each room of your home.

Step 3: We Pack for You!

That’s right, we pack and wrap all your belongings so that you don’t have to lift a finger!

On packing day, our team leader will greet you at your home and do a final walk through to ensure every item you want shipped is going to be packed. Depending on the size of the container, we usually have three staff arrive to pack. Each team member will work on a different room to ensure the job gets done as quickly as possible.

After you’ve finalised your packing items, we encourage you to have a day out and enjoy yourself as the packing process can be a little noisy, especially for young children and pets. We recommend booking us to pack a day or two before your flight so that you’re not too long without your possessions, but not rushed either.

Step 4: Bon Voyage!

Bon Voyage! Your belongings have arrived at the port are ready to be shipped to your new home. Once your container arrives at the port, you will receive an email from Overseas Packers & Shippers containing the following information:

  • Which vessel your goods are on
  • Your container number
  • Estimated departure
  • Estimated arrival
  • Who’s going to be dealing with your container
  • Their contact number

Once your shipping day arrives, a crane picks up your container and loads it onto the vessel ready for its journey to your new home!

How soon your belongings are able to be shipped always depends on the country and shipping schedule, and we will work with you to find the best shipping solution for your schedule and budget.

If you need your container to be stored before or after packing, we can also arrange for it to be kept in storage for what ever period is required.

If you have any issues, we encourage you to contact our team so we can resolve the issue for you.

Step 5: Customs

The exact customs process will vary depending on the country you’re moving to, but our team will give you all of the information related to your destination during the in-home survey process. We will also connect you with our partners in your destination country.

Some countries take longer or have more stringent customs requirements and we will tell you what to expect in advance. If there are any delays or issues, we will communicate them to you as soon as we find out, and will work with our international shipping partners ensure that all of your paperwork is submitted correctly and on-time.

Step 6: Welcome Home!

Welcome home! Your belongings have arrived in your new home country. When your shipping container arrives at the port, one of our trusted international partners will collect your container and either bring it straight to your home or to a secure warehouse. When the container arrives at your home, the team will unpack and unwrap your belongings, leaving no mess behind ready for you to enjoy your new home.

FAQs:

Can I pack my own belongings?

Yes, you can pack your own boxes. However, boxes packed by the owner may not be covered by insurance. This will only cover loss, not any breakages. While it may appear as if you are saving money by packing your own boxes, in the long run this generally isn’t the case.

Plus, having us do the packing is one less job for you to do.

When do I pay for the move?

All overseas moves must be paid for prior to your belongings being collected. You can pay by cash, debit card or credit card (excluding AMEX and Diners).

When should I book my move?

You should book your move at least two weeks prior to your moving date.

Which countries do you move to?

Throughout our 40 years of operation, Overseas Packers & Shippers has developed a network all over the world. We move to every country – if you need to move there, we are the professionals that can help you get there.

We are part of the FIDI FAIM network and have over 600 partners globally. This means we can assist with relocating to any part of the globe.

Will my cartons be unpacked on arrival?

Overseas Packers & Shippers offer an end-to-end service, which includes unpacking. If your cartons have been packed by Overseas Packers & Shippers prior to departure, we will also unpack your belongings upon arrival at the end destination. Boxes will be marked for their designated rooms, and your belongings will be unpacked on the nearest flat surface.

International Removalists
Moving Overseas
Relocate Overseas
Move Belongings Overseas
Move Furniture Overseas

We take over the complicated process of moving…

Helping our clients pack, organise insurance, liaise with shipping officials on their behalf and unpack at the end of the move.

Get a Quick Quote