An international relocation involves far more than packing boxes and loading a truck. Indeed, from your first survey to the day your furniture arrives in your new home abroad, there are customs procedures, documentation requirements, shipping schedules, and destination logistics to navigate. Fortunately, BLUEmove has guided American families, corporate employees, and diplomatic personnel through the international move process for 21+ years. For practical preparation tips, also see our moving abroad checklist, and for an inside look at how we coordinate, read our complete guide to leaving the US.
Step 1 — Your Free Survey (In-Home or Video)
Every BLUEmove international move begins with a free survey — your choice of an in-home visit from a BLUEmove surveyor, or a remote video survey we conduct online. During the survey, your coordinator will assess all items you plan to move, estimate total volume and weight, identify specialist packing requirements, and explain your shipping options with transparent cost and transit time comparisons. Additionally, you will receive a detailed, all-inclusive written quote with no hidden costs.
Step 2 — Before Move Day: Documents & Preparation
Once you confirm your booking, your dedicated move coordinator will send you a personalised document checklist for your destination country. Typically, you will need: a detailed household goods inventory, your passport and destination visa or residency documentation, proof of prior US residence, and destination-specific customs declaration forms. Furthermore, your coordinator prepares all customs paperwork on your behalf — you simply supply the information we request. For a full preparation timeline, also see our moving abroad checklist.
Step 3 — Move Day: Professional Packing & Loading
On move day, BLUEmove’s Team Blue arrives at your home and takes complete charge. Our professional packers bring all materials — purpose-made cartons, bubble wrap, furniture blankets, and specialist crates for fragile items. Before packing begins, the Team Blue chief walks through your home with you to confirm exactly what we are moving. Moreover, we record every item on a detailed signed inventory — your key document for customs clearance at destination. We use a clear labelling system: AIR, SEA, STORAGE, or DO NOT PACK. If you have children at home during move day, we involve them where appropriate to make the day less unsettling.
How Far in Advance Should You Book International Movers?
We recommend booking at least 8–12 weeks before your planned departure date. This lead time allows for the pre-move survey, document preparation, packing crew scheduling, container booking, and vessel reservation. In particular, summer months (May–September) fill up quickly — we therefore strongly advise 12+ weeks’ notice for moves in this period. For urgent moves, however, contact BLUEmove immediately: we can often accommodate shorter timelines using air freight. Call 855.808.4900 or request your free estimate here.
Step 4 — In Transit: We Track Your Shipment
Once your shipment leaves your home, our coordination work intensifies behind the scenes. Sea freight from the US East Coast to Europe takes approximately 10–14 days of ocean transit, with a total door-to-door time of 4–6 weeks. Air freight, by contrast, takes 1–2 weeks door-to-door. Furthermore, if your new home abroad is not ready when your shipment arrives, BLUEmove can arrange secure storage at the destination. We also strongly recommend comprehensive transit insurance to protect your goods throughout the journey.
Step 5 — Customs Clearance at Your Destination
BLUEmove’s FMC registration gives us full legal authority to act as your ocean freight forwarder and manage customs declarations on your behalf. Our in-country partner agents then handle the local customs process at your destination, using the documentation we prepared at origin. Most countries allow duty-free import of used household goods for persons establishing permanent residency. Consequently, we ensure your shipment carries the correct documentation to qualify for this exemption.
Step 6 — Delivery & Unpacking at Your New Home
Once we confirm customs clearance at your destination, we deliver your goods directly to your new home. BLUEmove’s local delivery crew brings everything inside, places furniture in the rooms you direct, and unpacks as needed. We also include furniture assembly as standard. Before the crew leaves, we conduct a final inventory check to confirm every item has arrived. Then — you are home.
Ready to Start? Request Your Free Estimate
To get started, request your free video or in-home survey here, or call us on 855.808.4900. Alternatively, read our guide on how to choose a reliable international moving company. We don’t just move boxes. We bring families home.
