The International Move Process

There are two ways to ship your household goods:  by air and by sea.  Transit time for moving by sea to a foreign country varies, depending on your destination.  When possible, your entire household will be packed into seaworthy wooden overseas containers, which are about four by seven by seven feet.  These containers are usually loaded at your residence by the local agent of Atlas International, and then moved by truck or rail from your present home to the port of departure, where they are placed inside a steamship container and loaded onto the vessel.  For larger shipments, the household goods can be loaded loose into a steamship container, which is brought from the port to the warehouse of the local agent.  The local agent transports the container to your residence, packs and loads your household goods, and returns the container to the agent's warehouse.  From there, we pick up the container and transport it either by rail or truck to the port of exit and then load it on the vessel.  At the port of discharge, the household goods are cleared through customs and then transported to your new residence.  

Moving by air to an international location is becoming increasingly popular.  Heavy cardboard boxes or light plywood containers are typically used.  While air transportation is expensive, it may actually be more economical for a family whose home is immediately available at the foreign destination.  It eliminates the expense of a long stay in a hotel while your possessions are enroute.  Although moving by air means faster service, it often involves additional handling of your possessions.

However, rest assured that your goods are in competent hands as you turn over the responsibilities of moving day to someone else.  It is important that you or your designated representative remain on site from the time the van arrives with the containers until the house is locked. 

Please note prior organization of your belongings is key for the move. Also, if you have planned to have your children taken care of during the packing and loading process, you can manage your move with minimum confusion.

Before the Movers Arrive
  Below is a list of final preparations that we recommend to make moving day as smooth as possible:

:::     Keep all items that you and your family plan to take with you separate from your household goods and notify the movers of this
        before packing begins.

:::     Tie garden tools together in a secure bundle.

:::     Drain the fuel and oil from any combustion-engine powered machinery. (lawnmowers, weed-eaters, etc.)

:::     Drain the oil from any lamp or any other household goods items that contain liquid.

:::     Dismantle outdoor play equipment and other outdoor structures that will be part of your shipment, such as sheds and
        playhouses.

:::     Clean the refrigerator and freezer if they are to be shipped.  Allow 2 days for drying.

:::     Dispose of any leftover foods, canned goods, and perishable items that cannot be shipped.

:::     Remove any heavy items from furniture drawers.

:::     Dismantle stereos, computers, video games, and similar items.

:::     f applicable, remove your window air conditioner if it is to be part of your shipment.

:::     Take down curtain rods, pictures, electrical fixtures, under the counter kitchen appliances, and mirrors, as well as utensil
       and food racks, hanging bookcases, cabinets, and anything else secured to the walls that is to be included in your
       shipment.

:::     Arrange to discontinue utility services (gas, electricity, telephone, paper delivery, mail, etc.). If utilities are to remain in
        service, see that the meter is read just before you leave.

:::     Arrange to have carpentry, plumbing, electrical or other work needed to disconnect your appliances.

:::     Items that may not be shipped:

·        Live animals, birds, fowls, and reptiles.

·        Ammunition, which would include materials for making your own ammunition, such as gun powder.

·         Flammables.

:::    Items that are not recommended for shipment:

·        Jewelry, family heirlooms, photo albums, and items with sentimental value.

·        Money, bank books, bonds, stock certificates, tax returns, and legal papers.

·        Firearms, the transport of which is subject to various local, state, and federal laws.

**Please note that items which are irreplaceable or are of extreme value or sentiment are not provided special security by the carrier even though excess valuation may be purchased. 

:::      Antiques and art objects:

·    Antiques need to have a current appraisal.

·     Art objects purchased (paintings) have the retained purchase value.

·    Actual value of art objects made by yourself may be difficult to determine.

:::     Collections:

·        Identify valuable collections and specific pieces within a collection.  These items need a current appraisal. 

:::     If you are concerned about exceeding your weight allowance, we recommend discarding:

•      Magazines and books you no longer want or need.

•      Clothes that have not been worn for several years.

•      Empty bottles and jars.

•      Furniture and appliances that you plan to replace at your new location.

•      Items in your storage area that you have not used in several years. 

On Moving Day

• On the day prior to your pack date, contact the movers to confirm the time they will arrive at your house.

• Continue telephone service until the day after your shipment is picked up.  You may need phone
   service   throughout moving day

• Remove suitcases from the house and any items you will be carrying with you on your trip, to avoid having them loaded by mistake

• Work with the foreman or driver the person in charge.  Go through the house with the driver, pointing out anything that should not be loaded.  

• Be sure each piece of furniture is properly inventoried, noting scratches and marks.  Sign the inventory.

• Point out the most valuable items, so that special handling and wrapping will be used for those pieces.

• Gather last minute items together for the movers to pack in one final box.

• Sign the Atlas International bill of lading.  Indicate on the bill of lading your contact address and telephone number in your new country.

• Fill out and sign the Application for Insurance form.  When completing the application, be sure to take into consideration replacement costs in the new location, should items be damaged beyond repair
  

The move is now in the capable hands of experienced international movers. Be comforted that you will be able to track your shipment using the World Wide Web or through your assigned International Relocation Coordinator. You can now leave town assured that the initial part of the move is complete and that you will be reunited with your household goods at your new destination residence.