Here are some general tips for moving your household goods to a new country. Our Moving Household Goods section can also provide you with additional moving information. It typically takes 6-8 weeks from the time your goods are packed to the delivery date.

• If you are being moved by your company, know its policies as to storage and the amount of household goods that will be transported for you
• Consider the relative size of your overseas home versus your current home
• Since linens are often very expensive abroad, you'll probably want to take an ample supply of sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and bedspreads
• If you purchase beds in your new country, buy the linens there since sizes vary
• You'll probably want to take your favorite cookbooks, kitchenware, and measuring cups and spoons in the units you are used to
• Make sure everything you ship is clean and dry, since dampness and humidity are the leading causes of shipping and storage damage
• Musical instruments may require special expert treatment before being moved; a local retailer of the kind of instrument you own can usually refer you to someone who will be able to make the appropriate preparations for you
• Which appliances you decide to take will be determined by the availability and/or cost of comparable devices in your host country, whether or not the appliances you own can operate on the electric current that will be available in your new home, and your company's policy on shipping appliances
• You must have original receipts for any electronic equipment you take to prove ownership and avoid costly duties
• Don't pack school records, medical/dental records, or other important documents you may need immediately upon arrival in your destination country

Items You Should NOT Take With You

• Alcoholic beverages
• Light bulbs, electric clocks, clock/radios, VCRs, computers, television sets — unless the electric current in your host country is compatible with that in your current country
• Flammable items, such as matches, paint, cleaning and lighting fluids, laundry detergents, aerosols, and candles
• Firearms
• Valuables, such as jewelry, furs, and valuable collections that may be susceptible to theft or damage or, if you are being transferred by your company, exceed your company's insurance coverage

Your carrier/forwarder will visit your home to estimate the size and cost of your shipment and to arrange for the proper packing and loading equipment. The estimator will need to see everything — including the contents of your closets, attic, basement, and other storage areas.

You should inventory all items you are shipping. It is usually required by the customs regulations of your destination country, and it will also be valuable for organizing the unpacking in your new home. Should you need to file an insurance claim, this inventory will be mandatory.

Pets

If you plan to take pets with you, check with the consulate of your destination country as to their restrictions and documentation requirements. Here are some questions to ask:

• What health regulations apply to a pet's entry?
• Is a special permit or visa required for a pet?
• Is a photo needed?
• On what days of the week and holidays are customs facilities closed? What are normal operating hours for customs at the airport at which you and your pet will arrive?
• Will a duty be charged? Where and when is it paid?
• What medical records or certificates (documenting rabies, distemper, or other vaccinations) must accompany the animal? How many copies are required? Is it necessary to have these documents translated?
• Is quarantine required? If so, for how long? Do you need to make any arrangements for quarantine in advance?

Airline representatives, your veterinarian, your consulate, and/or the ASPCA can also provide information.

Delivery Day

To avoid customs clearance delays, call the moving company's assigned representative as soon as you arrive in your destination country to verify your new telephone numbers. Your telephone number is the essential link through which you'll be notified of the estimated date of arrival of your shipment and contacted if your presence is necessary to complete the paperwork or procedures required to clear your goods through customs.

Have your copy of your inventory on hand when the truck arrives at your new home to deliver your possessions. Then, as each item or box is carried into your home, check it off your list. Note any discrepancies on the receipts you sign for the moving company. In the presence of the driver,any cartons that appear to be damaged; if any of the contents are not in the condition in which they left your home, note the damage on the shipping inventory sheet before you sign it. Unless you indicate otherwise, your signature on the delivery receipt verifies that you received everything listed and agree with the driver as to the condition of the goods received.

Insurance

Your insurance provider will supply you with full instructions concerning insurance on your household goods shipment. Pay particular attention to its requirements for separate valued inventory lists for each part of your household goods shipment; i.e., one for the air shipment, one for the surface shipment, and one for permanent storage. These valued inventory sheets must be mailed to your insurance carrier before you move, so a Certificate of Insurance can be completed and forwarded to you prior to loading your shipment. If you wish to have additional insurance provided beyond that, your insurance provider will be able to advise you.

• Valuables, such as antiques or collections, should be appraised — retain a copy of each appraisal and forward a copy to your insurer
• If any of your belongings are damaged or missing, be sure to note the damage or loss on the shipping inventory sheets before the driver leaves your new home on your moving-in day and notify your insurer promptly (some policies specify no later than 30 days following delivery) to obtain information on claims, procedures and filing time
• Be sure to keep any damaged items — do not proceed with repairs until the claims adjuster has inspected the damage