Pack all of your boxes and figure out what furniture you're taking with you. International shipping is costly, so you might want to sell some of your furniture before the move and buy new furniture when you arrive. Also, check electronics to make sure they are compatible in the new country. If not, consider selling them or giving them to relatives.
Figure out what size shipping container you'll need for all your boxes and furniture. If you're deciding whether to take particular furniture with you, calculate the increased cost of shipping and figure out how much you could get if you sold that piece of furniture. If it's a heavy piece that requires a bigger moving container, it might be better to sell it.
Consult the country you're moving to for the regulations you have to abide by for shipping your goods. You'll probably need to fill out paperwork, which the local embassy can provide. Ask if you'll be taxed for bringing items into the country or if there's a maximum weight limit or quantity.
Find an international moving company that can be trusted. You'll want a company that's been in business a long while, comes highly recommended and has the proper licensing and paperwork to prove they can do the job. Talk to the movers directly and ask specific questions about what you need. Get a quote from each and ask about any hidden costs.
Figure out whether you're going to pack the container yourself or hire movers. Hiring additional movers to pack your container could cost a lot, so weigh your options carefully before deciding. Depending on the company, the movers might be able to pack the container for you. Ask for the total cost for all of your options and decide what makes the most sense.
Schedule a moving time with the international shipping company you've chosen and pick an arrival time that works based on your travel time. Some companies will drop off the container a few days beforehand and pick it up later, like Shipping International, or you'll have a few free hours to load before the movers start charging by the hour.
Make sure all of the paperwork, documents and pay are squared away before the movers leave, and you'll be all set to retrieve your furniture once you are in your new home.
