Determine the amount of excess luggage you will need to send. You don't have to pack everything up, but an estimate of the weight and size of the items when fully packed will help you get the most accurate quote from your company.
Check with your airline to determine their excess baggage policies. Though you will most often save money by using a third-party vendor, it may be more convenient to simply pay whatever fees your airline charges. Keep in mind that most airlines have strict limits and charge hefty fees, and you will be in charge of getting the baggage to and from the airports.
Create a list of three to five excess baggage services in your area. Companies like Seven Seas Worldwide, for example, routinely work with shipping excess baggage around the world. To find companies in your area, search online or in the telephone directory's yellow pages for Excess Baggage or Travel Services.
Get quotes from the companies you have found. Using the dimensions and weight you estimated, give exact specifications as to where you need to move the luggage from and to. Most companies should be able to provide you with a quote within one business week. Often the companies that say they are specialists have prohibitively high rates even for a three-month delivery time via ship. Be sure to compare their prices with those of express services such as FedEx, UPS and DHL.
Sign a contract with the company giving you the best offer. Research the company to make sure it is reputable, asking to see client references first; after verifying its reputation, sign a contract to engage their services. The company may require you to provide a credit-card number to ensure payment before shipping your luggage.
