Free International Moving Checklist
A complete step-by-step checklist designed for international relocation, covering packing, documents, customs, shipping, timelines, and everything movers expect you to prepare. Perfect for moves overseas by air freight, sea freight, or consolidated containers.
8–12 Weeks Before Moving Overseas
Start Your International Moving Inventory
Creating a detailed inventory is the foundation of a successful international move. This helps you get accurate quotes and ensures nothing gets left behind.
- Use a photo-based moving inventory tool (like Cubesheet)
- Identify what you're shipping, selling, donating, or storing
- Estimate volume (CBM) or weight for shipping quotes
- Note fragile, oversized, or high-value items
Request International Moving Quotes
Get estimates from FIDI, IAM, WCA–qualified international movers. Important details to request:
- Door-to-door rates
- Packing service details
- Transit times (air vs sea freight)
- Customs requirements for your destination country
Review Immigration & Visa Requirements
- Apply for visas, work permits, or residency status
- Check eligibility for dependents
- Confirm entry and exit restrictions
Check Customs Regulations & Prohibited Items
Every country has unique regulations. Common prohibited items include:
- Aerosols
- Batteries
- Liquids
- Hazardous materials
- Food items
- Alcohol (restricted)
- Medications (often require documents)
6 Weeks Before Moving Overseas
Begin Decluttering & Simplifying
- Decide what ships by sea freight (bulk items)
- Decide what travels with you by air (essentials)
- Sell, donate, or store remaining items
Book Your International Mover
Confirm the following details:
- Packing dates
- Liftvan or container requirements
- Packing materials (crates, wardrobe boxes, lamp boxes, art crates)
Additional services to consider:
- Auto shipping
- Pet relocation
- Insurance valuation
Gather Important Documents
Keep originals with you (not in shipped boxes):
- Passports
- Birth & marriage certificates
- Medical records
- Vaccination records
- School transcripts
- Home purchase/rental documents
- Insurance documents
- Moving contract
4 Weeks Before Moving Abroad
Start Packing Non-Essentials
For DIY packing:
- Use sturdy moving boxes
- Wrap fragile items with bubble wrap
- Label each box with room + destination country + content description
For full packing services:
Leave items in drawers? No — empty every drawer. Movers will pack everything, but separate:
- Important papers
- Medication
- Electronics
- Valuables
Prepare Appliances & Electronics
- Check voltage compatibility (110v vs 220v)
- Purchase travel adapters or transformers
- Clean and drain appliances (washers, fridges)
Notify Institutions of Your Move
- Bank
- Credit card providers
- Insurance companies
- HR/employer
- Government agencies
- Schools or daycare
2 Weeks Before Departure
Final Shipping Preparations
- Confirm shipping date, packing date, and estimated delivery windows
- Verify your packing list (important for customs)
- Prepare "Do Not Ship" items to keep with you
Home Departure Checklist
- Cancel utilities
- Cancel subscriptions
- Redirect mail
- Clean your home (or schedule cleaning)
- Arrange key handover
Health & Safety Prep
- Refill prescriptions
- Pack a basic travel medical kit
- Prepare vaccination proof if required
1 Week Before Moving Overseas
Pack Your Luggage
Include:
- Travel documents
- Medications
- Electronics & chargers
- Several days of clothing
- Essentials for kids or pets
- Irreplaceable items
Prepare a "First Week Abroad" Box
Ask movers to label this OPEN FIRST:
- Bedding
- Towels
- Basic kitchen supplies
- Toiletries
- Cleaning supplies
Confirm Everything With Your Mover
- Packing date & time
- Crate or container type
- Insurance paperwork
- Delivery and customs contact at destination
Moving Day (Packing & Loading)
Before Movers Arrive
- Separate your travel items
- Remove clutter
- Secure pets and kids
- Take photos of valuable items
During Packing
Professional movers will:
- Wrap all furniture
- Pack boxes by category
- Crate fragile items (art, glassware, TVs, lamps)
- Label boxes with inventory numbers
- Seal all liftvans or containers
At Container Seal Time
Record the seal number — required for customs at destination.
After Arrival In Your New Country
Customs Clearance
Your mover or destination agent will help you with:
- Import documents
- Residency permits
- Tax exemptions
- Inspection requirements
Delivery Day
- Check items against inventory list
- Inspect for damage
- Sign delivery paperwork
- Keep all documents for insurance claims if needed
Start Settling In
- Open First-Week box
- Begin unpacking room-by-room
- Register with local authorities if required
- Update address with banks & institutions
Ready to Start Your International Move?
Use our free AI-powered inventory app to create a detailed room-by-room inventory with weights and volumes. Get accurate quotes from international movers faster.