Moving overseas involves more than packing your household goods. Before your shipment leaves the country, you may need to organize identification, customs paperwork, inventories, destination-specific documents, and transportation details.

Use this moving overseas checklist as a working countdown. Requirements vary by destination, so confirm the current rules for the country you are moving to and discuss shipment requirements with your international moving specialist.

Documents You Need and When

12+ Weeks Before Moving

☐ Confirm your destination country's entry, residency, and household-goods requirements.

☐ Check that passports and other required identification documents are current.

☐ Review visa, work authorization, or residency documentation that applies to your move.

☐ Ask your moving company which shipping documents you will need.

☐ Start a household-goods inventory, including items that may require special documentation.

☐ Keep original documents and important personal records separate from your shipment.

8–12 Weeks Before Moving

☐ Complete the paperwork required for your international shipment.

☐ Gather documentation that may be requested by customs, such as proof of identity, visa or residency information, and inventory records.

☐ Check destination-specific requirements for food, plants, medication, animal products, electronics, and other regulated goods.

☐ Ask about customs valuation requirements and any duties or taxes that could apply.

☐ Confirm how documents should be submitted and keep copies of everything you send.

4–8 Weeks Before Moving

☐ Review your inventory and remove items that cannot legally enter the destination country.

☐ Separate documents and belongings you will carry personally from goods going into the shipment.

☐ Confirm your packing and pickup dates.

☐ Review the final documentation with your moving company.

☐ Keep contact information for your moving company and destination representative readily available.

Moving Week

☐ Keep your passport, visa, travel documents, prescriptions, financial records, and other important papers with you.

☐ Complete any final shipment declarations or inventories.

☐ Confirm the pickup address and destination delivery details.

☐ Make sure restricted or prohibited items have not been packed accidentally.

☐ Keep copies of your shipment documentation accessible during travel.

Customs Rules That Vary by Country

Customs requirements are not the same everywhere. Before packing, check the rules for your specific destination rather than assuming an item permitted in one country will be accepted in another.

Use this checklist:

☐ Check the destination country's customs authority for current household-goods rules.

☐ Determine which items qualify as personal or household effects.

☐ Check if used household goods must meet a minimum ownership or use period.

☐ Find out if an inventory or detailed packing list is required.

☐ Confirm rules for new purchases and recently acquired items.

☐ Check potential duties, taxes, exemptions, or documentation requirements.

☐ Review inspection requirements.

☐ Check special rules for food, plants, seeds, animal products, medicines, alcohol, tobacco, and other regulated goods.

☐ Confirm requirements for appliances, electronics, vehicles, firearms, sporting equipment, and other potentially restricted items.

☐ Check quarantine requirements where applicable.

☐ Keep receipts or proof of ownership for items that may require them.

Customs authorities may inspect a shipment before releasing it for delivery. Missing paperwork, inaccurate declarations, restricted goods, or questions about an item's eligibility can add time to the process.

What You Cannot Ship

Do not assume that an item can enter another country simply because you can legally own or transport it where you currently live.

Before packing, work through this list:

☐ Perishable foods

☐ Fresh fruits and vegetables

☐ Meat and animal products

☐ Plants, seeds, and soil

☐ Certain medications or controlled substances

☐ Flammable liquids and hazardous materials

☐ Explosives and fireworks

☐ Compressed gases

☐ Certain chemicals, paints, and cleaning products

☐ Weapons and ammunition

☐ Items restricted under the destination country's import laws

Rules can also apply to items that are permitted in one country but subject to declarations, permits, inspections, or quarantine procedures in another.

If you are unsure about an item, flag it before packing rather than placing it in your shipment and addressing the issue after arrival.

The 12 Week Countdown

Week 12

☐ Confirm your destination and target move date.

☐ Research customs and import requirements.

☐ Check passports, visas, and residency documents.

☐ Contact an international moving specialist for shipment planning.

Week 10

☐ Begin your household inventory.

☐ Separate items you will carry personally.

☐ Identify belongings that may be restricted or require special documentation.

Week 8

☐ Confirm your moving company and transportation plans.

☐ Complete initial shipment paperwork.

☐ Review customs requirements for your destination.

☐ Start removing prohibited or unwanted items.

Week 6

☐ Review your inventory for accuracy.

☐ Gather supporting documents, receipts, and ownership records.

☐ Confirm packing and pickup arrangements.

☐ Check destination-specific requirements again for any updates.

Week 4

☐ Complete most of your packing.

☐ Separate passports, travel documents, medication, valuables, and essential personal items.

☐ Review the final shipment paperwork.

☐ Confirm your destination address and contact information.

Week 2

☐ Finish sorting and packing.

☐ Double-check restricted and prohibited items.

☐ Confirm moving-day details.

☐ Keep your travel documents and shipment records together.

Week 1

☐ Complete final packing preparations.

☐ Keep your personal travel essentials out of the shipment.

☐ Confirm pickup time and contact information.

☐ Make sure your destination details are accurate.

Moving Day

☐ Review the inventory as your household goods are packed or loaded.

☐ Keep your personal documents with you.

☐ Confirm that the moving company has the correct delivery information.

☐ Keep copies of relevant shipment documents.

After Pickup

☐ Keep your moving company informed of any changes to your contact or delivery information.

☐ Monitor the shipment's progress.

☐ Be prepared to supply additional information if customs requests it.

☐ Keep your destination contact information available for delivery coordination.

Before Delivery

☐ Confirm that customs clearance is complete.

☐ Confirm the expected delivery date.

☐ Make sure your destination residence is ready to receive the shipment.

☐ Keep your shipment documentation available in case it is needed during delivery.

International moving requirements can change by country and over time. Start with the destination's current official customs and immigration guidance, then work with your moving company to organize the shipment-specific paperwork and timing.