If you’re planning to move abroad or to travel overseas for a year, there’s a lot to do to make sure your plans go off without a hitch. Begin by making to-do checklists, which will help you stay organized and on track. If you’re moving with a family, give everyone age-appropriate checklists of what tasks they are responsible for. If you start sorting and packing early on, you can avoid last-minute crises and be able to greet Moving Day calmly.

Besides your airplane luggage and handbag, most of your belonging will need to be shipped by freight or by air. The good news is that modern-day international shipping companies provide comprehensive moving services. Not only will they take care of transporting your belongings, but they will come to your home and help you pack and prepare your boxes for shipping. Furthermore, the pros will fill out all the necessary paperwork and pay all the required tax and duty fees to make sure your shipment clears customs and doesn’t get held up at the border.

In case you’re wondering what you can ship overseas, the answer is practically anything! You can ship your furniture, electrical appliances, computers, and sports equipment. Instead of paying hefty fees at the airport, you can also ship any overweight luggage, as well as items as bulky and heavy as construction machinery. The best news is that you don’t have to leave your car or motorcycle behind when you travel abroad, thanks to overseas vehicle shipping services. International vehicle shipping can take one of two forms. The first is Roll on/Roll off, wherein the vehicle is simply driven on and off the dock of the ship. The second is container shipping, wherein you purchase a certain-sized container for a flat rate, and you can fill the container with as many items as it can hold.

Be sure to plan ahead if you are shipping by boat since freight shipping can take up to three months and you don’t want to be stuck abroad without your belongings. If you have possessions you will need sooner, find out about express shipping rates and options. These generally occur by air and may include next-flight-out shipping, 1-3 business day delivery, 2-5 business day delivery, and international economy express services.

There are also certain essential documents you must have in hand when shipping overseas. The first is the Bill of Lading or BOL. This document, provided by your shipping company, contains detailed information regarding your cargo, including its pick-up and drop-off spots and the shipping costs. Also required is a commercial invoice itemizing everything in your shipment. Be sure all your paperwork is in order or your shipment may be delayed or turned back at the border.

Once you have all your ducks in a row, all that’s left to do is reserve your airplane ticket, fasten your seatbelt, and have a safe trip!

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