International moving involves the use of steamship lines or airline cargo for shipping household goods and personal effects. Various factors like amount to be shipped, packing services, cargo insurance, lifting vans and storage services affect the total cost of your international move.

The amount of cargo is measured in total weight or in terms of volume i.e. in cubic meters or cubic feet. The storage containers required depend on the volume of the cargo. For 900 cubic feet of cargo, a 20' container is required. For cargo of about 1,600 cubic feet or greater a 40' container is necessary. In a 40' container you can even fit a car in, but this tends to be costlier than shipping separately. Hence shipping the HHG/PE and the vehicles separately is preferable.

Be sure to check the rules and guidelines. The container is usually required to be cleared within 5 to 7 days or else an extra fee will be charged for storage. You must make arrangements to place your HHG/PE before the cargo arrives. Lift van is allowed to be stored for up to 30 days free of charge. You can reduce the expenses by consolidating a smaller shipment with other overseas shipments.