All-Inclusive Moving
International Moving by Sea
4.9
Over 1,500 moves completed
Ship Your Belongings Anywhere in the World
Moving by sea is the preferred option for shipping furniture, boxes and personal belongings overseas. Depending on your shipment size, budget and schedule, Easygroupage helps you choose between a shared or dedicated container and coordinates everything from packing and customs paperwork to final delivery.
Ship Your Belongings Anywhere in the World
Ocean shipping is a practical solution for moving furniture, boxes and personal belongings overseas. Depending on your shipment size, budget and schedule, Easygroupage helps you choose between a shared or dedicated container and coordinates everything from packing and customs paperwork to final delivery.
The Stages of Your Move by Sea
From quote approval to delivery overseas, discover how Easygroupage manages each stage of your international sea move.
Confirming and Planning Your Move
Once you accept your quote, your Easygroupage adviser becomes your main point of contact. They confirm addresses, access restrictions, your preferred collection date and the shipping option you have chosen. This is also the time to identify any special items, such as a piano, motorcycle or works of art.
To avoid surprises, let us know about any changes to the shipment volume or schedule at this stage. The more accurate the information, the smoother your move by sea will be.
Documents and Insurance
Your adviser helps you prepare your inventory, insurance information and the documents required for your destination. Requirements differ between Canada, the United States, Australia and the United Arab Emirates, for example.
This stage is often underestimated, even though missing documents can delay departure or delivery. Easygroupage reviews the essential information with you before shipment.
Packing and Home Collection
Consolidation or Container Loading
Ocean Transit and Shipment Tracking
The container is transported to the port and loaded onto a vessel. Depending on the shipping route, the journey may be direct or involve transshipment. Your adviser monitors the shipment and keeps you informed of key milestones.
Transit times are estimates, as they also depend on shipping lines, ports and unexpected international disruptions. Easygroupage aims to communicate transparently about these factors.
Port Arrival and Customs Clearance
At the destination, the local agent takes over. Customs formalities are completed before your belongings are released for delivery. Additional checks or inspections may be required, depending on the country.
A common misconception is that arrival of the vessel means immediate delivery. Port handling, customs clearance and arranging the final journey all take additional time.
Final Delivery and Settling In
Once customs formalities are complete, the local team arranges delivery to your new home. Depending on the service selected, the movers may also unpack and reassemble your furniture.
Before signing the delivery receipt, take time to inspect your belongings and report any issues promptly. If your new home is not yet available, storage can be arranged to keep your move on track.
Which International Shipping Option Is Right for You?
The best option rarely depends on just one factor. Shipment volume, budget, preferred delivery timeframe and destination all affect your choice. Compare the main options to find the one that truly suits your international move.
Solution
Budget
Speed
Volume
Best for
Shared Container
2–15 m³
Saving money with a flexible schedule
Dedicated Container
15 m³ et +
Full household moves with tighter schedules
Air Freight
< 1 m3
Urgent moves and essential belongings
- All-inclusive door-to-door moving
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Why Choose International Moving by Sea?
A solution designed to ship more belongings, pay for the space you need and benefit from specialist support at every stage.
Ocean Shipping: Costs and Delivery Times
Why do international shipping costs vary?
The main cost factor is the volume of belongings being shipped. With international ocean freight, you primarily pay for the space your shipment occupies in the container. Your destination, property access, selected services (packing, furniture disassembly, delivery and storage) and special items such as a piano or motorcycle also affect the quote.
A common mistake is to compare freight charges alone. A quote should be assessed as a whole, including packing, handling, port fees, customs clearance, final delivery and any optional insurance.
How long does moving by sea take?
Delivery times depend on the shipping option. Shared-container shipping usually requires more flexibility than a dedicated container because multiple household shipments must be consolidated before departure. Ocean transit, customs clearance and final delivery then add to the overall timeframe.
It is also important to distinguish port-to-port transit from door-to-door delivery. The former covers the sea crossing only; the latter includes collection, any consolidation, shipping, customs and home delivery.
Tips to keep your moving costs down
- Declutter before requesting a quote: a few bulky pieces of furniture can significantly affect the cost.
- Use a moving volume calculator: an accurate estimate helps avoid pricing discrepancies and last-minute adjustments.
- Compare what each quote includes: two similarly priced quotes can cover very different services.
- Prepare customs documents early: an incomplete file can delay departure or delivery.
- Build flexibility into your schedule: sea freight times are estimates and may be affected by shipping lines, ports or local formalities.
The Easygroupage team also recommends looking beyond freight costs alone. Some inexpensive but bulky furniture may be more economical to replace after arrival. Valuable, hard-to-replace or sentimental belongings, on the other hand, may be well worth including in your sea shipment.
Popular Destinations for Moving by Sea
We arrange moves by sea to destinations around the world. Explore our country and city guides to prepare for your relocation and understand local customs requirements.
What's Included in Our Services
- Packing materials provided
- Packing and protection of your belongings by our teams
- Basic furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Export and import customs formalities
- Sea freight in a shared container
- Delivery to your new address
What to Budget for Separately
- International moving insurance
- Special crates for very fragile items
- Additional handling services (carrying, furniture lifts, difficult access, etc.)
- Any taxes or import duties in the destination country
- Costs arising from force majeure (strikes, rerouting, exceptional events, etc.)
Good to Know
Moving Insurance
All-risk insurance is required to protect your belongings during international transport.
Delivery Times
Sea freight transit times are estimates and may vary depending on port conditions and logistical disruptions.
Customs
Our teams help you navigate the administrative formalities required for your international move.
Moving Solutions for Every Situation
Small shipment, urgent departure, vehicle, piano or storage needs? Explore our complementary services to build a solution that fits your move.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving by Sea
Costs, delivery times, customs, insurance and container options: find answers to common questions before you move.
How much does moving overseas by sea cost?
The price mainly depends on shipment volume, destination, shipping option (shared or dedicated container), access to your property and included services. Two quotes at the same price may cover very different things. For a reliable estimate, measure your shipment volume accurately and compare quotes on a like-for-like basis.
What is the difference between a shared and dedicated container?
With shared-container shipping, several customers use the same container and each pays only for the space occupied. A dedicated container is reserved for one customer. Sharing is often more affordable but requires greater flexibility on timing. A dedicated container is better suited to larger shipments or moves with a tighter schedule.
How long does an international move by sea take?
Delivery time depends on the destination, shipping option, customs requirements and logistics. The time at sea is different from door-to-door delivery, which includes collection, possible consolidation, ocean transit, customs and final delivery. All times are estimates because shipping lines, ports and local authorities can affect the schedule.
Are my belongings mixed with other types of cargo?
Easygroupage shared containers are organised around shipments belonging to Easygroupage moving customers. They are not mixed with unrelated commercial goods, as can happen in standard LCL freight arrangements. This approach keeps the service focused on household goods, with tracking and support tailored to private customers.
Which documents do I need for customs?
Requirements vary by destination and personal circumstances. You may need a passport, visa, detailed inventory, customs forms or proof of residence. Missing documents can delay shipping or delivery. Your Easygroupage adviser helps you prepare the required paperwork and checks the key details before departure.
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