International Moving - For Families


Moving on an International basis can be an exciting time for you and your family. The challenge of adopting a new position combined with the excitement of developing new acquaintances, exploring your new environment and adopting a new culture can make your international relocation an extremely enjoyable experience. The more information you have before you leave for another country will make it easier for you to adapt to your new surroundings.

One thing you don’t need when you are moving, is the distraction of problems arising with the relocation of your personal possessions to your new country. It is important to undertake some planning and research to ensure you understand the requirements involved in moving your goods and an appreciation of the laws and regulations governing the importation of your personal and household goods into your new country. Just as you have already done some foundation work on what to expect as far as living conditions go in your new country.

The information contained on the Methods of Shipment page is given as a general guide, however we would encourage you to contact us with the specific circumstances of your own requirements to ensure all aspects of your moving needs can be addressed.

When it comes to deciding what you should or should not take a number of factors need to be taken into consideration. Firstly, if you are moving on business and your company is assisting you with the shipment, find out exactly what your entitlements are. Some company policies are for the relocatee to take a minimum air shipment of personal goods and will provide you with furnished accommodation at your new posting with the remainder of your goods going into storage in your home country. This scenario usually applies to postings of less than one or two years. Other companies may have allowances for you to ship your whole household as you may not be returning to your home country before being shipped to another overseas posting. Before you have one of our representatives call to do a survey for your move make sure you are aware of any allowances you may or may not have.

If you are migrating to another country you will also be faced with whether or not to take all of your goods with you or should you have a “garage sale” and start over in your new country. Experience with moving many migrating families shows us that it is often better to take more than less when you are moving. We would always advise our clients to take those items which mean the most to them, such as family heirlooms, keepsakes and any good items of furniture and whitegoods (as long as the electricity system is compatible) and also possibly the family car if it is owned outright.

How does the process work?

After your initial phone call or email enquiry a trained professional representative will call at your home to complete a survey of all the goods you have decided to move. The survey usually takes one hour and our representative will also spend some time discussing the various options available to you. If yours is a company move please let our representative know the expectations your company has in regard to shipping of goods. Our representative can also advise you on customs regulations and internet sites etc. which will let you know more about the country you are moving to. Most of our staff have themselves lived and worked overseas and they understand the processes you need to go through.

After the collating of the information and the production of our quotation to you the next step is accepting our quote. Once our quotation is accepted an International Move Manager will be assigned to you. This Move Manager will assist you with the setting of dates and times for the prepack and uplift of your goods either for shipping or storage. The Move Manager will take care of all the documentation needed to get your goods from your old home to the ship or airplane and then on to your new country. Your original Move Manager will work with and contact their counterpart in the Ocean Sky office in your destination country ensuring a smooth transition for your goods.

On arrival in your new country, an Ocean Sky International Move Manager from that country will continue to offer you personalised and professional service. They will work with you to ensure your goods are cleared through the necessary channels and then oversee the logistics of moving them from the wharf to your new home.

Moving Tips

  • Clear out unwanted goods - hold a garage sale.
  • Safely dispose of flammables - paint, petrol, gas cylinders.
  • Empty fuel from mowers, clippers, weed eaters and so on.
  • Clothes - do you need them all? Charity shops may want them.
  • Separate books - disposable, family reading, valuable.
  • Check all electrical goods - will they work in the new home?
  • Start making up your change of address list.
  • Arrange to have mail forwarded.
  • Agree termination date for electricity, gas, oil, telephone and other main suppliers, and ask for bills to be made out.
  • If you are taking electrical goods such as a stereo, check the loft to see if you still have their original boxes.
  • Have rugs cleaned.
  • If you have children, separate cherished toys to travel with you.
  • Round up personal documentation - marriage/birth certificates, driving licenses and so on.
  • Keep passports separate so they are not packed.
  • Want to take the car? Check on import regulations and the duty payable.
  • To say nothing of family pets - make sure vaccinations and documentation are up to date.
  • Will your new home be ready? If not, you need to arrange temporary storage.
  • Shops, schools, theatre, life styles - it’s never too early to find out about your new home. Go to the Internet or contact your local embassy for information. Check the links page on this site for information or international associations that may be able to help you.
  • 19. Start running down freezer stocks.
  • 20. Arrange your finances - close or transfer bank accounts, savings accounts and so on.

Moving Overseas

Whether you're moving to Canada, New Zealand, the UK or USA , moving overseas can be stressful.

When you are moving overseas, a good international mover will make all the difference with planning, expertise and the resources. Ocean Sky takes pride in being that international moving company.

Our international moving services include:

  • Full and part loads in shipping containers
  • Packing: When you are moving overseas a full packing services can have a variety of benefits. Apart from the obvious benefit of keeping your goods secure, it means your international mover creates your inventory for you, and is able to present this to your destination customs agency. In addition to this there are insurance implications. Goods packed by the international removalist are eligible for full insurance cover, while goods packed by the owner are only eligible for a limited cover.
  • Specialist Packing and crating: Fine art, musical instruments, valuable china, are all safe in the hands of Ocean Sky. We use specialist international packing and crating techniques that keep the most delicate of items safe in international transport.
  • Vehicles and boat transport: Ocean Sky’s international vehicle transport arm is a growing part of our business built on our experience and track record of safe international vehicle transport.
  • International pet transport: We will take special care of your little friend. We know that when you are moving overseas so are they, and our pet transport partners offer sensitive and professional options for an affordable price.
  • Insurance: When furniture is moved it is always subject to risk, even with the best international moving company. Transit Insurance is an important part of any international move to offer peace of mind in the unlikely event that something may happen. Please ask for our Product Disclosure Statement for more information on our removal marine transit insurance policy.
  • Storage: Ocean Sky’s dry, safe, high security facilities offer safe storage services that can form part of our International moving service or simply if you need more space at home.

Corporate Moving

Ocean Sky has a specialist approach to corporate moving. Each relocate is hanled from door to door by the same relocation specialist and they are able to contact that personal at any point of their relocation. The move co-ordinator will book the transport, cleaning, packing, pet relocation and any other necessary service as well as liase directly with the destination agent. It’s a personal approach and has brought great satisfaction from individuals and families relocating overseas through their company.