How International Moving Companies Can Help You Navigate Through Customs

Moving internationally is a huge undertaking. Between coordinating homes, travel plans, and people, the last thing you want to deal with is household goods. Figuring out where to start isn’t necessarily intuitive, but contracting an international moving company in Calgary is a good place to start. The customs process can be especially confusing – you might know how to pack a box, but it’s unlikely you know how to declare that same box of items. International moving companies can help you navigate your way through the process, making your international move a complete breeze!

Clearing Customs

Calgary international moving companies have expert knowledge of which documents you need, when you need them, and why. Every country has different customs requirements and processes, and you can’t be expected to know them all. Matco’s skilled team of international moving coordinators has valuable industry knowledge and experience to navigate the tricky customs processes in multiple countries around the world. If we haven’t handled a move to your new country, we will handle the necessary research to make your move a breeze, and build our knowledge base for future moves. These companies will also handle all the international moving documentation, including inventory copies and declarations.

Restricted Items

Restricted items vary from country to country, and some of the items are quite unique. For example, you can’t bring Kinder Eggs in the United States, or ballpoint pens into Nigeria. Similarly, you can’t bring chewing gum to Singapore, whistles to Guatemala, or baby walkers with wheels to Canada. Items that might not be a big deal to you, can be a big deal to the customs agent reviewing your shipment. However, a list of commonly restricted items includes:

Pets
Plants
Seeds
Food
Weapons (firearms and ammunition)
Vehicles
Hazardous Materials (bleach, cleaning products, paint, etc)

Additional Permits

If you’ve ever seen a right-hand drive vehicle on Canadian roads, you know that it’s possible to transport vehicles between countries. Most of the items on the above-restricted list CAN be moved, but they require additional permits and paperwork. Some of these items will require special inspections, detailed forms, or a specific moving procedure. Moving weapons will require you to show proof of ownership, but you’ll also have to make sure they’re legal in your new country. Calgary international moving companies will review all the items you plan to move and notify you of any extra processes or paperwork.

Shipment Tracking

By contracting an international moving company in Calgary, you gain access to detailed shipping information that you would otherwise not have access to. Your moving coordinator will keep track of your items during the process, from loading to shipping to arrival at the final destination. Typical freight shipping will leave you in the dark for weeks, or even months, at a time. Hiring moving services will provide you additional peace of mind and information that can be invaluable in your planning.

Looking for International Moving Companies in Calgary?

Distance isn’t a challenge for a Calgary-based international moving company like Matco Moving Solutions. We provide our customers with worldwide, door-to-door moving to virtually any city in the world. Wherever you decide to go, we’ll make sure your belongings are delivered right to your doorstep.