Once your items are all wrapped and packed and loaded into a shipping container, a truck will arrive and take it to the dedicated port before being loaded onto a cargo ship, where it will be then be shipped to the desired destination. Once arrived, the container will be collected from the port by a specified agent, who will then arrange the customs clearance and delivery to your door.

It’s a safe and secure way to ship your belongings overseas. You don’t have to worry about your belongings getting lost on the trip overseas, and you can purchase a lockbox to make your container as secure as can be. And best of all, you can move at a very low price!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Packs?

This is entirely your decision – however many companies have the option of both. You can pack your own boxes however boxes packed by the owner may not be covered by insurance. Since 9/11, Customs requirements in every country have strengthened and boxes packed by owner personal effects come under higher scrutiny that could eventuate in Customs examination and inspection fees not included in your quotation.

It is also a good idea to keep in mind that boxes packed by a removals company often move through customs more quickly than those packed by the owner.

When moving overseas we primarily move your belongings by sea. It goes without saying that if items are required quickly, we can airfreight your items.

Of course the time the move takes depends on the distance being moved. As a general rule it can take anywhere from 4-16 weeks for your goods to arrive at the country of your destination.

When Should I Book In?

Ideally it is best to book your overseas move at the very least – four weeks prior to moving. As with any sort of move, the more time for organising, the better.

In saying that most companies can appreciate the busy lifestyles that people now lead and can normally work within your requirements except during in peak times such as Christmas.

How to Move Vehicles?

Most self pack companies can offer reliable and efficient transport and shipping solutions for motor vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

People have shipped beloved vintage cars, motor bikes, boats, family cars, trailers overseas, and most reputable companies will take care of everything you need – from preparation to loading, shipping and unloading.

Moving vehicles abroad is a multi-staged project as every country has unique requirements and you need to work within shipping constraints. We will make sure your vehicle meets these relevant requirements, arriving safely and on time in your new country.

Transporting motor bikes, boats, jetskis, caravans, trailers

All self pack companies should take a very careful approach when transporting motor bikes as they should all motor vehicles. All motor bikes, for instance, should be transported in specially made crates – whether it’s across the world or across New Zealand.

What if I don't have a Container Load?

What if I don’t have a full container load worth of belongings? Or are you only taking the bare essentials? 

A shared shipping container could be the solution! Shipping containers are designed to get your stuff where it needs to go – at the most cost effective price.

There is often a service for shared container shipping.

This is a service that is suitable for people who do not have enough items to completely fill a 20ft or 40ft container. Maybe you only need to move a few boxes or items of furniture, but don’t want to spend money on a full container – you only pay for the room you take up in a container.

What About Pets?

Are you moving overseas and want to take your pet? No matter how small or large your pet is, most companies can organise boarding, transportation, necessary veterinary checks and any immunisations required for entry into another country.

Depending on the country you are moving to, you may need:

  • Health certificate from an AQIS approved vet
  • Timeline of medical tests
  • Microchip
  • Forms (check which forms you need for the country you are moving to)
  • Information from the airline about their particular regulations
  • A proper pet carrier for international flights
  • Emergency money for unexpected fees

If you’re moving your pet to New Zealand, some extra blood tests are requires. Most countries require specific vaccinations to be up to date and a vet will usually come to your home to do a vet check before your pet is collected.

 

It is a good idea to investigate or ask about the different quarantine process for the country you are moving to, as they can differ greatly depending on the country you are moving to.

A secure cargo area in the plane is used for moving pets overseas. This area is dark, temperature controlled and specifically used for live animal transport. We suggest putting blankets or toys in the carrier to provide familiar smells and help settle your pet.

Quarantine in New Zealand

As you might expect, quarantine when moving to New Zealand, is taken very seriously. MAF Biosecurity are in charge of protecting New Zealand’s environment and agricultural industry. They have strict regulations when it comes to shipping items to New Zealand that have a high risk associated with them. To ensure your possessions arrive hassle free, take a detailed inventory while packing. Then submit a complete list to the Biosecurity Officer as part of the clearance process. Your shipment may be subject to inspection by a quarantine officer if it holds particular contents, and may undergo fumigation if ordered. As you will be required to pay these charges, our partner companies will inform you if your contents are likely to undergo charged procedures.

Items subject to inspection generally include:

  • Outdoor furniture, spiked shoes, bicycles, garden tools, bicycles, golf clubs, horse riding gear and camping equipment. Before shipping, you should thoroughly steam or pressure wash any of the items listed above.
  • Vacuum cleaner: Empty and clean your vacuum cleaner prior to shipping.
  • Cane products: Our suggestion is that you should avoid shipping items made from cane unless you know they are commercially manufactured. If you have bought cane products from markets they will probably require fumigation.
  • Food: Commercially manufactured and sealed food is acceptable for you to include in your shipment. You should keep the amount of food you import to a minimum and be aware that prohibited items are subject to regulations.
  • Goods you have packed yourself.

You must not ship the following items:

  • Meats (canned or dried), spices (unless commercially prepared), honey, dairy and egg products.
  • Any kind of plants.
  • Beekeeping equipment.
  • Any form of ivory, tortoise or turtle shell.
  • Any items made from endangered species (or any derivatives). These include tigers, wild cats, dolphins, rhinoceros, whales. This includes sporting trophies, unless you have a CITES certificate for each item.
  • Pine cones (make sure your Christmas decorations don’t include pine cones).