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Moving internationally can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life—but without the right preparation, it can also become one of the most stressful. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or adventure, understanding what to pack, how to ship it, and what to insure is critical for a smooth transition.

At Baum Shipping, we specialize in international freight forwarding and international moving help, offering comprehensive logistics solutions tailored to your unique needs. In this guide, we’ve compiled a practical checklist to help you tackle your move confidently and efficiently.

Step 1: Start with a Pre-Move Inventory

Before you begin boxing up your life, create a comprehensive inventory. This list will help you:

• Identify items to pack, ship, or leave behind
• Determine insurance values
• Meet customs documentation requirements

Break down your items into categories like:

• Essentials (documents, medications, electronics)
• High-value items (jewelry, heirlooms, instruments)
• Furniture and appliances
• Clothing and personal effects
• Items for storage or donation

Pro tip: Digital tools like inventory apps or spreadsheets can simplify tracking and keep everything organized during transit.

Step 2: Know What to Pack vs. What to Ship

Not everything needs to go with you right away. For a successful international move, divide your belongings into three groups:

Ship It:

Items that aren’t immediately needed but are too expensive or valuable to repurchase abroad.

• Beds, sofas, desks, appliances
• Kitchenware
• Books and personal collections
• Bikes, tools, sports gear

Carry It:

Important documents and essentials that should stay with you during travel.

• Passport, visas, and IDs
• Travel tickets and lease/housing agreements
• Medications and prescriptions
• Electronics and chargers
• Clothing for the climate at your destination

Leave It:

Items that are too costly to ship, easily replaceable, or restricted.

• Flammable liquids, aerosol sprays
• Certain plants and perishables
• Bulk canned goods
• Large exercise equipment
• Outdated furniture

Step 3: Understand Customs Regulations

Every country has its own import rules, and it’s critical to stay compliant when moving abroad.

With Baum Shipping’s international freight forwarding expertise, we assist clients with:

• Preparing customs declarations and forms
• Understanding duty-free allowances
• Navigating banned or restricted items
• Ensuring proper labeling and documentation

Customs delays can be costly—our logistics team helps you avoid surprises at the border.

Step 4: Insure What Matters

Standard shipping insurance may not fully cover your belongings. For international shipping, you should always ask about:

• All-risk insurance (comprehensive protection against most types of damage or loss)
• Total loss insurance (covers the shipment only if it is completely lost)
• High-value item coverage (especially for jewelry, electronics, or collectibles)

Baum Shipping partners with reputable insurers to offer customized international moving insurance options that give you peace of mind from door to door.

Step 5: Choose the Right Shipping Method

There are several modes of international shipping, each with pros and cons:

Ocean Freight (Best for large moves):

• Cost-effective for volume
• Slower delivery times (2–6 weeks)
• Full container load (FCL) or less-than-container load (LCL)

Air Freight (Best for urgent or lightweight cargo):

• Fast delivery (1–7 days)
• More expensive
• Ideal for high-value, time-sensitive items

Baum Shipping offers multimodal logistics planning to ensure your items arrive when and where you need them—efficiently and affordably.

Get International Moving Help from the Experts

International moving is more than just packing a suitcase—it’s a complex logistical operation. Baum Shipping makes it easy. Our team offers:

• End-to-end international moving help
• Complete international freight forwarding services
• Real-time tracking and support
• Assistance with customs clearance, insurance, and documentation

Whether you’re shipping a household, a few boxes, or specialized freight, we tailor solutions to your timeline and budget. Let us handle the hard part—so you can focus on your new beginning.

Ready to Move Abroad with Confidence?

Contact Baum Shipping today for a custom quote and discover why individuals and families around the world trust us for their international shipping needs.

Bonus Tips for International Moving Success

• Label every box clearly with both origin and destination details.
• Photograph fragile and high-value items for documentation.
• Research your new country’s electrical outlets and plug adapters.
• Schedule your shipment 3–4 weeks ahead of your move date.
• Work with a freight forwarder (like Baum Shipping!) who can guide you through every step.