Work

Sea Freight

• Cost-effective, takes 3-9 weeks.
• Use 6 or 12 metre containers (full or shared)
• Ideal for furniture, vehicles.

Air Freight

• Faster (2-7 days)
• More expensive
• Best for urgent, smaller items.

For air freight, prioritize lightweight packing to reduce costs, as airlines charge by weight and volume.

US CUSTOMS REQUIREMENTS

Complete US Customs Forms 60598 and 3299 accurately, listing all items and their condition (new or used) to qualify for duty-free entry (items owned/used for 1+ year).

Your international removals company will assist with this. Label your boxes clearly and strategically by writing on all sides of the box using a permanent marker, including your name, destination (e.g., “Kitchen, USA”), and a brief contents list (e.g., “Pots and Pans”) in English.

Avoid vague terms like “miscellaneous” or “stuff” to comply with US Customs Service requirements. Keep a digital and physical copy of the inventory handy for reference during customs clearance. Mark “Fragile” in bold red for delicate items and “This Side Up” to ensure proper handling. Number your boxes (e.g., “1 of 50”) and maintain a master inventory list to track contents and simplify customs documentation.

GENERAL PACKING TIPS

Use High-Quality Materials such as sturdy, double-walled cardboard boxes for heavy or fragile items. Bubble wrap or foam sheets are great for cushioning your delicate items. Strong packing tape (at least 5cm wide) is best for securely sealing boxes.

General Tips

Choose the Right Box Sizes, the heavier the item, the smaller your box should be, for example:

• Small boxes (40-50 cubic cm) for heavy items like books, tools, or kitchenware to keep weight manageable (under 22kg).
• Medium boxes (3-4 80 cubic cm to 1 cubic metre) for clothes, toys, or small appliances.