If you’re planning to move abroad or to travel overseas for a year, there’s a lot to do to make sure your plans go off without a hitch. The first order of business is to make to-do lists to keep you organized. If you have kids, get them involved by giving everyone an age-appropriate to-do list that they are responsible for. If you start sorting and packing early on, you can avoid last-minute crises and be able to greet Moving Day calmly.

Besides your airplane luggage and handbag, most of your belonging will need to be shipped by freight or by air. The good news is that modern-day international shipping companies provide comprehensive moving services. This means that they will arrive at your front door to help box, label, and pack up your house, in addition to answering all your questions. And when your shipment reaches the border, the professionals will take care of all the red tape and make sure the appropriate taxes and duty fees are paid so that there are no holdups.

In case you’re wondering what you can ship overseas, the answer is practically anything! It is possible to ship household furniture, large appliances, golf clubs, and ski equipment. You can ship oversized luggage, heavy machinery, and a piano. Thanks to overseas car shipping services, you can even ship your sports car, SUV, jeep, or motorcycle across the ocean. International vehicle shipping can take one of two forms. The first is Roll on/Roll off, wherein the vehicle is simply driven on and off the dock of the ship. Option number two is container shipping, wherein your car is placed in a large shipping container, which you can fill to the hilt.

Be sure to plan ahead if you are shipping by boat since freight shipping can take up to three months and you don’t want to be stuck abroad without your belongings. If you have possessions you will need sooner, find out about express shipping rates and options. These generally occur by air and may include next-flight-out shipping, 1-3 business day delivery, 2-5 business day delivery, and international economy express services.

To ship internationally, you must present certain key documents at the border. The first is the Bill of Lading or BOL. This document, provided by your shipping company, contains detailed information regarding your cargo, including its pick-up and drop-off spots and the shipping costs. Also required is a commercial invoice itemizing everything in your shipment. Be sure all your paperwork is in order or your shipment may be delayed or turned back at the border.

Once you have all your ducks in a row, all that’s left to do is reserve your airplane ticket, fasten your seatbelt, and have a safe trip!

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