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What to Know About Moving Internationally with ProShip Moving & Logistics

December 16, 2022 carlos ProShip Service Comments Off

Moving to another country with ProShip Moving, whether it’s across the continent or across Canada or the United States or cross the world, is difficult to say the least. There’s a lot to plan and keep track of along the way, and there are a few obstacles that might surprise you.

If you’re considering an international relocation, overseas ProShip moving guide will bring you up to speed so you aren’t caught unawares by customs, shipping times, or expensive freight costs. We’ll cover all this and more, and share some resources that’ll help your move go smoothly.

Can you afford an overseas move?

Moving is expensive. Moving overseas can get even more expensive. From hiring international movers to securing a new place and obtaining insurance, an international move will be pricey. Make sure that you have the moving cost budgeted. Save up three to six months of income so that you have some wiggle-room as you look for work. You’ll also have to obtain any necessary documentation and maybe even learn a new language.

Moving internationally is expensive

Speaking of prices, if you plan to ship any amount of your furniture to another country, you should plan to spend several thousand dollars. While exact prices vary depending on how far your destination country is, how much stuff you’re shipping, and which shipping method you use, the average cost for international relocation is around $10,000.

As with all other types of moves, you can save money by opting for the most basic services your moving company offers. For example, picking your stuff up yourself at the shipping port in your destination country is much cheaper than paying your movers to deliver it to your front door.

Downsizing is another tried and true way to save money on an overseas relocation. The more stuff you donate, throw away, and sell before you move, the lighter your shipment will be. The lighter your shipment is, the less it will cost.

Of course, even if you ditch everything but the essentials and buy the cheapest moving services you can find, your international move will still probably cost thousands of dollars, so start saving money now.

Extra tips on moving your belongings internationally

Different countries have different restrictions, so learn which items are restricted or prohibited.
Depending on where you’re moving, your belongings might be taxable (furniture, computers, musical instruments, cameras, etc.). The tax amount is determined at a certain percentage of the item’s value that you’ve declared.
You will need insurance. Sure, a storm sinking your cargo seems unlikely, but it does happen. Insurance will typically cover the entire loss of the shipping container.
Bring the stuff you can’t live without with you, don’t ship it. Shipping your belongings overseas can take several months, especially if they’re being transported by sea. So anything you think you’ll absolutely need for a few days and up to a few weeks/months should travel with you.

You have several shipment options

After you’ve found an international mover that can ship your belongings to your destination country, you’ll need to decide how you want your stuff delivered. There are three international shipping methods, though services can vary depending on your final decision and most affordable option.

Air freight

With this option, your company packs your stuff into a crate and puts it on an airplane to your destination country. At the airport, the authorities inspect the crate, and then your company delivers it to your new home. Alternatively, you can opt to pick up your stuff at the airport yourself to save money.

Air freight is your most expensive shipping option, so you normally wouldn’t send everything you own this way. However, it’s also much faster than ocean transportation, so it’s the best way to ship the things you need quickly. On average, international moves using air transportation take two-to-four weeks.

Ocean freight

With this option, your company packs your stuff into a waterproof shipping container and delivers it to a shipping port where it’s loaded onto a boat which ferries it across the ocean. At the destination’s port of entry, the authorities inspect your container, and then your company picks it up and delivers it to your new home.

As with air freight, you can opt to pick up your stuff at the port of entry yourself if you want to save money on delivery.

Ocean freight is the cheaper option for intercontinental moves, and roughly 90% of international moving customers use ocean shipping.^[6] However, it’s also slower than air freight. On average, international moves by ocean take six to eight weeks.

As you can imagine, ocean freight is also slightly more perilous than air freight since the seas are often rougher than the skies.

Land freight

With this option, your stuff is loaded into a moving truck and driven to your destination country. This might seem simple, but it can be pretty complex as it requires drivers to cross borders. This option can take four to six weeks, but it’s obviously only available for in-continent moves. If you live in the US, you can only move to Canada or Mexico this way.

List of Documents You May Need When Moving Abroad

Before you move, it’s important to check what documents you’ll need in your new country. Essentials typically include these nine documents:

Passport: You will need a government-issued passport to certify your identity and citizenship. This is the single most important document when traveling and moving abroad.
Visa: This is an official travel document placed inside your passport that allows a visitor to stay in a country for a specific purpose for a set amount of time. There are typically many types of visas available, including tourist visas and short-stay visas.
Work permit: Many countries require that visitors and new residents obtain an official work permit in order to work. Your new employer should be able to assist you with obtaining a work permit.
Birth certificate: Keep a copy of your birth certificate with you. This is an official document issued at birth that includes your name, gender, birthday, birthplace and parents.
Driver’s License: It’s never a bad idea to have more than one way to prove your identity when living abroad. In addition to a passport, a driver’s license provides a second way to verify your identity if necessary.
Marriage certificate or divorce papers: A marriage certificate or divorce papers are official records of your marital status and can be used for tax purposes, proving a marital relationship and/or changing a last name. It’s a good idea to pack these away somewhere safe when moving.
Social security cards: This nine-digit number allows the government to identify individuals and track their records and financial information. Keep your U.S.-issued social security card in a safe place throughout your travel.
Health and vaccine records: Research vaccine requirements before traveling abroad. Bring a copy of your health and vaccine records with you, so you can easily submit your information to new doctors and hospitals. You may also need to show your vaccination status in order to enter certain countries.
School records: If moving with school-age kids, it’s essential that you bring their school records with you. This will make the transition to a new school easier and will ensure they’re able to enroll on time.

You can’t take everything with you

Every country has different customs regulations and a unique assortment of items it won’t allow to cross its borders. To ensure you can bring everything you need, look up your destination country’s list of prohibited materials, or talk to your move coordinator to learn what you can and can’t bring.

As a general rule, you usually can’t bring these items into a foreign country:

Firearms
Drugs and alcohol
Politically sensitive materials
Plants and seeds^[7]

Moving internationally soon?

While international moves are certainly stressful, figuring out how you’re going to move abroad doesn’t have to be. Thanks to our ProShip Moving & Logistics Network, finding the right company to handle your relocation is a cinch. We vet all PorShip Moving & Logistics for key certifications, capabilities, and insurance. Our movers are also licensed and bonded with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). In addition, all moving companies based outside of the U.S. must be in good standing with FIDI, the largest global alliance of professional international moving and relocation companies, in order to remain under their banner as an Accredited International Mover. Of course, before hiring an international moving company, we also recommend reviewing a mover’s history with the American Moving & Storage Association, the Household Goods Forwarder Association and the Better Business Bureau. Best of luck and happy moving!

How To Hire Movers in Vancouver BC: A Step-By-Step Guide

January 4, 2021 carlos ProShip Service, Featured Comments Off

Moving sucks. Hiring professional movers can make it a little easier. Here’s everything you need to know–from reservations to load size to tipping.

After years of borrowing my parents’ minivan to move my belongings from apartment to apartment, my first professional move felt like a milestone on the path to adulthood. Don’t get me wrong—there’s something to be said for the DIY move. It’s cheaper, and having friends help out lends a festive air to an otherwise tedious chore, especially during the post-move beer-and-pizza party.

But there comes a time when you just need or want to hire professional movers. Maybe your household has two people in it now, and there’s a lot more stuff to move. Or you actually own a few expensive things and you don’t trust your cousin Mike to handle them with the care they need. Before you embark on the somewhat bewildering journey of hiring movers, read our step-by-step guide.

Ask for personal recommendations

Yes, there are plenty of online review sites like Google and bbb, and you should definitely check them out. But I like to start by asking people I know—friends, neighbors, co-workers, and so on. Those are the recommendations I trust the most.

Hopefully you’ll end up with a few names that multiple people have had great experiences with. You may also learn of a few companies to absolutely avoid. That’s valuable information, too.

Check availability and pricing

The most popular movers will get booked quickly so don’t delay. If you’re moving during the colder months you may be able to get away with a last-minute reservation, but spring and summer are likely to fill fast. When you call, keep these things in mind:

Moving date flexibility

If you don’t have to be out of your old place and into the new one on the first of the month, like most renters, your first-choice movers will have an easier time fitting you in. It’s also helpful if you can move on a weekday instead of the weekend.

Pricing

Most movers charge by the hour (expect to pay at least $30/hour per mover), so the ultimate price could be slightly higher or lower than quoted. However, they’re pretty accurate at estimating how long your move will take. Expect to be asked how many people are in your household, how many rooms and/or floors you’re moving from, and what kinds of especially big or heavy pieces of furniture you might own.

Remember that you’ll have to pay for the movers’ travel time, too—unless it’s a very local move. That includes the time it will take them to return to the office from your final destination. Ask if you’ll need to pay a fuel surcharge, as well, and how they handle extra minutes (example: the move takes three hours and 15 minutes). Some movers will round up to the next hour. The mover you want to hire will prorate their hourly price.

Finally, ask if there are any extra fees you could be charged based on special circumstances such as elevator or stair usage or the need for a permit to park on a city street.

Number of movers

Two movers will be cheaper than three, but three will get the job done faster. So when you’re comparing estimates, keep that in mind. A cheaper hourly rate could end up costing more if the move takes longer.

Payment method

Some movers will accept credit cards and personal checks, but most prefer cash. Don’t be intimidated if they don’t take credit cards. Paying in cash ensures you can actually afford the move, and you’ll need cash for a tip anyway.

Deposit

I’ve never had to pay a deposit on a move. You should ask if there is a cancellation policy, though. Some movers may charge you for canceling without a certain amount of notice.

Truck size

I once hired movers who showed up with a U-Haul truck that was obviously too small to fit the contents of our house. Make sure your movers have a big enough truck that will also fit on your street if you live on a narrow city road. You don’t want to end up having to pay for more than one trip or an extra vehicle.

Tip: I usually tip 10 percent of the total, which the movers can divide amongst themselves. Other people suggest tipping based on the extent of the move (starting at $10 per person for a small and local move). You may want to tip more or less depending on the quality of the experience.

Pack smart

Most moving companies will pack (and even unpack) your belongings for an additional fee. This could include the price of boxes and other packing supplies as well as an hourly rate for labor.

If you don’t want to pay any more than you have to, pack everything yourself and get it done before the movers arrive. If you’re still scrambling to finish packing while they load the truck you’re going to make the move more expensive. It will take longer and mess up their careful calculations about the most efficient way to use the truck space. Other ways to save money on packing include:

Find free boxes

Your best bets are your local liquor stores (sometimes they are stacked by the door for people to take) and in recycling dumpsters behind stores. Some people who have just moved post “curb alerts” for free boxes on Craigslist and social media. If you decide to buy boxes, comparison shop at stores like Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowes.

Pack fragile items in newspaper

Bubble wrap is nice, but it’s more expensive than picking up your local Sunday paper. I’ve had almost no problems with wrapping glasses and other breakables in a sheet or two of newspaper.

Use small or medium sized boxes for heavier items

My husband and I own a lot of books, which get heavy fast when you stack them. Always stick with smaller boxes for books, CDs, and other cumulatively heavy things. Bigger boxes can be used for pillows and other large, lightweight items. It’s good to put as much as you can in boxes, but if a box is too heavy you’ll waste time re-packing it.

Move some of your boxes yourself

If you own a car, you’re moving locally, and you have more than one day to do it, try to move as much as you can by yourself. This will save you money on the total time the move takes. Your car may also be better for moving precious valuables, whether your grandmother’s jewelry or a shiny flat screen TV. If it would kill you to lose it (or have it break), then best to move it yourself—no one will be more careful.

Make sure the big day goes smoothly

Good movers should be able to work independently, especially on the loading end. You need to be there to let them in and answer questions when they arise, but mostly you should try to relax. Moving can be stressful, but you hired movers to take care of the hardest part.

When it’s time to unload, the movers should place everything where you want it to go. If they try to just dump everything in the room closest to the door, step in to give directions.

As you settle the final bill, make sure the total is indeed the total. I talked to a friend of mine who received an invoice with additional charges six months after his move. That shouldn’t happen. Sign off on the final figure and ask the movers to do so as well.

Summary

Many people have stories of horrible moves, but if you follow these steps you should end up with a positive experience. And once you get used to the convenience of a professional move, you won’t want to go back to the DIY version. Tell us all about your first professional moving experience in the comments.

ProShip Moving & Logistics, winter moving tips 2021, Vancouver local professional movers.

January 3, 2021 carlos ProShip Service, Featured Comments Off

Winter is here! And you have to move your household right in the middle of it, winter means freezing temps and snow. We rounded up 17 tips from experienced Vancouver movers to help your winter move go smoothly.

1. Confirm details with your movers.

Waiting to move in the winter is pretty smart. Winter is moving companies’ off-seasons, so you should have a wider range of dates available to choose from. Just be sure to check in with your ProShip movers a week before the move and a day or two before the move. Because in winter, we all know the weather can be unpredictable.

2. Keep checking the weather.

Speaking of weather, keep a sharp eye on it. Check it every week leading up to the move, and then every day the week of the move. If you’re concerned the weather will shut down roads or hinder your ProShip movers, call ProShip moving & Logistics and express your concern. It’s better to delay the move than get caught in a blizzard.

3. Cover your floors.

not all companies provide floor runners to protect your flooring especially on rainy and snow days but ProShip Moving & Logistics moving trucks are fully equipped with 10-floor runners that are 20ft each its a total of 200ft of red carpet floor protection surface.

4. Turn the heat off.

Think about it: if you have people going in and out all day, your poor furnace will be trying to heat the house and it will all go straight out the door. If you turn the heat off, just for the day, not only will you save on that electric bill, but you’ll then be able to do tip 5 (and make your Vancouver ProShip movers’ day!).

5. Board your pets.

No one wants a puppy underfoot while they’re trying to move, and if you take our advice and turn the heat off, your puppy will need to stay somewhere warm. Check local boarders and kennels for heated runs, heated floors, and one or two day discounted rates. Make sure the fur babies are taken care of before the day of the move.

6.Clear the sidewalks, driveways, and street.

It doesn’t get more dangerous than carrying a heavy couch down an icy sidewalk. Be sure to salt, shovel, or snow blow any major walkways you think the movers will be using so they can walk safely with your belongings. And so you avoid a lawsuit.

ProShip moving & Logistics vancouver winter moving tips — ProShip moving & Logistics Vancouver winter moving tips

8. Check the utilities at the new house.

Nothing — we repeat NOTHING – is worse than having no heat and no light in the dead of winter. Make sure that all of the utilities at your new home are turned on and actually working before you start moving. We recommend getting everything turned on about two days before your move.

9. Check the snowplow schedule.

You’ve carefully planned every detail of your move, the ProShip movers arrived bright and early, and last night’s plow guy left a really nice bank of mushy, dirty snow between the ProShip moving truck and your house. Make sure you have parking available that’s not on the plow route or leave yourself enough time to forge a path to the house.

11. Warm up your insides.

Keep a crockpot of hot chocolate or hot apple cider heating in the kitchen – for you and your ProShip movers. When you can’t feel your fingers anymore, or the poor movers are looking a bit frostbitten, call a halt for a cup of hot cocoa. You’ll feel better, and your movers will think you’re awesome.

ProShip Moving & Logistics winter moving tips

13. Double pack fragile items.

Many things that are delicate or extra fragile become more brittle in cold weather. Help your movers out by double packing your fragile items so they’re less likely to break while moving. Also remember: any items that can be damaged by cold should not be packed in the truck. The truck may sit out overnight, which could cause more damage than you hoped for.

14. Baby your electronics.

Electronic devices really do not like cold weather. Pack all electronics into one or two boxes, and make sure those travel in your car, where the heat will be on and they can maintain a steady temperature.

15. Keep winter essentials with you.

It’s tempting to make room in your car for a pillow and sleeping bag, but make sure your extra clothing layers, coats, snow boots, hats, gloves, scarves, and a handful of cozy quilts also make it into the car. Can you imagine if they got loaded on the truck instead?! Brrrrr!

16. Be flexible and err on the side of caution.

While it’s already really frustrating and stressful to move in the winter, winter weather only adds to the number of possible complications. ProShip movers can’t control the weather, and are probably colder than you are. So listen to their concerns – if the roads are icy, it’s safer to delay the move a little than risk your possessions and people’s lives.

17. Tip well.

Moving companies’ rates don’t change much in the winter, so your movers probably aren’t getting paid extra to deal with snow, ice, and wind. Thank them for coming out in the winter and make sure they each get a good tip to reinforce your appreciation.

Moving in the winter months doesn’t have to be as hard as it sounds. With a little forethought and consideration, you can make it an ideal move despite the weather. Good luck!

Vancouver Senior Movers, ProShip BC top local Moving Companies

November 10, 2020 carlos ProShip Service Comments Off

Vancouver senior movers, ProShip moving & Logistics

Relocation is our specialty! Our full-service movers are completely devoted to ensuring that every
relocation we handle is a stress-free and memorable experience.

Relocation is hard enough for young people. It only gets more difficult and challenging as we grow old. That is all the more reason to seek out the assistance of professional senior moving services. What you want is a registered, licensed, and insured moving company that you can trust to handle the heavy lifting. ProShip Vancouver Transfer and Storage has well over 7 years of experience in the moving industry. Our reputation precedes us in the Golden State, with nothing but praises and recommendations. If you want to ensure some of the best moving services in vancouver, make sure to give us a call. We will make your move a smooth and stress-free experience..

Whether you are moving to a new home or a different unit in a senior community, your moving needs are different unique as a senior citizen. It is a new chapter of your life, but you may need a little assistance with planning and organizing your Vancouver relocation. You need someone to sort your belongings, and you probably have to eliminate much of what you have to move to your new residence or senior community. And that is when our senior movers enter the scene and save the day.

At ProShip Moving, we will put in maximum effort into ensuring all seniors stay safe during their relocation, as well as all of their possessions. Give us a call today Vancouver best movers ProShip moving & logistics and get assistance money can buy!

Our Vancouver senior moving services

We have specifically designed a wide plethora of our services so that they perfectly correspond to our clients’ needs. Each and every one of our moving services in vancouver fits the senior movers’ unique needs. Feel free to pick one, or even multiple services that we have prepared for you:

Interstate moving. With a tailor-made moving plan, your upcoming move, whether you are moving to the nearest state or across the country will be both efficient and budget-friendly.
Long-distance moving. If you have chosen a different country for your retirement, let our experts for senior moving make this task into a memorable experience.
Packing services. While our experts take care of every aspect that packing may have, you can address the more important matter.
Moving boxes. If you choose to pack by yourself, feel free to turn to ProShip Boxes rental service for quality moving boxes.

With a variety of , we are able to cover every aspect of your Vancouver relocation. No matter which type of item you need us to move, or what size, we can do it regardless of the distance. So whether you are moving just a few items or a large household, our team of senior movers will be happy to safely transfer and deliver all of your belongings.

Vancouver Professional moving assistance and friendly faces for easy senior moving

Our Vancouver movers ,ProShip Moving senior moving service team is specially trained to help you and your loved ones make a joyful, stress-free, transition into your new destination. Here are some of the benefits of hiring us:

Careful planning and organization of the entire moving process
The right equipment to move and load your furniture and other items onto the moving truck and into your new place without damaging either residence during the move
Strong and reliable movers to handle all the heavy lifting and get all your belongings, furniture and appliances right where you want them and just the way you want them
Our experienced drivers ensure the truck shows up on time to pack up your home and arrives at your next destination to unload safely and without causing any damage in the process
Friendly and professional team that will make sure you are completely satisfied

What we take upon ourselves

As soon as you are ready, all you need to do is contact us, and we will take it from there. You can be sure that we will pay extra attention when handling your items. Our team of moving experts is well trained and highly skilled so that they know how to handle bulky and heavy items and furniture. With our senior movers Los Angeles by your side, you don’t need to worry about the safety of your belongings. Whether it is a certain specialty item, family heirlooms or a box containing fragile goods, you can rest assured that they are in good hands.

We will perform every step of your relocation, from packing, loading, and transporting to unloading will be handled with efficiency and professionalism. You will be able to see that from the first encounter. Having been in the moving business for years now, we are well familiar with the proper techniques of safely packing your entire household. We also know the best way to load a moving truck so that your boxes inside do not move nor tumble during the trip, no matter how long it may be. Our senior movers are also well equipped with the right equipment and tools necessary for proper unloading. Yours will only be to relax and enjoy the ride.

Premier ProShip Moving Vancouver senior moving is just a phone call away

Why stress about relocating as a senior? Just call ProShip Moving & Logistics Vancouver professional Movers and rest easy knowing that your move is in safe hands and that you are getting the best value for your money. You will soon realize that our specialists for senior moving are just what you needed all along. If you are looking for a team that will cater to all of your needs, you have found it. Contact us or fill out the free estimate request form on our website, and we will start planning your move!

Moving soon in Vancouver lower mainland area ? We can help you move quickly and safely!

November 3, 2020 carlos ProShip Service Comments Off

Our professional Vancouver movers are always available for any kind of moving services, whether it is moving within the same building, across BC, out of town, or a long-distance move. ProShip moving has specialized movers to take care of all your moving needs with courtesy, understanding, and dexterity.
Wherever you live in the Vancouver lower mainland or where you’re headed to, ProShip moving will make sure that you are properly taken care of every step of the way. From shipping boxes to heavy items, to storage, to helping you settle in, we ensure that your move will be handled with care and efficiency so you don’t have to worry about a thing. For over 9 years as Vancouver best Movers, we are ready to tackle any moving situation while always remaining committed to the highest level of service.