Whether you’re a family moving internationally, a young couple heading back from a long trip in Europe, or a first-time international traveler who is taking some time to explore the world, there are many reasons why you may need to ship your personal goods overseas.

No matter why you’re looking to ship, it’s important to find the right shipping partner to help you make informed choices about the overall process. After all, there’s no point shipping the comforts of home overseas if you’re items aren’t likely to arrive safely, on time, or on budget.

Thankfully, we’re here to help! We’ve compiled all the basics you’ll need to know to ship your personal goods overseas with total peace of mind. And if you still have a question after reading this overview, don’t hesitate to reach out to us — we’re always happy to answer any question or calm any concern.

Selecting the Right Shipping Partner for You

While it sounds simple, this can be the most important part of the international shipping process. To make sure that all your treasured items arrive safe and sound, you’ll want to pick a shipping partner that you can trust and is willing to give you all the information you need. If a company doesn’t want to answer questions, offers vague information, or contradicts themselves, you’ll want to think twice before signing up with them.

Your perfect shipping partner will also depend on your specific needs: what items you are shipping, how you want it shipped (by air or ocean freight), your ideal time scale, and your budgetary concerns. The right shipping company will help you sort out what you need and the best way to reach your goals.

You’ll also want to make certain to choose a shipping partner that offers unambiguous price quotes. Getting hit with hidden charges can make international traveling much more stressful — especially if you’re traveling on a tight budget.

Choosing the Best Shipping Option for Your Needs

Another important thing to consider when shipping your personal goods internationally from Vancouver is which shipping method is right for you. The process you choose will depend on several factors, including the size and quantity of the items you are shipping, your budget, and how quickly you need your goods to arrive.

The two options for overseas shipping are by ocean freight or air freight. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks:

Ocean freight is the more popular of the two processes, thanks in large part to its lower cost. Another major advantage of ocean freight is that you can send large personal goods easily—you can even ship a car, motorcycle, or other vehicles! It’s primary drawback, however, is that the transit time is longer than by air. However, many people find the lower cost makes it worth the long wait.  

If speed is your biggest concern, then air freight may be the right choice for you. While it does cost more if you’re shipping over 100-200 KG, the increased speed is a big plus for many international travelers. (It can be especially useful when you are plotting a last-minute trip or return home.) Items that are especially sensitive to moisture may also fare better when shipped by air.

Remember, you don’t have to make this decision alone. We’re more than happy to help you decide which option is right for you—or even if you should split your items up and ship them both ways.

Tips for Preparing and Packing Your Personal Goods

One of the first questions you’re likely to ask when preparing to ship personal goods internationally from Canada is just exactly what you can ship. You’ll be happy to know that the answer is nearly anything mobile that doesn’t qualify as a hazardous material. From sofas to bedroom sets, musical instruments to books, and jewelry to home decor items, almost any item can be shipped from one country to another.

When it comes to packing your items, the top priority should absolutely be the safety of your goods. You’ll want to take every step you can to make sure your items are well insulated, packaged securely, and are unlikely to be damaged when jostled—even when your boxes are strapped down, rough seas or air turbulence may cause your items to be bounced around.

Thankfully, with the right packaging materials and techniques (which your shipping partner should help you determine), you’re much less likely to avoid any damage to your items. However, it’s vital to always be prepared for the worse—which is why it’s important to make sure that all your items are properly insured.

Finally, you’ll want to be certain that you provide all the appropriate documentation, including shipping labels with both forwarding and return addresses, in case your package is lost (your shipping provider will also label your items), as well as accurate information regarding the weight and dimensions of your packages. You’ll also want to request tracking information so that you can know exactly when your packages arrive.

How Long Does International Shipping Take

Typically, you can expect the transit times for your personal items to be around 30-50 days for ocean freight. Air freight is normally faster—3-5 days, on average. Transit time also varies depending on the distance of the destination.

You’ll want to note that all shipping times are estimates, since uncontrollable factors (like weather, border delays, or traffic conditions) may come into play. If you choose to work with us, you can feel confident that we will do everything in our power to get your personal goods to you on the estimated date.