Moving Overseas? Here's How a Shipping Container Can Help

How Shipping Containers Simplify International Moves

Shipping containers can take a lot of the headache out of moving overseas - especially during stressful international moves.

If you're planning a move abroad and are wondering what options exist for shipping household belongings internationally, then a shipping container for moving overseas could be your best bet. Read on to learn about the international moving process and the advantages shipping containers offer when moving from one country to another.

Moving Belongings to Another Country

Sea Freight vs. Air Freight

When moving belongings overseas, you have two main options for transporting: sea freight or air freight. Sea freight shipping takes longer, but it's usually far more affordable than air freight.

For most international moves, sea freight shipping containers are the best choice. CBOX can help you select your ideal container, which you will then ship with the help of a freight forwarder.

Storage Before and After Moving Overseas

Local storage could be necessary to make your move possible as vacating your current home can take time. If you're also cleaning things up as you move out, it can be difficult to deal with boxes of belongings crowding your rooms, hallways, and garage the entire time.

Placing your belongings in a secure location outside of your home can alleviate a lot of the stress involved in managing the many other preparations for your long-distance move. However, options like self-storage facilities can further complicate things by forcing you to move belongings to another location just to keep them safe and out of the way until you're ready to leave.

A shipping container for temporary storage and international transport solves this problem. It allows you to store items on your property securely, then ship everything overseas without moving belongings multiple times to different storage facilities.

When you're ready to leave, simply lock up your container and have it delivered to the nearest shipping yard for immediate international shipment.

Shipping Vehicles Overseas

Aside from proper import / export paperwork for the territories your vehicle will be entering and exiting on its journey, the process of delivering a vehicle to your destination can be as simple as shipping the rest of your belongings. By using your own shipping container, you can avoid having to wait for shared vehicle containers to fill up before being sent on their way.

Buying a Shipping Container for Your Move

Purchasing a shipping container outright may cost more money upfront, but the potential for overall savings and simplification of the shipping process may make buying the best option for your move.

New vs. Used Containers

Brand new shipping containers come with the highest prices, but they're often worth the investment to ensure the goods shipped within them are well-protected.

If you opt to purchase a used shipping container, it helps to have a good idea of its history and determine its official grade after inspection. Cargo-worthy containers can still safely transport valuable items while keeping out the elements. Such containers come with a special Convention for Safe Containers or CSC metal plate installed on their doors that shows how long their certified status is valid for.

Choosing the Right Container Size

Your choice of shipping container should factor in how many things you expect to ship overseas. The maximum internal capacity of a 20ft container for most forms of international transportation levels off at about 20 metric tonnes. This standard container size is usually spacious enough to store the contents of a three-bedroom house, making it a great option for most overseas moves.

Delivery and Reuse

Delivering your purchased shipping container is relatively easy thanks to its standardized dimensions. Shipping containers are designed for easy handling with appropriate machinery and should pose no problems for delivery specialists around the world.

Once you've finished removing your belongings from your purchased container, it can be repurposed for other storage tasks and placed wherever you can safely stabilize it.

Moving overseas can be quite a challenge to take on. Acquiring a high-quality shipping container in which to store and transport your belongings can help to simplify the process greatly, freeing up your time and attention for the many other details involved in making your move.

Get in touch with CBOX if you need help finding the right shipping container for international moving. With a wide range of options and competitive prices, we make overseas moves simpler.

Call our friendly team at 1800 433 455 to discuss your container needs — we’re always happy to provide expert advice.

FAQ

Q1: How much does a 20ft shipping container hold for an international move?
A 20ft shipping container can usually hold the contents of a three-bedroom house, with a maximum load of around 20 metric tonnes. It’s the most popular option for personal overseas relocations.

Q2: Is sea freight cheaper than air freight for moving overseas?
Yes. Sea freight is significantly more affordable than air freight, making it the preferred choice for most international moves. While air freight is faster, sea freight provides far greater capacity at a fraction of the cost.

Q3: Can I ship my car in a shipping container when moving abroad?
Absolutely. Many people ship cars overseas in their own containers. This allows you to combine your vehicle with personal belongings and avoid delays from shared vehicle shipping services.

Q4: Should I buy or rent a shipping container for my move?
Buying a shipping container costs more upfront but gives you ownership and potential reuse for future storage. Renting is more affordable in the short term, especially if you only need the container for one move.

Q5: Are used shipping containers safe for moving household items internationally?
Yes. Cargo-worthy used containers with a valid CSC plate are safe for international transport. Always inspect the condition and certification before purchasing.