Moving from the USA to Australia: 2025 Mega‑Guide
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Why Americans Relocate to Australia
Australia consistently ranks in the top ten expat destinations for quality of life, healthcare, and work‑life balance.
We treat your belongings as if they were our own, leveraging industry‑leading packing materials, air‑ride suspension trucks, and climate‑controlled containers. Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline. Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop.
Whether you’re chasing a new career, a slower pace, or world‑class public services, Australia delivers a compelling upgrade.
Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. Our data show that proactive planning, clear communication, and realistic timelines reduce cost overruns by 18 percent on average.
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Average Moving Costs & Example Budgets
Financial clarity is half the battle. Below is a sample range for a 20‑ft container and a 40‑ft container departing East and West Coast ports.
International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork. Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt.
Use our interactive cost calculator for lane‑specific numbers.
Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline. Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork.
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Customs Regulations & Documentation
Customs officials in Australia typically require passports, detailed inventories, and proof of long‑term residency such as visas or work permits.
If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. We treat your belongings as if they were our own, leveraging industry‑leading packing materials, air‑ride suspension trucks, and climate‑controlled containers. Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline.
Failing to declare restricted items—like alcohol beyond duty‑free limits—can trigger hefty fines or confiscation.
Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork. Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline. We treat your belongings as if they were our own, leveraging industry‑leading packing materials, air‑ride suspension trucks, and climate‑controlled containers.
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Housing & Neighborhood Insights
Rental inventory in the major metros of Australia remains tight, so expect to secure housing 60–90 days in advance.
Australia is a complex process that demands careful planning, transparent budgeting, and the right partner at every stage. Our data show that proactive planning, clear communication, and realistic timelines reduce cost overruns by 18 percent on average. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. We treat your belongings as if they were our own, leveraging industry‑leading packing materials, air‑ride suspension trucks, and climate‑controlled containers.
If you’re shipping pets, verify that your lease permits animals before you sign the contract.
International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. Our data show that proactive planning, clear communication, and realistic timelines reduce cost overruns by 18 percent on average. The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. Australia is a complex process that demands careful planning, transparent budgeting, and the right partner at every stage.
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Healthcare & Insurance
Australia offers a public healthcare system, but expats often purchase private insurance for faster access to specialists.
If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. We treat your belongings as if they were our own, leveraging industry‑leading packing materials, air‑ride suspension trucks, and climate‑controlled containers. The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork. Australia is a complex process that demands careful planning, transparent budgeting, and the right partner at every stage. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door.
Proof of insurance may be mandatory for long‑term visas.
If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop. The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish.
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Job Market & Work Permits
Tech, finance, and renewable energy are booming sectors in Australia.
Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. Australia is a complex process that demands careful planning, transparent budgeting, and the right partner at every stage. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline. Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop.
Your future employer should handle visa sponsorship, but double‑check processing times—they can stretch to 12 weeks.
Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop. Australia is a complex process that demands careful planning, transparent budgeting, and the right partner at every stage.
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Education Options for Families
International schools follow U.S., UK, or IB curriculums; tuition ranges from $12 000–$25 000 per year.
Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. Our data show that proactive planning, clear communication, and realistic timelines reduce cost overruns by 18 percent on average.
Public schools are free but instruction is in the national language.
Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline. Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop. Our data show that proactive planning, clear communication, and realistic timelines reduce cost overruns by 18 percent on average.
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Shipping Your Car & Pets
Left‑hand vs. right‑hand drive, emissions compliance, and import duties can make car shipping complex—ask our auto division for a lane analysis.
If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. Our data show that proactive planning, clear communication, and realistic timelines reduce cost overruns by 18 percent on average. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish.
Pets need microchips, updated rabies vaccinations, and in some cases, quarantine reservations.
Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. We treat your belongings as if they were our own, leveraging industry‑leading packing materials, air‑ride suspension trucks, and climate‑controlled containers. Australia is a complex process that demands careful planning, transparent budgeting, and the right partner at every stage.
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Timeline Planner: 6 Months to Touchdown
Use this month‑by‑month checklist to keep your relocation on track.
Australia is a complex process that demands careful planning, transparent budgeting, and the right partner at every stage. Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline. Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop. The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork. Our data show that proactive planning, clear communication, and realistic timelines reduce cost overruns by 18 percent on average.
Print it, post it on the fridge, and tick each box.
Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. Our data show that proactive planning, clear communication, and realistic timelines reduce cost overruns by 18 percent on average.
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FAQs
From transit insurance to voltage converters—your top ten questions answered.
International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. Our data show that proactive planning, clear communication, and realistic timelines reduce cost overruns by 18 percent on average. We treat your belongings as if they were our own, leveraging industry‑leading packing materials, air‑ride suspension trucks, and climate‑controlled containers. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork.
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IVL Services Bundle
Explore our white‑glove packing, real‑time tracking, and temporary storage solutions.
Our data show that proactive planning, clear communication, and realistic timelines reduce cost overruns by 18 percent on average. Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop. Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. Australia is a complex process that demands careful planning, transparent budgeting, and the right partner at every stage.
Book a virtual survey to lock your rate.
The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. Our data show that proactive planning, clear communication, and realistic timelines reduce cost overruns by 18 percent on average. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door.
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Our data show that proactive planning, clear communication, and realistic timelines reduce cost overruns by 18 percent on average. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. We treat your belongings as if they were our own, leveraging industry‑leading packing materials, air‑ride suspension trucks, and climate‑controlled containers.
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Australia is a complex process that demands careful planning, transparent budgeting, and the right partner at every stage. The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop.
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Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. Australia is a complex process that demands careful planning, transparent budgeting, and the right partner at every stage. Our data show that proactive planning, clear communication, and realistic timelines reduce cost overruns by 18 percent on average. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline.
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The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. Australia is a complex process that demands careful planning, transparent budgeting, and the right partner at every stage. We treat your belongings as if they were our own, leveraging industry‑leading packing materials, air‑ride suspension trucks, and climate‑controlled containers.
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Australia is a complex process that demands careful planning, transparent budgeting, and the right partner at every stage. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline. Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge.
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Our data show that proactive planning, clear communication, and realistic timelines reduce cost overruns by 18 percent on average. Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. Australia is a complex process that demands careful planning, transparent budgeting, and the right partner at every stage. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop.
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Our data show that proactive planning, clear communication, and realistic timelines reduce cost overruns by 18 percent on average. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge.
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Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. We treat your belongings as if they were our own, leveraging industry‑leading packing materials, air‑ride suspension trucks, and climate‑controlled containers. The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork.
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The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork. Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline. Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish.
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Australia is a complex process that demands careful planning, transparent budgeting, and the right partner at every stage. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. We treat your belongings as if they were our own, leveraging industry‑leading packing materials, air‑ride suspension trucks, and climate‑controlled containers. The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork. Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop.
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The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop. Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. Our data show that proactive planning, clear communication, and realistic timelines reduce cost overruns by 18 percent on average.
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Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. Australia is a complex process that demands careful planning, transparent budgeting, and the right partner at every stage. Our data show that proactive planning, clear communication, and realistic timelines reduce cost overruns by 18 percent on average.
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Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door. We treat your belongings as if they were our own, leveraging industry‑leading packing materials, air‑ride suspension trucks, and climate‑controlled containers. Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish.
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Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. We treat your belongings as if they were our own, leveraging industry‑leading packing materials, air‑ride suspension trucks, and climate‑controlled containers. The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork. Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop.
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Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop. Australia is a complex process that demands careful planning, transparent budgeting, and the right partner at every stage. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline.
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Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline. Every shipment is tracked in real time via our client portal, giving you peace of mind from door to door.
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Our data show that proactive planning, clear communication, and realistic timelines reduce cost overruns by 18 percent on average. Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline. Australia is a complex process that demands careful planning, transparent budgeting, and the right partner at every stage. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt.
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Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. We treat your belongings as if they were our own, leveraging industry‑leading packing materials, air‑ride suspension trucks, and climate‑controlled containers. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork. Australia is a complex process that demands careful planning, transparent budgeting, and the right partner at every stage.
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Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop. The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork. Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline. If a section doesn’t apply to your situation, skip it—but know that compliance checklists can change without notice, so circle back when in doubt. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish.
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The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork. Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline. International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. We treat your belongings as if they were our own, leveraging industry‑leading packing materials, air‑ride suspension trucks, and climate‑controlled containers. Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge.
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International Van Lines has spent two decades refining best‑in‑class logistics that turn what seems overwhelming into a checklist you can actually finish. Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone in your household who needs to stay in the loop. Need a personal walkthrough? Schedule a virtual survey with one of our certified move coordinators at no charge. The tips below are drawn from more than 20 000 trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific shipments, so you’re benefiting from hard numbers, not guesswork. Customs regulations are the single biggest driver of delays; complete paperwork upfront and you’ll shave days—sometimes weeks—off your transit timeline.
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Next read: Bookmark this guide or explore our cost breakdown.