This summer we handled quite a few relocations to new countries.  These included trans-continental shipping to the UK and New Zealand,  inter-province shipping within Canada, (British Columbia to Manitoba, Ontario), as well as shipping to the USA.

If you’re considering a long distance move, it pays to get a full understanding of the requirements specific to every country, as these almost always vary from country to country – even province to province within Canada.

For example, New Zealand  has a very strict bio security policy. Things like tea, any untreated wooden products and even dried flower arrangements, for example, are forbidden.

This is the quick guide about what not to pack to New Zealand.

The rules to enter USA, are a little less strict, so if you intend to pack food with your belongings make sure it is packed and labelled in the original manufacturers packaging. Note – no meat, poultry or any dairy products (milk, eggs and cheese) are allowed.

More information at the Unites States Custom and Border Protection.

Pet Advisory:

If you are planning to take your pet with you, plan well in advance – like a few months! Pet travel and immigration rules are  different  for every country, varying in degrees of strictness. The UK, for instance, will quarantine your pet for at least 6 months if it does not  meet all the rules of the pet importation program.

Learn more about the UK pet travel rules.

Inventory list:

It’s important to label all the boxes that you have packed, and number them. Most countries ask that you provide an inventory list, sometimes 24 hours ahead of shipping.  The list you should describe (in general) what’s contained in each box. We also add the world “used “on the list to highlight that these are personal used items.

One of our relocation to USA, few weeks ago, contained almost 200 bottles of wine. It was a private collection and we decided to be very detailed so our client will have a smooth move.

We took pics of all every bottle and marked every shelf at the wine cabinet with a letter.

We then packed two shelves with bottles in each container, then  marked the boxes with letters. The result: a no-complication border crossing at the USA checkpoint.

Relocating?  Be ready, plan ahead and make sure you know the rules. It will save you both time and money.