Shipping a house worth of belongings internationally

[MooseBreath]

DH and I are trying to get our affairs in order for an international move to another continent (in December). We have a 4yo and an 18mo, as well as a dog. Permits to live in the country are sorted.

We currently rent, but have a house deposit ready for when we move. Ideally we would bring much of our furniture and belongings, so we aren't starting from scratch.

AIBU to have absolutely no idea how to go about doing this? I assumed we could use a shipping container, but we would be moving overseas and then a fair way inland. I have read online that this is incredibly unreliable and takes years for belongings to arrive, which seems insane. We can't exactly wait years for our furniture and clothing...

Has anybody done this before and know the basics of what to look for? How does it work?

I've done this a few times. I wouldn't move white goods or anything electrical if the voltage isn't compatible. I'd start by getting rid of any duplicate items, things you don't like/need or are tatty.

I do bring special items of furniture, decor, bedding, kitchen stuff etc. You'll wait a little while for your stuff but it's nice to put your things into your new place and make it feel like home.

I find there is a lot less choice outside of the UK so I'd think carefully about selling everything. There can also be waits for sofas etc in some places so I was happy to have mine.

I'll buy some new stuff and some stuff second hand when I arrive but I'm happy that I've brought what I have.

Last time, I shared a 20ft container ( it's called groupage) and it reduced the cost quite a bit.

Used Anglo Pacific for 3 international moves. It's all about cubic metres so think about space v cost when deciding what to take.

Facebook is really good for this kind of thing. Search for a 'Brits in Canada' type group. They will have loads of posts about logistics and who they used.

Take excess luggage If you can afford and stay in a serviced apartment for first 6 weeks. You can look for a permanent place in that time and by the time you move all your stuff should have arrived.

I moved country and brought so much stuff, but wish I hadn't! Now I am ready to move again, I am selling everything and will buy new in the new country. It's not worth the hassle and cost of shipping anything, unless it is extremely rare and irreplacable.

Call Pickfords (or other overseas moving company) and ask them! Takes about 6 weeks typically by sea. You also need some air freight.
Employers should be sorting this out for you.

Crown Relocations company

My DSIS ended up waiting ages for her stuff due to delays at the Panama Canal.