Print Email Bookmark and Share

What is a Household Goods (HHG) Move?

Relocating overseas or returning to the U.S. due to a job opportunity or other personal life change may require overseas shipping services for your household goods or other personal property. A household goods move involves individual consumers sending their own household goods or personal property overseas from the U.S. for relocation or return to the U.S. from abroad. It also can involve shipping goods to relatives or associates overseas.

Finding and working with a reputable Household Goods (HHG) Mover, a licensed and registered company responsible for receiving, packing, and properly arranging for overseas transportation of your property is an important first step in your international move.

Moving Process

1. Locate an International Moving Company (IMC) to facilitate your move
2. A local Trucking Company (subcontracted by the IMC) provides pick up and delivery to its warehouse
3. Your household goods are warehoused and consolidated into a container
4. The container (with your household goods inside) is delivered to a port by truck
5. A Marine Terminal Operator receives and loads your cargo onto a ship
6. A Vessel Operator provides ocean transportation of your HHGs on its ship
7. Another Marine Terminal Operator receives and unloads the container (with your household goods inside) at the destination port
8. A destination agent receives your cargo, provides cusoms clearance, and arranges for delivery to you

Planning Your Move

• International Moving Checklist
• Dos and Don'ts
• Documentation, Insurance, and Customs Requirements
  

Moving Tips

• Hiring a Reputable HHG Mover
• Packing for an International Move
• Shipping Your Vehicle Overseas
• Shipping Small Packages
• Seeking CADRS Assistance