The Ultimate Guide to International Relocation Services
Moving abroad is more than a change of address—it’s a full-scale life transformation. From navigating customs to shipping household goods across oceans, from enrolling children in new schools to understanding cultural nuances, international relocation requires more than just boxes and packing tape.
That’s where international relocation services come in.
If you’re preparing for a move across borders—whether for work, family, education, or lifestyle—this ultimate guide will walk you through what international relocation services are, what they cover, how to choose the right provider, and how they make your move easier, safer, and more efficient.
What Are International Relocation Services?
International relocation services refer to the full suite of professional support offered to individuals, families, and companies moving from one country to another. These services go beyond basic shipping and logistics—they often include:
- Packing and customs-compliant crating
- International freight (air or sea)
- Customs clearance
- Storage (temporary or long-term)
- Destination services (home search, school enrollment)
- Immigration and visa assistance
- Cultural orientation and language training
- Pet and vehicle relocation
- Insurance and valuation coverage
- Business relocation program management
Think of international relocation companies as project managers for your move, with expertise in compliance, logistics, and customer care.
Who Uses International Relocation Services?
International relocation services are essential for:
- Expats and individuals relocating for work, lifestyle, or retirement
- Families moving across borders, often with children and pets
- Corporations relocating employees or entire teams
- Diplomats, academics, and NGO professionals
- Students studying abroad
- Government and military personnel
Whether you’re moving alone or with a household of five, a relocation service makes the process smoother, safer, and less stressful.
What Do Full-Service Relocation Companies Like Asian Tigers Provide?
At Asian Tigers Group, our services are tailored to meet the full lifecycle of an international move. Here’s what that typically includes:
1. Pre-Move Consultation & Survey
We start with a virtual or in-person survey to assess:
- The volume of items to be moved
- Special handling needs (e.g., pianos, fine art, lithium battery items)
- Your preferred timeline and shipping mode (sea vs. air)
- Destination-specific customs challenges
From there, we provide a detailed proposal, transparent cost estimate, and personalized move plan.
2. Professional Packing & Export Wrapping
Our crews are trained in export-standard packing using:
- High-quality boxes and wrapping materials
- Custom crating for fragile or high-value items
- Barcode inventory for every item packed
Proper packing is crucial for customs clearance and insurance protection.
3. Freight, Customs & Documentation
We coordinate:
- Container booking or air freight
- Bill of lading, inventory lists, and customs forms
- Coordination with origin and destination customs officials
- Payment of duties, if applicable
We also help you avoid prohibited items, delays, or non-compliance issues.
4. Storage Solutions
If your new home isn’t ready or you need time to settle in, we offer:
- Short-term and long-term storage in secure, climate-controlled warehouses
- Storage-in-transit (SIT) during delays or renovations
- Barcode tracking and itemized retrieval on demand
5. Destination Services
Relocating isn’t just about shipping belongings—it’s about helping people land well.
Our destination services may include:
- Home search and tenancy negotiations
- Temporary accommodation bookings
- School placement and enrollment
- Utility setup and banking assistance
- City orientation and language support
- Cultural training for adults and children
These services help families adapt faster and more confidently to their new environment.
6. Specialty Relocation
We also coordinate:
- Pet relocation through trusted partners like Silk Relo
- Vehicle shipping, including import permits and inspections
- Antique and fine art handling, using museum-grade crating
- Electronics or lithium battery restrictions, which are common in Asia and Australia
Each of these services comes with its own set of rules, which we help you navigate with ease.
7. Valuation and Insurance
We offer:
- Full Replacement Value Protection (FRVP)
- Claims support in the rare event of damage or loss
- Guidance on listing and valuing high-value items
Asian Tigers proactively walks clients through the coverage forms so there are no surprises later.
Corporate & Employee Relocation Services
For HR teams and global mobility managers, international relocation companies offer scalable programs that ensure employees and their families receive professional, culturally sensitive support.
Services may include:
- Policy consultation and benchmarking
- Lump-sum management
- Expense tracking and reporting
- Immigration compliance
- Group move coordination
- VIP executive relocation
Our corporate clients trust Asian Tigers to handle everything from entry-level expatriate transfers to C-suite executive moves—all delivered with discretion and professionalism.
Why Use an International Relocation Service?
You could attempt an international move on your own. But here’s why using a professional service pays off:
Peace of Mind
No more guesswork, conflicting advice, or last-minute surprises.
Time-Saving
We manage all logistics, paperwork, and communication so you can focus on your job or family.
Compliance
Avoid delays, penalties, or confiscated goods with customs-compliant packing and documentation.
Protection
With professional packing and valuation coverage, your belongings are safer in transit.
Destination Support
Settle in faster with help on housing, schooling, and orientation.
How to Choose the Right Relocation Provider
Choosing the right partner is critical. Here’s what to look for:
Criteria | What to Ask |
Accreditation | Are you FIDI/FAIM certified? |
Experience | How long have you been relocating people internationally? |
Global Network | Do you have local offices or vetted partners? |
Range of Services | Do you offer packing, storage, customs, and destination help? |
Customization | Can you tailor services to my situation (family, pets, etc.)? |
Reviews and References | Can I see testimonials or speak to a recent client? |
Transparency | Is pricing clear and itemized? Are there hidden fees? |
Communication | Will I have a single point of contact throughout? |
Asian Tigers checks all of the above, with a proven track record in Asia-Pacific and beyond.
When to Book Your Relocation Service
Book your move 3–6 months in advance, especially if:
- You’re moving during peak season (May–August)
- You need visa support or school placement
- You’re shipping a full household with pets or vehicles
- You’re relocating to/from countries with complex customs rules (e.g., Japan, Australia)
The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have—and the fewer last-minute headaches you’ll face.
Final Thoughts: Move With Confidence
Relocating abroad is a big deal; but with the right partner, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. International relocation services exist to give you confidence, clarity, and comfort through every stage of your journey.
At Asian Tigers Group, we don’t just move boxes; we move lives. We help families start fresh, employees hit the ground running, and businesses expand across borders.
Contact us today to have your move planned out by the experts.
Let’s Get Moving. Together.
