Easy International Moving in Portland
At Suddath®, has been moving internationally for generations. International relocation is more than moving to a new home, it’s a life and culture change. Alongside that transition, the planning required to move abroad also requires consideration and planning for things like customs, pet quarantines, official documentation, and a far more complex time management for your shipments.
We move over 16,000 households abroad each year. No matter where you’re going or when you need to be settled, we have the team, experience, and connections to make it happen. We are true international movers, unlike many moving companies who simply offer international move services without the experience and overseas partners to back it up. With extensive global reach to nearly every country in the world, we get you where and when you need to go, using our network of vetted, well-established partners.
100 YEARS
international moving experience
16,000
international moves each year
FULLY VETTED
moving crew
4.9/5
on-site review rating for Portland
TRUST GOES A LONG WAY
The entire Suddath team was amazing – from Teresa & Josh to Chris Cartwright. Chris went above & beyond in every step of the move. He communicated extensively, made sure my things were packed well (even doing a majority of it himself) and cared for my things as if they were his own. I would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone & I will have trouble ever moving again without the Suddath team. They made the typically stressful moving process, seamless. I had a 3400 sq ft house that looked as I lived there Monday at noon – and Friday at noon, 400 miles later, I had a house that was 75% set up and unpacked in my new location. GREAT TEAM.
Jessica Spanel
Portland/Hillsboro, OR
Crew was very polite, timely and hard working. They are very thorough and fast!! Great crew to have working in our building. Very friendly, always smiling with positive energy. Job done great! Highly recommend!
Shannon Cates
Portland/Hillsboro, OR
Loyd Brandt, Gabe Beyer, Chad Goodman, Josue Ulloa, Jesse Priest was such an Incredible crew to have working in our building for our Office remodel/restack. I really appreciated their professionalism. extremely hard work and they always go out of their way to make sure we have everything in place before they leave. Our staff were proactive and had our totes packed and labeled to assist them with our move. I really enjoyed their energy! Even got to hear them sing Footloose one morning when coming to work early. They will be back to finish up after the construction company completes their part in our remodel. Looking forward to workig with the same crew!
Holly Halcumb
Portland/Hillsboro, OR
Josh and Theresa were great to work with. They were both very professional and responsive, even with the fact that my family was relocating during the holidays. Recommend!
Tabitha W
Portland/Hillsboro, OR
Josh was a great coordinator. Communication was always timely and efficient. Would absolutely recommend again!
Jean Gibb
Portland/Hillsboro, OR
Ryan and crew were efficient and respectful to this senior citizen widow who was feeling almost overwhelmed. Lady (name started with “A”) who contacted me the the night before, and was the first at my door the next morning was particularly helpful at making the move easier and smooth.
Carol Eickmeyer
Portland/Hillsboro, OR
This is my 2nd relocation with Suddath, and I will say each time is unique experience for both Suddath and myself. The team makes sure to work with me and my unique geographic constraints moving me to and from Hillsboro, Oregon. I especially appreciate the fact that they call me to ensure things are going well with my pack/load days as well as keeping me informed of the transit of my belongings.
Alec Mulgrave
Portland/Hillsboro, OR
I work with the Wilsonville branch and not the Hillsboro and Portland branch, where can we go to provide the Wilsonville feedback
Eric Askerman
Portland/Hillsboro, OR
Connor and Sammy did a great job on the move last week!
Ryan Throop
Portland/Hillsboro, OR
PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL MOVING SERVICES
Flexible Packing and Unpacking
Suddath understands that while some customers are comforted by the idea of packing their own belongings, others are stressed by it.
Our flexible packing and unpacking services are designed to fit your level of need. Suddath can handle all of the packing for you, and we can also provide a load-and-ship only service that allows you to take all the time you need packing each item on your own.
Your international moving coordinator will discuss all of the options available to you and help you choose the moving services that benefit you most.
Inventory Preparations
International moves require a different level of preparation. Your belongings will be crossing one or multiple customs borders and that means that your prep work is extremely important. Suddath will help you inventory the items you plan to take with you, and during this process we will help you identify which items will require special paperwork and any items that are prohibited in your country.
Suddath is certified through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) certification. That means that Suddath’s international shipments always adhere to the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) regulations.
Document Preparations
Once your inventory tasks are complete, you will have a list of items that need to be declared at customs. If the proper paperwork is not submitted, your shipment could be held up at customs, rejected, or assigned additional fees. Suddath will help you complete the proper paperwork for each item so that everything possible is done to prevent any issues at customs. While we cannot request the documents for you, we are more than happy to help you organize and complete them. Once you submit them, we’ll notify you as soon as we receive clearance.
Ocean and Air Freight
Suddath provides international moving services in three forms: air, sea, and land. Every overseas move is different, and yours may include one or a combination of two or more transportation types. Not to worry, this is all handled by your international move coordinator and they will keep you informed of exactly how your belongings will make their way to your new home.
SPECIALIZED SERVICES
Custom Crating
Very large, extremely delicate, or uniquely-shaped items may require a custom-built crate for a long journey. Suddath can construct solid crates to ensure they will outlast their international journey.
Piano Moving
Pianos require special knowledge on the part of your packing and shipping team to make the journey. Suddath moves thousands of pianos every year and we can make sure your piano reaches your new country safely.
Pet Relocation
International relocation can be stressful for your pet. Your moving coordinator can help you prepare for quarantine durations, immunizations, and current veterinary records documentation to make the transition as easy as possible.
Motorcycle Moving
Make sure you are road-ready when you arrive in your new country by taking your bike with you. Your international move coordinator will review all of the details of moving a motorcycle internationally.
INTERNATIONAL MOVING RESOURCES
Portland International Movers FAQ
Try to book a moving company at least 10 to 12 weeks before your international move date. Remember, overseas moving companies are in especially high demand during the summer months.
Purchasing a comprehensive international moving insurance policy to protect your goods during transit is highly recommended. Extreme care is taken when packing, loading and moving your items to your new location, however accidents do happen.
A good policy should cover your door-to-door for full replacement value at destination. This value is based on your assessment of what your items would cost to replace. Inquire with your Suddath move coordinator, as we can help facilitate international moving insurance.
A high value inventory form is an insurance company form where an individual item, pair or set in excess of $3,000 (or whatever the individual insurance policy dictates) is specifically identified for coverage during the international move.
Yes, we can move your pet. Suddath coordinates with various specialist pet relocation companies that provide a quality relocation service for your furry family members. Allow extra time for vaccinations, health certificates, chips, etc. as every country is different and some may require quarantine. Suddath can provide all this information, just allow extra time. With pets, sometimes six months or more of planning is required in advance of packing for an international move.
Yes, we can arrange auto transport services and vehicle transport services. It’s as simple as providing your Suddath move coordinator with the year, make and model of the vehicle. From there, we can check to ensure your car is authorized and allowed to be shipped to your country of destination, secure a vehicle transport quote and advise you of your costs and regulations. One thing to remember—don’t leave personal items in your vehicle. It needs to be empty of everything other than the standard items it came with from the dealership when first purchased.
Your goods can be moved on any date you choose. Weekdays are best, as there can be additional costs associated with weekend or holiday moves. Try to plan accordingly and work closely with your move coordinator for more ideas on how to avoid additional costs, and please note that some countries require two weeks or more to secure an international shipping container.
The delivery date at destination will depend on the size of your shipment, sailing schedules of the steamship lines between ports and finally, customs clearance procedures and the destination agent’s availability. Once a pack date is determined at origin, estimated transit time will be calculated and advised.
Suddath takes many precautions and train our teams with certified international packing standards to ensure your belongings arrive on time and without damage. However, our claims team is here to start the settlement process in the unlikely event that something gets damaged during your international move. Your agreed upon insurance coverage will determine the settlement for any potential claims The claims filing process can be easily completed online.
Move cost is determined based on weight/volume. There are many factors that go into determining the cost of your move abroad, but the weight of your items is the biggest.
Other factors that might influence cost are:
• Specialized moving services that may be required
• If any of your items need custom crating
• Shipment destination
• Specialized access needs
Your move coordinator can discuss these costs with you and determine if there are any factors that would put additional cost onto your move.
There are some general items that cannot be shipped, international or otherwise. For example, plants, paint cans or ammunition, to name a few. Make sure you understand what cannot be shipped ahead of time and speak with your Suddath move coordinator for any items that may be specific to the country or region you are relocating to. For example, places like Australia, Singapore and China have stricter rules than others, and ignoring these rules can create delays at customs or even hefty fines.
It depends on where you are moving. In most countries, if you have owned items for more than six months, or sometimes a year, you do not. However, some countries have different rules for expats vs returning nationals. Your Suddath move coordinator will provide specific, up-to-date customs regulations for your country of destination.
As this is considered an international service, you do not pay local state taxes on your expatriate move if it is out of the United States. Your Suddath move coordinator will provide additional information on the overseas moving process and rules at your country of destination, to help you understand if you will be subject to any taxes or fees in your country of origin or destination.
Yes. Suddath has a network of trusted, accredited partners with approved household goods storage facilities around the world. Your household goods can be held for just a few days or as long as you need.
As a true, specialized international moving company, Suddath provides password protected access to our online tracking system to view the status of you move.
Tracking your overseas move online is something to help you feel at ease with the status of your move at any one time but is of course only part of a personalized experience. Your Suddath move coordinator will keep you fully up-to-date with key milestones and you will be proactively prompted to complete all tasks required for a seamless experience.