Describe your circumstances before collecting forms
Tell the move coordinator your origin, destination, reason for relocation and expected travel dates. Explain whether the goods are accompanied or shipped separately, whether you already have a destination address and who will receive them. These details help identify the right questions for the customs representative.
Do not use a checklist found for another country as final authority. Requirements may depend on residence, ownership, timing and the goods. Ask for a written list for your actual circumstances and identify which entries are provisional.
Organise the records by purpose
Identity and travel records establish who is moving. Residence or status records may support a destination process. An inventory describes the goods. Shipping documents identify the transport arrangement. Each has a separate purpose, so ask why a requested record is needed and who is responsible for checking it.
| Record group | Preparation question |
|---|---|
| Identity and travel | Which copies are required for this move? |
| Residence or status | What evidence supports the applicable destination process? |
| Inventory | Are contents, package numbers and descriptions accurate? |
| Declarations | Who completes, reviews and submits each form? |
| Transport | Which references connect collection and international movement? |
| Authorisation | Who may act or receive goods on your behalf? |
Use country examples only for their own route
US Customs and Border Protection’s household effects guidance discusses Form 3299 for unaccompanied articles and an inventory that identifies the contents. GOV.UK separately provides a personal belongings and relief process. These examples show why one generic international form list is insufficient.
Ask the destination authority or qualified representative for the current requirements that apply to you. Confirm whether approvals must be obtained before import and how your arrival dates interact with the goods. Do not assume a transport booking completes those applications.
Make inventory descriptions useful
Number packages and connect each to the contents list. Use accurate descriptions rather than writing miscellaneous household goods for every carton. Identify items that need review, such as food, plant or animal materials, batteries, new purchases or special equipment.
Keep purchase or ownership evidence where requested and use the valuation basis specified for the relevant declaration. Insurance value and customs value may serve different purposes; do not assume they are interchangeable. Read the inventory guide and resolve uncertain descriptions before the shipment leaves.
Protect originals and personal information
Share the required copies through verified channels and confirm how any originals will be acknowledged and returned. Keep passports and essential travel documents available to you. Do not place the only copy of a needed declaration in a carton that cannot be accessed during the journey.
Never sign a blank form or authorise inaccurate contents to make a checklist appear complete. Verify an unexpected document request through an established contact. Do not provide account passwords, banking PINs or OTPs as an informal substitute for a properly scoped authorisation.
Complete a pre-dispatch document review
- Names and shipment details are consistent.
- Origin, destination and receiving contacts are current.
- Inventory and final package numbers match.
- Restricted items and uncertain entries are resolved.
- Responsible parties have checked declarations and approvals.
- You and the recipient can access relevant copies.
Record who is waiting for each missing item and when it must be supplied. If circumstances change, request a review rather than relying on an outdated form. Read customs clearance questions before assuming the goods can be released immediately on arrival.
Use Get a Quote to share your route and inventory, or contact the team with a specific question. Explore International Shifting for the service review.
Common questions
Is a passport copy the only document needed?
No universal list applies. Obtain a checklist for the destination, goods and your circumstances.
Does the mover automatically apply for relief?
Confirm who performs each step and what evidence or authorisation is required.
Should I sign an incomplete declaration?
Do not sign a blank or inaccurate form. Resolve missing information with the responsible representative.
Can I use the same checklist for every country?
No. Use current destination-specific guidance and the checklist reviewed for your move.
Plan your next chapter across borders.
Share the origin, destination country and city, goods inventory and preferred timing. Let us review your international moving requirement.